MODULE 3: Mountaineering Activities

FYI!
Activating Knowledge:

Did You Know?

Romeo Roberto “Romi” Garduce was the first Filipino to climb the Seven
Summits of the world. He has conquered Mt. Aconcagua of Argetina, South America in
January 2005; Mt. Everest of Nepal, Asia in May 2006; Mt Elbrus of Russia, Europe in
August 207; Mt. Mckinley or Denali Peak of Alaska, United States in North America in
June 2008; Australia’s Mt. Kosciuszko in December 2008; Indonesia’s Mt. Carstensz
Pyramid (Australasia region) in July 2011; and Vinson Massif of Antarctica in 2012.

HIKING AND TREKKING

Britannica defines mountaineering or mountain climbing as a sport in attaining or
attempting to attain high points in mountainous regions, mainly for the pleasure of the
climb in the European context, mountaineering is often referred to as alpinism which
means climbing with difficulty such as climbing the alps. It is a more challenging form of
hiking where one has to use technical equipment to reach higher altitudes. Enthusiasts
see this as a sport, a profession, or a recreation as it challenges one determination,
capacity, and skills. There are three basic forms of climbing, depending on the track
condition: rock climbing, where it involves slopes and avalanches; snow and ice climbing:
and the mixed climbing, which is a combination of rocky and ice routes.

HIKING AND TREKKING

The Seven Summits are more than just conquering Mt. Everest, the highest point in
the world. It is climbing and reaching the highest peaks of each continent in the world. Mr.
Romeo "Romi" Garduce is the first Filipino who was able to accomplish that. He scaled
the nature's Goliaths, surviving the most extreme and challenging weather and
environment conditions.

Mountains are usually described by its height or its peak. To a mountaineer, it goes
beyond the height of the mountain as climbs are also rated or graded that describe the
challenges and difficulties in ascending a mountain. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)
describes mountain terrains according to the techniques and physical difficulties
encountered during the climb. The National Climbing Classification System (Cox &
Fulsass, 2003) describes the overall nature of a climb in terms of time and technical
difficulty by taking the following into account: length of climb, number of hard pitches,
difficulty of hardest pitch, average difficulty, commitment, route finding problems, and
overall ascent time. It is often called the commitment grade."
 In the Philippines, Pinoy Mountaineer website (Lasca 2007) gives a very good guide
in describing and classifying not only the mountains but also the outdoor hiking
destinations in our country. Their descriptions include the difficulty scale of the mountains,
length of hike, extreme environment, the number of hours relative to reach the destination,
and the kind of trail the hiker will experience or the trail class. Difficulty scales are rated
from 1-9, with 9 being the most difficult to trek such as Mt. Halcon.

In mountaineering, we often hear the word hiking and trekking. We associate these
terms with walking and backpacks. Most often, the terms are used interchangeably. In
stricter sense, the difference in the two lies in the intensity of the activity. Hiking is done
on man-made road or well-made trails and basically shorter in distance, which sometimes
only takes a day or two to cover. Trekking, on the other hand, becomes more rigorous
such that it is done over a variety of terrain and takes a longer time to hike and thus,
entails more days and nights in the outdoors. In other countries, backpacking, trampling,
or bushwalking are terms used for treks. Locally, the term “organized climb" is a term that
may also mean trekking.

How did mountaineering begin as an activity?

In the 18th century, natural philosophers begin trips to the Alps of Europe for their
scientific observations. The area around Chamonix, France was a frequented place by
those who would want to observe the great glaciers on Mont Blanc, the highest peak in
the Alps. It was during these visits when a young Genevese scientist, Horace-Bénédict
de Saussre, saw Mont Blanc. He was challenged by its height and that brought his
determination that one day he will reach the peak of that mountain. He even offered prize
money for whoever will be able to reach its summit. It was only 25 years later, in 1786
that the prize money was claimed by a Chamonix doctor, Michel Gabriel Paccard and his
porter, Jaques Balmat. A year later, de Saussre himself was able to conquer the summit
of Mont Blanc. This led to the start of mountaineering as a contemporary sport or activity.
After 1850, groups of British Swiss, and Italian climbers scaled the high peaks of
Switzerland. Soon after, climbers began to search for newer and more challenging
mountains to climb. Mountaineering was then being distinguished as a sport as more and
more climbers were conquering peaks throughout Europe.

