Most of us love the idea of camp in the mountains and waking up to the jaw-dropping sight of a beautiful dawn. The fresh air, the majestic mountain ranges, and the thrill of capturing the steeps are simply fabulous. While novice campers have a lot to learn before setting foot to relish this adventure, even experienced campers require some additional knowledge to enjoy camping in the mountains.
So here we present seven essential tips and tricks to keep in mind while planning your camping trip in the mountains that will create a memorable experience.
Choose the Site Smartly
One of the essential steps for camping is choosing the site. Plopping down a tent could be a challenge in high elevation conditions. Also, weather and soil conditions are slightly more critical to assess here as things can go wrong fast if not taken into account.
Start by choosing the comparatively gentler slopes of the mountain. Typically, the leeward side of the hill is recommended as there are considerably lower wind speeds, and pitching your tent could be more straightforward. But before finalizing the place, make sure to assess the features around to ensure you are not in the path of an avalanche. It is especially critical if the mountains are heavily covered in snow. Further, avoid setting up camps under trees as the weight of the snow combined with the winds could cause them to snap.
Gear Up
The right gears for the adventure will make it more enjoyable and safer. So, make sure you gather all the required supplies, starting from simple headlights and compass to more sophisticated gear meant for supporting your journey.
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Reinforce Your Camping Shelter
Even the slightest act of laziness while setting up camp on mountain peaks could cost you heavily. Therefore, double down the efforts while setting up the shelter. Carry extra poles, ropes, and other supplies for the adventure. Remember, a flimsy tent would keep flapping all night and may also snap or tear away quickly.
The guy lines of the tent should be properly used along with the dedicated stake. While the specific number of connections is around 6-8, you should carry extra stakes and lines to secure the tent well to the ground. Add more attachment points and double-check to ensure the lines are tight and the stake goes into the ground at a 60-degree angle to ensure your tent holds firm against the winds.
Prepare for Unpredictable Weather Changes
Your weather reports may come in handy for camping on flat terrains. But when you are reaching for the peaks, things are pretty unpredictable. Temperatures naturally go down as you climb towards the cliff, with the levels falling by almost 3.5 degrees for every 1000 feet. Additionally, warm air that blows from the valley below also condenses as it reaches heights forming into clouds, snow, or rain. It could cause the insides of your tent to get moist and wet.
So, choose your clothes and tents wisely. Unless you plan to spend all night shivering in the intense cold, carry enough clothing and blankets to layer up. Additionally, bring a rain jacket to avoid waking up dripping wet. Choose waterproof tent materials to navigate the changing weather.
Reconsider Cooking
Cooking at the campsite is indeed a true adventure on its own. But high altitudes could pose a serious challenge to these cooking dreams. The low temperature and pressure might not support your stove very well. The winds might further increase the risk of spreading the flames to unwanted parts of the camp, such as your tent and setting it on fire.
So, rely on packed foods that are easy to consume. Precooked meals may also do good to stay energetic throughout the adventure. Make sure to carry bananas and water on the journey, as this powerhouse of fruit can keep you fed and fabulous for a long time.
Pack Your Privy
Hauling back waste from great heights can seem almost impossible, but it is necessary. Many trekking routes today offer hikers sanitation kits to bring back the waste with them at the end. While lower altitudes can support general camping tricks like burying the trash, these kits are the best way to go for higher altitudes as the frozen grounds in these areas are not very shovel friendly. You can also explore new, biodegradable options that are easy solutions available in the market.
Be Ready to Bail
Sometimes conditions may worsen such that you have no choice but to bail and hike down as soon as possible. For example, if there are heavy lightning strikes and thunder, or you might feel the possibility of an avalanche, the best choice is to make a run for it. Please do not underestimate the intensity of the conditions, as it may not continue to be fun for long.
Conclusion
Climbing the mountains for a lovely camping night can be thrilling. But preparing well for this adventure can be the best way to ensure you thoroughly enjoy the journey with minimal setbacks.
