Useful Advices

Useful Advices

Mountains and greatness ambitions doesn't mix well, and that's a matter of fact: who loves peaks' loneliness, usually, is used to leave down junks like presumptuosness or megalomany. I decided to do a little list of things to don't forget if you want to spend a beautiful day out. Those are not rules written in the rocks by a God, of course, they're simple advices which are useful to enjoy mountains better.

1) Rucksack: seems ridicolous, but pouch with a unique 0.75 l. flask are just for Mezzalama Trophy's athletes. There are many kind of rucksacks, and you'll surely find your perfect companion. As for me, I found fantastic the simple robustness of an Army rucksack, as you can see in the pictures shown here.

2) Flask. How much do you want to drink? It's necessary to count the amount of water you're going to take for all the day, because it isn't given for sure that you'll find on the way. Water's weight really worths; and, if you have children, relatives or girlfriends, be sure of that: they'll think it's YOUR duty to take all the water they need! If you're about to drink froma a torrent, or whatever else, be sure that the water is clean; however, I never felt ill for drinking Ayas' water!

3) First aid kit. It isn't difficult to find one, or even create it: you will need scissors, sticking plasters, bandages, needle and yarn. It's good to have some refreshing towels, good for children, and be sure that all this equipment is sterilised.

4) A change of clothes. I know, on mountains it isn't necessary to dress as you can do when you're in your town, that's obvious; however, anyone who walked for hours with a big, heavy, rucksack on his shoulders would appreciate the sensation given by a clean T-shirt, once you're on the peak. It's the same for a heavier jumper, which must always be in your bag. This will be useful in case of bad weather, also with a K-Way or a good windstopper.

5) Various accessories. Those could be: a Swiss army knife, trekker's best companion, a compass, or an altimeter; what you have to mind is that all those tools, except snap - hooks, are really sensible to humidity. If your rucksack is not waterproof, it's good to put the aforesaid tools in a waterproof bag, like nylon ones. Just another advice: take with you a pair of bootlaces.

6) Map. Don't think to know every single path: a good map - APT's ones, given for free, are enough - can make your day better. It's a typical example of light and useful baggage.

7) Knife: since a long time, who walked through mountains used to bring with himself a good blade; while in the past centuries it could be useful to defend yourself, now it's essential to prepare meals, in case of emergency or in "do it yourself" works. Victorinox knives are, in my opinion, the best you can find.

8) Food. When I trek I prefer to eat the classical sandwiches, rather than filling my rucksack with silly processed snacks: a sandwich is simple, easy to prepare and tasteful. If you think to have a meal in a refuge, don't think to find there a high hotel menu, particularly in case of a high altitude shelter. They are periodically supplied via helicopter (!), and it's useless to wait for clutlet au vin or Pinot Wine!

In other words, those are the most important advices to ensure a beautiful excursion. You just have to remember that only with experience you'll face all the little problems you will encounter in your career.