In the Philippines, the first two attempts to reach the highest peak. Mt. Apo, was
recorded in 1852 by Jose Oyanguren and in 1870 by Señor Real. However both failed to
reach the peak (Henares, 2007). It was in October 10, 1880 that a successful expedition
led by Don Joaquin Rajal was recorded. It was said that prior to his expedition, he had to
get the permission of the Datu Manig, the Bagobo chieftain, However, the datu did not
give his consent immediately. Instead, he demanded that a human sacrifice be made first
to offer to the god Mandarangan. Later on, the datu waived his demand and allowed Don
Joaquin. Since then, numerous expeditions followed.

How do I prepare for a hike or trek?

 The demands for preparations of a hike or a trek depend on the intensity of your
climb. Preparing for a hike on an easy trail, which only entails a day or less, will have
different preparation from that of long treks or organized climbs.

Physical Conditioning

Just like the previous outdoor activities that we have discussed, it is important that
one should be in good health and is reasonably fit. However, it does not mean that a
person cannot join hiking trips just because one feels he/she is not as agile or athletic as
the others. As mentioned, there are outdoor destinations that are classified as easy trails.
Who knows this might be the beginning of becoming physically active, as hiking with
nature will give a person a different kind of experience.

Preparation for a long trek may be more intensive as it will need to prepare the body
for the physical demands of the activity. Weeks before the trek, you should start the pre-
conditioning of your body by exercising at least three times a week for at least 30-60
minutes. Exercises should include aerobic activities that will strengthen the lungs and
heart, and muscle strengthening and endurance training which will specifically help the
legs for the long walk and the back for carrying your backpack.

It is also very important to seek clearance first from your doctor in case you have
some medical conditions to consider.

Trip Planning

Planning is basic to any activity. Most activities end up unsuccessful and even
disastrous due to poor planning or, worst, no planning at all.

If it will be an organized climb, then most definitely, planning will be done with the
group. As a participant in the group, your task is always to get to know the facts about the
mountain, learn the itineraries and other rules and procedures.

If the trip will entail just a day and you are planning it among yourselves, then it is best
to research and explore possible locations that will match your skill level and your
limitations with time and budget. It is also advisable to go in a small group, as
management of safety is more difficult for big groups and having a big group creates more
impact on the mountain. Checking the weather condition, terrains, trails, and
requirements, if any, should be taken into consideration when planning. Talking to people
who have experienced the activity would also be helpful, as they can share useful
knowledge and advice. Plan your itinerary and make sure to leave it to someone, so
he/she can check on you on your expected return.

What are the hiking essentials?

The following items are the basic must-have equipment in hiking or trekking. Choosing
the design is also important as this will greatly affect one's comfort in hiking and trekking.
Backpack

Backpack is very important during a hike, since

everything that one will be needing is carried in
this pack. For a day's hike, a small pack is just fine
as there are just a few things needed for it.
Trekking on one hand is a different story, as this
is like carrying your home on your back." Food,
clothing, shelter, cooking gears, and other
essentials will all be placed in one pack.

Backpacks have frames designed to give the

wearer more support protection, and better weight
distribution. The framed packs have evolved over
time with more innovative designs and Internal
Frame External Free materials. Backpacks may
have an internal or external frame. The frame may
come rigid or flexible. To distinguish them, the
rigid frames are stronger but plac

Because backpacks are very essential in hiking, they should be chosen with care.
Backpack, like clothes should have proper fit. How do you determine if it is the right fit?
The right fit is one that offers a size appropriate to the torso length, not the overall height,
and must comfortably snug grip on the hips. Other packs may have an adjustable
suspension, which can be modified to fit one's torso. However, the adjustable harness
adds a little weight to the pack.es a greater load on the packer when a change of direction
is made during the hike, which is what flexible frames do Internal-frame backpacks are
body-hugging designed to keep hiker stable on uneven, off-trail terrain. However, the
external-frame pack may still be a better choice in carrying a heavy, irregular
load. External frame packs also offer good ventilation

Most of the weight of the backpack should be supported by the hips that is why the
waist belts are one of the important features that one must pay attention to. The waist belt
keeps the frame close to the body just above the pelvis, so as to take the load off the
shoulder. There are also women specified backpacks that conform to the female frame.
Be careful not to overload pack. Experienced trekkers may be able to carry more weight
but beginners should start with less weight. A loaded backpack should not exceed 25%-
30% of the ideal body weight. Organizing things makes a difference in the load while
hiking.

Footwear

Trekking requires long walks and the shoes are the most important equipment at this
point. With the wrong footwear, trekking experience will surely be a disaster, going home
with blisters and bruises A good fit is the number one requirement in choosing a footwear.
The market is flooded with so many choices when it comes to footwear. However, the
basis of decision will rely on where one will be using them. For the next discussion, our
choice categories will be limited to hiking shoes, hiking boots, or backpacking boots.

A. Hiking Shoes

These shoes are lighter compared to boots

and more flexible but offer less support. They
are best for well-defined trails and shorter
hikes where one carries relatively lighter load.
For seasoned hikers, carrying some weight
goes farther even on rugged trails when
wearing these shoes. They have already built
considerable strength in their feet which means
they will not rely heavily on the shoes for added
support.

Aside from their intended use, another important factor to consider in choosing the
footwear is the weather condition. If they will be used primarily during the summer or
during dry. warm weather, a lightweight shoe with a lot of mesh in the upper part will be
the most appropriate, as it will allow the foot to breathe. However, if one anticipates a
damp and cold weather, then one must consider a waterproof hiking shoe. These will be
a little heavier and will have less breathability but they will keep your feet warm and dry.

B. Hiking Boots

Hiking boots give more support and have

more protective features than the hiking shoes
because they have higher cut with slightly stiffer
materials. The trade-off though is the weight
these are heavier than hiking shoes. If heading
for a longer and rougher terrain and will entail
carrying a moderately heavy load, then hiking
boots are more preferred. This will also suit a
beginner or occasional hiker who needs more
support for less-developed muscles, or one who
is prone to rolled ankles or tweaked
knees. There is also a hiking boots with underfoot protection which will help prevent feet
from bruising. The higher proportion boots in this category are also waterproof; thus, they
are a good option on multi day trips with varying weather conditions.

С. Backpacking Boots
 For longer treks carrying heavy loads, then the
backpacking boots are more advisable. The bse shoes are
tough and can cope with all kinds of terrain and weather
conditions. They are taller and stiffer and have thicker
outsoles with an all-around protection. The downside of
these shoes is that they are heavier compared to most hiking
shoes and many hiking boots

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles have a maximum length 135 cm (54

inches). They are often made into two or three sections
and can be retracted or extended as necessary. When
fully retracted, it may be attached to the backpack.

The poles are essential aide for those with knee

problems. However, they are also used by some to
provide lateral stability on steep slopes and aid when
climbing rocks or boulders. They also become a tool in
checking the depth of mud or water. Some trekking
poles may also have a dual function as a tent pole.

The use of trekking pole is debatable among

trekkers. Some see it as an essential aid to trekking. Others say the pole prevents the
hands from doing other important things that the hands should be doing while trekking
such as opening the map, reading a compass, grabbing on to a rock, taking a photo, and
other things.

What are the basic skills in hiking?

Walking for kilometers or miles will really tire a person easily and may be makes
one's muscles ache or, worst, get injured if one does not do it the right way. Hiking has
techniques and skills which need to be learned and practiced. If someone would get
serious in joining organized climbs or long treks, one should join mountaineering clubs
that will mentor and guide him/her through the climbs.

For a background in hiking, the following are the basic skills in climbing mountains:

A. Setting Hiking Pace

The hiker sets the pace to make the body feel good. The heart, lungs, and legs
become the monitor whether one is within his/her pace or not. Remember this is not a
race, so do not start out fast, but try establishing what may be a good pace for the body.
See tips in finding your pace.

B. Establishing Your Rhythm

Rhythm is the pace one can maintain for a long time without requiring a break. Practice
breathing and have it synchronized with your steps. Swing arms to keep the upper and
lower body synced up and in step with good momentum.

In going uphill, use smaller steps but with the same pace. Keep rhythm. In going
downhill, take a longer step.

What are the other essential things that I need to bring?

• First aid kit

• Water - experienced mountaineers' advice: 1 liter can last for 2 hours with
moderate trails and moderate sunlight, best to have 2-3 liters. Best to use hydration
packs which can be kept inside your pack and from which you can just sip through
a valve
• Trail food - energy food that are light to carry and easy to eat on the trail such as
dried fruits, mixed nuts, raisins, and oatmeal bars
• Topographic map and compass (On clearly marked trails in city and state parks
these will not be necessary, but they can be lifesavers in the back country)
• Extra layers and rain gear
• Firestarter and matches
• Multi-tool or knife
• Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insect repellant
• Camera/binoculars
• Cellphone/two-way radios
• GPS/altimeter watches
• Extra batteries for mobile devices/memory card

Note: sleeping essentials will be discussed in the next chapter about camping

What are the health-related benefits of hiking or trekking?

Walking up and down trails, mountains, and hills will definitely make the heart pump
harder to keep up with the oxygen demand and thus increase the blood flow to the
muscles and brain. This contributes to the strengthening of the cardio muscles and further
builds a more robust heart.

The fresh and clean air of the mountains allows the respiratory system to breathe in
unpolluted air. To a certain extent this cleanses the lungs and makes it stronger.
 Trekking and hiking build strong bones as they require optimum effort from the body.
One stretches, jumps, climbs, and dodges at intervals. It is similar to the work-outs given
at the gym. In addition to the movements, a certain weight is also added because of the
backpack being carried. These movements with intervals make the bones stronger. If the
backpack is carried properly, this can be equivalent to a weight training program which
can help add on bone density. Aside from improving the bones, muscle strength will also
be improved.

Lastly, if the hike and trek are done on a regular basis, this can be a good activity for
losing weight, as it will burn off calories and unwanted fats.

What are some safety reminders in hiking and trekking?

• Hike with a group and never alone. Hike within your skills. Hike within the trails and
be aware of surroundings.
• Instructions from guides, facilitators, or leader should be given utmost attention.
Rules and regulations should be followed strictly.
• Keep in mind and heart the Leave No Trace Seven Principles; go back and review
it.
• Ensure safety of self and others. Learn to apply first aid. Learn where to go and
what to do during emergency situation.
CAMPING
CAMPING

When you hear the word "camping the first thing that might come to your mind will
be sleeping in tents and campfires. Perhaps, most would probably recall memories of
being a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout, which is camping on school grounds, local parks, or
even on a nearby mountain or beach.

There are two types of

camping, front-country
and backcountry. Front-country
camping, sometimes also called
"car camping" is camping on
planned campgrounds where it
is close to a vehicle, with certain
amenities (such as bathrooms and stores) and emergency aid. This is just like camping
on school grounds and on the local parks. Typically, picnic tables are provided, location
of tents is specified, and fire rings are designated. This may also include travel-trailer
camping.

On the other hand, backcountry camping,

is the opposite, where no amenities are readily
available and motorized vehicles cannot reach
the camping site. It will require some physical
exertion such as hiking or canoeing to travel to
the location or to move from place to place

How did camping begin?

Camping has been around for a long time. Native Americans used tents as shelters
as did armies who were on the move. But it was only around 100 years ago that camping
was thought of as a recreational activity. Thomas Hiram Holding is considered as the
father of modern camping (Ryalls, A & Petrin, R.L 2016). He was a British traveling tailor
whose passion for camping was developed as a child. Together with his parents, they
used to cross United States in a wagon train heading for Oregon Territory. So at a very
young age, he learned the ways of camping,

In the 1880s, he took a canoe and camping trip in Scotland. He wrote the first
Camper's Handbook in 1908. For the very first time, it was in his book that the basics of
camping were described which he learned from his experiences. Years later, with four of
his friends, he took the first bicycle camping trip to Ireland using portable camping
equipment which he designed. He then wrote a book about his bicycle camping
experiences which opened interests to fellow enthusiasts. This led to him founding the
Association of Cycle Campers in 1901.

How do we prepare for a camping trip?

In 1894, one of the first campsites was held on the Isle of Mann. It opened in the
summer and had continuously attracted people that by the end of 1800s, it was having
600 people per week. In 1932 the first international camping was organized and the
Federation Internationale de Camping et de Caravanning (FICC) was founded. The
popularity of camping as a recreation since then had grown to what it is today

Preparing for a camping trip in the backwoods may differ from preparing for
camping on established camping grounds in eco-parks or camping resorts. For one,
camping in the mountains will definitely not have the amenities that camping resorts have.
However, there are basic preparations that are common to both.

The first thing to know is identifying the participants in the activity. Names, contact
information, and health information are needed. For emergency purposes, one should
keep information of the participants.

The date, location, and itinerary are the next items to plan. Location will be a major
consideration in the preparation as this becomes the basis for other plans. In the
Philippines, there are several front-country camping sites that are located in eco-parks,
camping resorts, and few islands open to the public. Most of these venues have
designated camping grounds, cooking facilities, and toilets. Water sources are also
present in most of these places. Traveling to the sites can be either by public
transportation or using private vehicles. There are other sites though that are located on
some islands, thus, the need to hire a boat to bring the campers to the island. At the
outset of preparations, one should get in touch first with the administrators of the park or
the camping resort to find out conditions of accommodation especially during peak
season, to confirm if there is a need for reservations. Most of these sites also offer other
activities such as fishing and water activities. Inquiring about these ahead of time would
facilitate planning the itinerary.

Camping in the backcountry is usually part of an organized climb or trek. Thus, it

is normally done with a mountaineering club or with a trekking tour group. In these groups,
orientation and skills training are part of the pre-departure requirements of the
participants. The itinerary is planned as a group.

What are essential things to bring in camping?

Clothes

Clothes are the first line of defense so that the body can maintain an appropriate
core temperature. When it is hot, the body must be able to rid itself of excess heat;
otherwise, the core temperature will start to rise and heat exhaustion or heat stroke may
happen. When it is cold, one must conserve the body heat to avoid dropping of the body's
core temperature, thus avoiding hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition where the body
temperature is below 35 "C while hyperthermia is when the body temperature is above
37.5 °C. It is important to be prepared for any sudden change in weather, especially when
camping in the high mountains. The most effective way to regulate the body temperature
is through layering of clothes. This way, when temperature rises or drops, one can either
take off or add layers of individual garments. The layering of clothes is as follows:

Layer 1: Base Layer or Skin Layer

This is the clothing next to the skin. Thus, if one is dressing to stay cool, the fabric
should be thin and does not block wind. In general, cotton is best for warm and hot
conditions. If you are trying to stay warm, the fabric should allow your perspiration to pass
through it but at the same time prevent the wind from cooling your body down. The
recommended fabrics are synthetics, wool, or silk. Cotton is not a recommended material
in this weather. Remember, even if it is cold, our bodies still sweat when we hike. Cotton
absorbs the sweat but retains the sweat as well, leaving the material wet and might leave
you chilled. Thermal undergarment may be used for cold temperature and wool
undergarments for even colder conditions.

Layer 2: Insulating Layer

The insulating layer, worn over the base layer, helps you retain heat by trapping
air close to your body. Multiple layers are able to trap air as long as there is an outer layer
that blocks out the wind. Without the second layer, the air that the body has warmed up
will be replaced by fresh cold air. Natural fibers like wool and fleece are excellent
insulators. In extreme cold and wet situations, an insulated jacket is usually worn.

Layer 3: Wind and/or Rain-Barrier Layer

The outer layer, sometimes called shell, is your protection from wind, rain, or snow.
It is the most important layer during bad weather. If the wind and water penetrate the inner
layers, you will begin to feel cold. In the same way, if there is poor ventilation, perspiration
cannot evaporate and instead condenses on the inside of the shell. Fit is also a
consideration because it should be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers and should
not restrict your movement.

The most functional are those that are waterproof and breathable shells which use
laminated membranes (having layers of materials such as Gore-Tex. There are also
 water-resistant and breathable shells usually made of tightly woven fabric like nylon which
blocks wind and light rain. For rainy days but with light activity (such as fishing),
waterproof but non-breathable shells may be used. These are made out of polyurethane-
coated nylon, which makes it waterproof and wind-proof. Soft shells emphasize
breathability of the fabric which adds comfort during aerobic activities. Insulated shells
such as fleece have a built-in layer of insulation, making it comfortable in cold and wet
conditions but not very versatile for layering in fluctuating temperatures.

Sleeping Bag and Pad

Sleeping bag provides warmth and comfort for a good rest at night. The warmth of
the sleeping bag is determined by:

A. Kind of insulating material

· Down (soft feather from goose or duck) is warmer but is not waterproof.

· Polyester/synthetic is virtually waterproof but not so warm. It is heavier and bulkier.

B. Loft refers to thickness of bag)

· Thicker loft will provide more warmth.

C. The shape of the bag

· Mummy-shaped bags are better when trekking because they are lighter and warmer.

· Barrel-shaped bags are roomier at the midsection providing more comfort but they are
heavier

· Rectangular shaped bags are the roomiest, thus great for warmer weather, however,
they can be bulkier and heavier.

Aside from the sleeping bag, the camping pad is also essential as it serves as a
cushion from the ground and most importantly, as an insulator against the coldness of the
ground.

Tents

The tent gives protection from the rain, wind, and bugs. It also adds warmth,
comfort, and a sense of security. Tents come in many shapes, styles, and sizes. Tents
should be light and compact so it will be easier to carry. It is a must for a tent to have a
waterproof floor, must protect you from mosquito, and must be made from breathable
material such as ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta. Tarps are also used as shelters in place
of the tent. They are lighter because no poles are carried. It can be set up in a variety of
ways. However, using appropriate knots is important in setting up tarp shelters.

Cooking and Eating Utensils

A small lightweight backpack stove is more efficient than open fire because
temperature can be controlled. It also lessens the threat of starting fires and most
importantly it has less impact on the environment as it will not leave fire residue. Today,
more and more designs are available in the market to choose from. The most important
preparation to do is try it out first at home to know whether it works or how it works.

Cooking pot can double as an eating utensil, if one wants to conserve on space.
Bring fork, and knife although these can also be combined in a camping swiss knife.

Where do we get our water?

Water is a day-to-day need. People use for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and
bathing. In the front-country camping, water is usually either brought by the camper or
may be provided through plumbing or pump. However, in the backcountry camping, it is
important that the campsite has a nearby water source from rivers, streams, lakes or
springs, otherwise you will need to bring your water. However, it is advised that water
from these sources should be purified first as a precautionary measure. There are varied
ways of purifying water and it all depends on the preferences of the camper.

Water Treatment Options

Method/Treatment Advantages Disadvantages

Filtering Good job in filtering Longer time

Filters are used up quickly

Iodine Tablets Easy to carry Discolor containers

Treatment takes only 30 Taste unpleasant to some.

min.
Do not kill giardia lamblia
(internal parasites)
Bleach Solution Easy to carry May taste unpleasant to
some/
 Treatments takes only 30
min
Aquamira Easy to carry Has to mix two solutions
together and water for 5
Treatments takes only 30 ins. Before treating water
min

Slightly changes taste

Boiling Kills all harmful organisms Takes time form boiling to
cooling down.

Depending on altitude,
must boil for 5-15 mins.

What camping skills does one need to have?

Washing Dishes

Use soaps that will not harm the environment. All scrap food must be placed in
animal proof trashcans, mostly provided in front-country camping otherwise, keep scrap
food and leftovers in a container and put it inside your car.

To clean dishes in the backcountry:

1. All food on plate must be eaten, Scrape the remaining food in a plastic bag and carry
it back.

2. Move 200 feet away from cook site, campsite, and water source. Dig a hole of about 8
inches deep as a wash site.

3. Use biodegradable soap for greasy plates only and when rinsing. Strain washcloth to
make sure no food particle drops to the soil.

4. Air dry dishes.

Campfires

Campfires should be built only in fire rings. Established camping grounds usually
have one. However, check if building fires are allowed; some site do not allow it. Always
evaluate the site before starting a fire. If the site is bushy or has low hanging branches,
keep fire small or skip it altogether, In dry conditions, even embers flown by the wind can
ignite a forest or wildfire.
 In the backcountry, if a fire ring has been left behind, then use it. If no fire ring is
present then you can build a mound fire. The mound fire is built to insulate the ground
from heat of fire as heat affects soil property (Leave No Trace Principle S). The first step
is to lay a piece of cloth on the ground then put a 3-5 inches thick soil over it, circular and
flat-topped. Circumference should be wider than the intended size of the fire to allow the
spreading of coal. Then, one can start building fire on it. The purpose of the cloth is
actually to make cleaning easier after. Make sure all woods are used up and burned to
white ash. Small coals should be ground between hands then soaked in water. Scatter
the remains over a large area away from the camp. Replace soil where you found it when
cleaning up the mound.

Sanitation of Campsite

It should already be instilled in everyone the basic principles to live by when going
to the outdoors. One of which is not to leave anything behind. So, whether it is in a
camping resort or up in the mountain, the same rule applies.

Camping in the backcountry provides no toilet facility. As a camping rule, a cat hole
must be dug to serve as toilet. With the trowel, a hole of 6-8 inches deep and 6 inches
wide must be dug, 200 feet away from water source, trail, or campsite. When one is
finished using it, cover it with 2-4 inches of topsoil before covering the area with some
leaves.

What are the health related benefits of camping?

Camping entails a lot of physical activity that makes you move such as pitching
tents, carrying backpacks, hiking, and a lot more which can be an exercise by itself and,
thus contribute to physical fitness Going camping entails going outdoors. This means
getting to enjoy sunshine, which contributes to your health and general well-being.

There is such a thing as the circadian rhythm that humans innately possess. This
is a biological clock that controls one's sleep cycles and tells when to go to sleep and
when to wake up. The circadian clocks are affected by glow of electronics and artificial
lights (Shurkin, 2013). It changes and forces us to a different sleep pattern. Camping, to
a limited sense, can help reset the natural sleeping rhythm.

How do we stay safe while camping?

ü To stay safe while camping:

ü Check all equipment. Check weather conditions. Check and study locations and map.
ü Awareness of surroundings.

ü Map out emergency plans

ü Protect self from sun, coldness, dehydration, and insects

ü Include fire safety practices in orientations

ü Never walk alone, never approach wild animals, and never feed the animals in the
mountains Go back and review and follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles