Climbing Rack

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admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:29:09 +0000

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Let’s spend more time enjoying nature by camping and hiking.

National and State Parks provide excellent destinations for your outdoor activities.

Camping trips that include sports such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding, and rockclimbing can be a geat deal of fun.

For your safety and comfort you will want to be sure that you have the proper apparel. Rain and wind wear and a fleece jacket should be on your list. Don’t forget a first aid kit and plenty of drinking water.

More clothing and protective gear are needed in the winter.

Most state and national parks have excellent websites, where you can find information on hiking trails and outdoor activities.

You will also find excellent information on popular points of interest in travel books and park brochures.

There are usually outfitters available in the area that offer excursions and rentals for the park you are visiting.

You can choose among a variety of trails throughout the park, from simple loop trails to more stenuous hikes.

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Remember to take items such as a daypack with water, a rain/wind jacket, snack, and a first aid kit when you go on longer hikes; be sure to wear good and comfortable hiking boots.

You are likely to see wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, deer, moose, wolves, and bighorn sheep, and it is important to know what to do if you encounter them.

Those who seek a rugged experience in the outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, or no shelter at all (”under the stars”).

Biking is a great way to travel around the parks, but be sure to check regulations about where it is allowed.

There are likely to be bike trails in the park.

Horseback riding is a great and different way to travel through a park, and you will enjoy using the gravel roads found in many of the parks.

Spectacular scenery in the backcountry can be seen by taking a river rafting excursion through some of the national parks.

Kayaking is another way to explore areas of the park that you cannot reach by hiking, riding, or driving.

Consider taking some time for mountaineering and rock climbing and if you are visiting a park in the winter, cross country skiing.

The incredible scenery found in our national and state parks, along with the great variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed there, make them wonderful destinations for vacations and an opportunity to enjoy nature.

Lastly on a related note.

“Car camping” is camping in a tent, but nearby the car for easier access and for supply storage.

Also on another related note.

Unlike more traditional “walk in” camping or backpacking, car camping allows you to bring more equipment, and focus on enjoying the site, cook-outs, day hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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How to be a better Hill Climber

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:25:25 +0000

If you ask most people where their cycling weakness lies, they will more often than not say hill climbing. Nothing sucks the snap from your legs quicker than a steep uphill grade but nothing is more satisfying than conquering a tough hill. If your goal is better fitness you can’t get a better workout than a ride that hits hill after hill. As a coach, the most common questions I get revolve around how to be stronger on the hills.

Here are the four key areas that affect your ability to go uphill fast.

Climbing Power

Climbing well requires both cardiovasular and muscular endurance. Without getting too technical, the best way to get better at hill climbing is to climb. Hill repeats where you climb to the top, turn around, descend to the bottom and repeat are a great way to get a lot of hill work in a short workout. My favourite is to head out to local hill that is about 1 km long. It’s challenging with a few steep pitches with good visibility at the top and bottom, making it safer for turning around when doing repeats. Early in the season I’ll have athletes do 5-6 repeats, building to 15-20 further into the season.

When training to climb better it is important to work on both seated and standing climbing. Standing up when you hit a steep section is a good way to get up quicker and spread the load over more muscles but it only works if you work at it. When doing hill repeats, alternate doing one time up seated and the next standing. Just remember to switch a gear or two harder before you stand up as your cadence drops when you stand.

If you are a mountain biker, then heading up to your local ski hill is the best place to work on your climbing. You can do either long or steep and as it takes less time to go down than up you will spend more of your ride time climbing.

Bodyweight

This one is really simple. For the same fitness, the lighter you are the faster you will go up hill. Power to weight ratio is an exact science among pro roadies. For every 5lb you lose you will be 30 seconds faster over 5km of climbing at 7 percent grade. If like me, you can’t see your abs then work at cutting weight and you will see a big improvement in your climbing ability. Don’t lose weight too quickly though as it can negatively affect your power output. 1-2 lb per week is a safe level of weight lose without sacrificing energy you’ll need to train.

Core and upper body endurance

The legs are the prime movers on the bike but the support muscles like your arms, abs and lower back work constantly while riding. Over time they get tired and your pedaling form suffers. When it comes to climbing they work even harder so the fitter you are in your support muscles the longer and faster you will be able to climb. While your core can be the weak link on the bike the best way to train it is off the bike cross training. See the workout below to improve your core fitness and climb better.

Mental focus

I won’t lie to you, climbing is hard work. That is where both the challenge and reward come from. Part of climbing well is mental. Don’t look upon that big hill with dread. See it as a challenge to overcome. Keep telling yourself in your head that you are a good climber. Attack the little climbs like you own them.

Core Workout to improve your hillclimbing

Do this workout 2-3 times per week and you will notice an improvement in your cycling within 4 weeks. Try to do the workout with as little rest as possible between exercises. Do a set of each exercise, moving to the next immediately for a total of three circuits. As you become fitter build up to a total of 5 rounds.

3 rounds

15 dumbbell swings 15 Spiderman pushups 15 Sumo deadlift high pulls 15 seconds each of front planks and side planks to each side (build to 30 seconds)

This workout won’t take much time but will do a lot to improve your hill climbing. Put in consistent work and you will see progress in a very short time.

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admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:11:42 +0000

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Families can experience nature together through outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.

You can enjoy nature by visiting national and state parks throughout the country.

Take time to enjoy sports such as rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and cycling while you are on your camping trip.

When camping it is important to have proper apparel. Rain and wind wear are essential, as are a first aid kit and plenty of drinking water.

If you go camping in the winter take extra clothing and protective gear.

Your camping trip will be even better if you have information on hiking trails and outdoor activities, which you can find on the national and state park websites.

Excellent information on popular points of interest is also available in park brochures and travel books.

Outfitters are usually available in the area to offer excursions and rentals for the park you are visiting.

Look for the various hiking trails through the parks for an excellent way to see the beauty of the area.

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Advanced planning is a key ingredient to enjoying your hike; you will want to have a daypack wth water, a rain/wind jacket, sweater, a first aid kit, snacks, and, most importantly a good pair of hiking boots.

Wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, deer, wolves, and bighorn sheep are often in the areas where you will be camping and hiking, and you must be prepared to protect yourself if you encounter them.

Some hikers purposely avoid loud sounds, out of deference to other hikers.

Biking is usually not permitted on hiking trails but can be done on most paved and backcountry dirt roads in national and state parks.

There are likely to be bike trails in the park.

If you like horseback riding, you might enjoy seeing the park by riding along the gravel roads designated for that activity.

You can see incredible scenery in the back country of many national parks by taking one of the river rafting excursions offered there.

Remote and spectacular areas of many of the parks can be explored by kayaking on the lakes.

Consider taking some time for mountaineering and rock climbing and if you are visiting a park in the winter, cross country skiing.

Plan to spend your next family vacation visiting one of the national or state parks, where you will be able to experience a variety of outdoor activities and sports in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Lastly on a related note.

Many beautiful places can only be reached overland by hiking, and enthusiasts regard hiking as the best way to see nature.

Also on another related note.

If you plan to carry a tent with you and camp out, make sure you are camping somewhere it is safe and legal to do so.

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Ice Climbing Techniques

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:44:44 +0000

Mountain climbing locations vary in altitude but many of them are in of sub zero temperatures. There are different techniques required for climbing in ice covered terrain and it’s much different than climbing in dry terrain. While it is more challenging than other forms of climbing, ice climbing can be the most rewarding and exhilarating.
Many techniques that are used in other types of climbing are used in ice climbing but the challenge is altogether different. There are definite differences in the equipment used for ice climbing. For example, ice climbing boots require more insulation than for alpine climbing since it’s important to keep ice and snow from entering the boot.
Spiked soles that clamp to the soles of your boots, called crampons are required for keeping traction on the ice. There are special techniques used for trekking on ice. Using a large ice pick, you use an overhead swing to penetrate the ice in front of you. When you’ve determined it’s secure, you kick your crampon fitted boot into the ice. Once you are sure you’re secure these two steps are repeated.
While hiking and climbing, a pro is used much like in traditional climbing but the protective devices used in ice climbing take on a different aspect. Single, twin and double rope ascents are still used but ice screws are commonly used. Ice screws are hollow tubes that have teeth on one end and a hook on the other end. They’re placed and secured into the ice and the hook on the ice screw is for attaching to.
The ice itself is sometimes used as a pro. There are two common methods; the V-thread and the Bollard method. In the V-thread method, a pair of holes are drilled diagonally into the ice and their holes connect to make a “V” shape. A sling is threaded and then attached to a rope and harness. The ice is quite strong and there is little risk of giving way. With the Bollard method a rope hold is carved into the ice and a rope is looped over the piece of ice. The ice is strong enough to hold one or two climbers depending on their weight. There is a risk to using ice as a pro since it is an unpredictable medium but many climbers prefer it.
Ice climbing utilizes many of the same techniques as traditional climbing but with some different equipment. Many climbers find that ice climber is more adventures and provides them with a more rewarding feeling. If you’re a climber, you should give ice climbing a try for a true adrenaline rush.

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admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:43:34 +0000

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Outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking, are great ways to become involved with nature.

You will find endless opportunities to enjoy nature when you visit national and state parks.

Take time to enjoy sports such as rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and cycling while you are on your camping trip.

When camping it is important to have proper apparel. Rain and wind wear are essential, as are a first aid kit and plenty of drinking water.

If you go camping in the winter you’ll need more protective gear and clothing.

You will enjoy your camping trip even more if you have information about available activities and hiking trails, which you can find on the national and state park websites.

Popular points of interest are described in travel books and park brochures.

Check with outfitters in the area near the park to learn about renting equipment and to arrange excursions.

Hiking trails in the parks are often marked by level of difficulty and vary from simple loop trails to more strenuous workouts.

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Your hike will be more pleasant, and maybe even safer, if you have items such as a daypack, water, snacks, a first aid kit, a rain/wind jacket, and good hiking boots.

On some of your camping trips you come across wildlife such as moose, bears, wolves, mountain lions, big horn sheep and deer, and it is important know how to protect yourself when coming across animals.

Hiking over long distances or over difficult terrain does require some degree of physical ability and knowledge.

Check the park regulations regarding where biking is permitted; it is usually not allowed on hiking trails.

Bike trails are established in most of the national and state parks.

Many people enjoy using the gravel roads found in many of the parks for horseback riding throughout the area.

Remote areas of some of the national parks can sometimes be seen best on one of the fabulous river rafting excursions offered there.

The many beautiful lakes found in most of the parks give you an opportunity for kayaking, with access to remote areas that might not be able to be seen otherwise.

You can add adventure to your park visit with exciting activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and cross country skiing.

Spectacular scenery and exciting adventures can be yours with a vacation to one of the national or state parks.

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Enjoying The Sport Of Climbing

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:42:55 +0000

Some people might not think of rock climbing as a sport until they have had a chance to climb a few mountains or spend time in the great outdoors with friends who want to teach them what they love to do the most in the time they have off from work. After people have tried rock climbing in a class, they are more than ready to take on the challenges of the great outdoors.
Some rock climbing classes teach all the basic techniques that a climber will need. Others focus on more advanced skills that are strictly reserved for the more experienced climbers in the group. Some groups are divided by age group and level of expertise. A primary concern among all trainers is to make climbing a sport that is enjoyable but safe for everyone involved. No trainer will task a climber to attempt a maneuver before they are ready for it, and many novice climbers feel elated just by climbing a few feet by themselves while others climb higher and higher.
Some of these people might even have their eye on a certain mountain in the distance that they have always wanted to climb. They might not be sure where the urge to climb rocks comes from but they do know that they do enjoy the adventure that outdoor climbing offers them and they want to experience those thrills as often as possible. They might take short trips to gyms that have rock walls in them to satisfy the urge for climbing until they can go on a rock-climbing trip with friends.
Some climbers might not want to spend a lot of money on equipment until they have practiced climbing and made the decision to make it a lifetime sport. These people have found renting equipment for short weekends is the best method they can find for testing their skills without bothering friends with borrowing what they need everytime they feel the need to head for the mountains. Climbing is an affordable sport to participate in and one that families can do together.
Most people get into rock climbing because they love being tested. Rock climbing will put people to the test by testing their endurance and their thinking abilities. People realize very quickly that they are able to think on their feet when they must negotiate a sandstone cliff that towers 100 feet above them, or when they find themselves dangling from a rope over a cavern that has a small river running through it.
These life and death situations are not for the faint at heart by any means and climbers learn to work around all obstacles to get up a mountain by sundown. For those that are unable to meet that goal, they will be challenged even more. They must learn to sleep at a vertical angle with only a rope supporting them. They might bed down on a rock crevice with a safety line attached and wake to a view of a beautiful sunrise that they have never seen before.

Lightweight & Ultralight Camping Equipment Advice

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:10:19 +0000

Lightweight Tents & Camping Equipment Advice
CheapTents.com specialises in selling top quality tents and camping equipment at discount prices. We have operated in this industry for almost 20 years, and 7 years of that online, so when it comes to giving outdoor gear advice, we know our stuff!
Being specialists in selling lightweight and ultralight outdoor clothing and camping equipment, here is some very helpful advice for outdoor sports people interested in backpacking, adventure racing, lightweight expeditions and a variety of other lightweight outdoor and camping activities.
Why is lightweight camping and outdoor gear so important?
Lightweight gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor clothing and camping equipment available. This is because it uses the specially advanced technologies which serve the same core purposes as ‘regular weight’ outdoor gear, but at a reduced weight.
Outdoor Sports: Outdoor sports enthusiasts and athletes have come to value lightweight camping and sports equipment because of the way it enhances their performance, hence the increasingly popular manufacture of ultralight tents, clothing and equipment. Adventure runners, backpackers and mountain bikers are amongst those looking to shave every gram off their pack weight.
Lightweight Backpacking and Travel: It’s important to realise that whilst you’re traveling around the world, taking a gap year, or backpacking for a weekend in the fells, you will greatly appreciate good quality, lightweight clothing and equipment, as no one else is going to offer to carry your backpack for you!
Reduced pack weight: By reducing the weight of the gear you are carrying with you, it means that you are putting less strain on your legs, making yourself less top heavy and more than likely reducing your pack size which means you can squeeze through more crevasses!
Reduced clothing weight: Agility is helped by reduced friction against key areas of your body’s movement. By having less weight, you are reducing the gravitational pull of your gear towards the ground, when most people want to be moving forward. Importantly, lightweight and ultralight equipment often means less bulk, which too helps to reduce the friction of clothing against your body and make it easier to conquer another mountain!
Packing Your Backpack
Prioritise. When packing your backpack, like many people I bet you think of an occasion (however remote) where you might actually need the melon baller. Well, the chances are you won’t, so don’t pack it. The rule is, when your lightweight packing, is to focus on absolute need and emergency need, which includes at the very least: water, food, shelter, warmth and safety.
Ask yourself these questions when packing your rucksack:
1. Do I need it? Throw out luxury items. ‘Luxury’ means different things to different people but try and stretch yourself with removing these items, as it makes a huge difference to the way you enjoy the outdoors.
2. How many times will I use it? Just the once – is it worth it?
3. Can something else replace it? Can it double-up as something else?
4. Can I share the weight with someone else (e.g. backpackers often share the weight of a tent)
5. If I was caught-out without it, would I be in a safe and secure situation?
Note: Don’t make any cut-back where it might compromise your safety or others.
“Make sure you have the best lightweight outdoor gear”
Providing lightweight equipment to campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts is a speciality in the outdoor industry who are keen to buy top brands at discount prices. If you’re new to specialist lightweight gear, then here are a few items of very lightweight outdoor gear that you might consider investing in…
Ultralight and Lightweight Camping Equipment:Ultralight tents and lightweight tents – a very popular piece of outdoor kit, these spectacularly clever and technologically advanced lightweight tents and ultralight tents are one of CheapTents.com’s top sellers. Adventure racers and backpackers find that these tents are more than adequate and can weigh less than 1-2kg. The Terra Nova Laser Comp tent is a great example of an ultralight tent, weighing in at a mere 900g – officially regarded as the world’s lightest two-skin tent.
Bivi Bags – if you’re looking for a truly ultralight camping experience, consider a bivi bag. Simply climb into your sleeping bag and bivi bag, and sleep under the stars in a very minimalist and lightweight form of camping.Ultralight down sleeping bags – although you can get lightweight synthetic sleeping bags, the real gains are to be found in the high-loft, warm, ultralight down sleeping bags – a superb investment as getting a good night sleep is vital to enjoying the outdoors.
Lightweight camping mat – some hardcore minimalist campers may see any sort of camping mat as a luxury, whereas others see lightweight camp mats as more about getting a good night sleep to aid their recovery and performance the next day.
Lightweight rucksack / backpack – many outdoor people, regardless of whether they are fell runners or backpackers value the weight savings in having a strong yet lightweight rucksack or backpack. Your comfort, speed and agility often correlate with the style of pack that you use. Always choose a specialist, lightweight rucksack or backpack if at all possible.
Lightweight camping stoves – camping stoves have come along way with ultralight versions being available with little, if any, loss to burning and boiling time. Many ultralight camping stoves weigh less than 150-200g making eating a warm, nutritious meal on the hill easy and lightweight.
Titanium pan set – you can eat out of the bowl and the lid also doubles up as a plate. The titanium pan set is ultra lightweight, strong and versatile.
Titanium cutlery – Tired of carrying around cheap cutlery only to break it half way through your Wayfayrer meal? Try titanium cutlery – ultralight weight and incredibly strong.
Ultralight and Lightweight Clothing & Footwear:
Lightweight waterproof jackets – lightweight jackets that are waterproof have been developed by manufacturers for outdoor sports enthusiasts and for stuffing away in your backpack for those ‘just in case’ occasions. CheapTents.com has a great selection of lightweight waterproof jackets and trousers available from some of the very best outdoor brands.
Softshell jackets – for a warm layer, consider a softshell / windproof fleece. Softshell jackets provide the warmth of a fleece, water repellency, breathability and endurance with toughened wear-areas, and promote agility for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Lightweight trekking trousers – important piece of kit for those trekkers, looking to stay warm, and take advantage of lightweight hard-wearing trousers that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.
Running shorts – handy to wear whilst your washing your trousers, or simply for running or walking in warmer weather. Running shorts are a great way to save space, weight and stay comfortable in warmer conditions. Even in the rain, runners and walkers often wear them as it means they are not carrying around excess mud and water in their clothing.
Baselayers – baselayers, or base layer tops and bottoms, are quick drying, fast wicking and reduce odour. Avoid cotton t-shirts as they loose insulative properties and gain weight when wet. baselayers are a very important of anyones layering system and is highly recommended! Baselayer underwear – outdoor clothing manufacturers have even gone to effort of keeping people comfortable by designing baselayer boxers and pants.
Weight saving tips:
1. A decent cooking pan can work as a eating bowl, and, you guessed it, a cooking pan! Do you really need a plate and a bowl?
2. How many tent pegs do you need for the weather? You can now get ultralight tent pegs?
3. Many baselayers are quick drying, wicking, low odour and so can be worn again and again, and dry quickly after a quick wash.
4. Share the weight of your tent – is a two man lightweight tent lighter than two ultralight one man tents?
5. Down sleeping bags are far lighter (weight to warmth ratio is better).
6. Toiletries – shaving gel is heavy and bulky, consider shaving oil or go without. Don’t go over board and throw-away your deodorant – going lightweight isn’t worth losing your friends over! Empty your toothpaste and other liquids into smaller containers – taking just what you need. Consider taking a mini toothbrush too, and leaving the hairdryer.
7. Take a single lightweight camping stove rather than a double-hob camping stove, just cook one thing at a time and eat it as it comes off the hob
8. Stainless steel or titanium cutlery and a multi-tool pen-knife will be the only utensils and tools you’ll need
9. Food – sauce sachets help to make any meal interesting! Tins are heavy – try Wayfayrer meals as these are very popular with lightweight enthusiasts.
10. Drinks – decant drinks from glass and plastic bottles into a Platypus or Camelbak bladder.
11. Money – always spend your lose change before you break into a note.
12. First aid kit – take everything you need, or might need – don’t make any cutbacks.
Items to avoid:
1. Camping chairs and tables – just find a couple of rocks, or sit on the floor.
2. Synthetic sleeping bags (down sleeping bags are much lighter for the same comfort temperature).
3. Too many clothes – buy quick drying clothing and wash it before you go to bed.
4. Heavy-duty inflatable mattresses – ridiculously heavy!
5. Camping stoves that are bulky and require bulky gas canisters – mini lightweight stoves are available.
Importantly, use your common sense when packing your lightweight gear. It’s too easy to get carrried away with taking everything, including the kitchen sink, oven and juicer. Don’t go heavy, be a lightweight.

Mount Kilimanjaro hiking

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:31:02 +0000

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBAny physically fit person can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.. No climbing experience is necessary to get you to the top of Africa’s highest mountain 5,895M (19,340FT) with its magnificent gleaming glaciers, Flora and Fauna.

Weather

Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed any time of the year but there are two rainy seasons – late March to mid June and November. The best months are December, January to March and July to October usually dry and minimum clouds.

8 DAYS MT. KILIMANJARO- MARANGU ROUTE

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Travel from Nairobi to Arusha on board a Shuttle bus or pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport – transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)

Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km’s | Habitat: Montane forest

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)

Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.

Day 3: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Moorland

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatisation day

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.

Day 5: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.

The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.

There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.

Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km’s

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at a budget hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule/travel back to Nairobi on board a shuttle bus.

Choosing The Right Clothes For Your Climb

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:30:14 +0000

Climbing is and exciting and exhilarating sport. While knowing your equipment inside and out is extremely important, knowing what clothes to wear is almost as equally important. The type of clothes you’ll need depends on the type of climb you’ll be doing and the climate of your location.
Base layer pants or briefs and undershirts proved thermal protection for cold climbs and allow for easy movement. It’s important to have your first layer of clothing close to the skin to allow perspiration to evaporate and keep air circulating.
Choosing the right shirt for your climb is also important. It’s essential to keep your wrists, elbows and shoulders free to do critical work with your equipment and only in extreme cold weather is warming the arms important. You’ll need a shirt that allows for room in the shoulders so your upper body movement is not hindered.
The type of pants or shorts you wear is more of a matter of preference and depends on the climate. Most climbers prefer to wear to shorts on less challenging climbs in warm locations. Shorts should stretch without clinging to your body and should be durable so they can stand up to grazes with the terrain.
Pants are used in colder locations and need to be stretchy and durable as well, especially in the knees. They should be lightweight and made out of material that will deflect UV rays to prevent sunburn. In extreme cold it’s important to have pants that are well insulated and waterproof (but still lightweight).
If you’re climbing in a warm weather area, consider wearing a vest. These are popular with climbers as they keep any chill off your torso and allow free movement of your arms. They also have pockets for stowing equipment and snacks.
Jackets are an important piece of clothing especially in cool to extreme cold climbing locations. Light windbreakers are perfect for cool weather; they keep the chill off and provide protection from sunburn. Extreme cold weather jackets should be lightweight yet insulated and allow for easy movement. Remember that a warm weather location can turn cold after the sun goes down.
Helmets are more of a piece of gear than a piece of clothing but they are many times neglected by climbers. They will save you from major injury if you fall a short distance or there are rock slides from above. A helmet also provides sun protection for your head.
Clothing can be as important as the equipment you bring on your climb. Plan wisely and take all climate factors into consideration.

Scrambling – What is it and Some Tips on How to Do It?

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:54:12 +0000

It’s pretty much the Grey area where walking and climbing meet. Easy scrambles are little more than walks, hard ones are effectively easy climbs. If you want a simple definition, scrambling starts at the point where you need to start using your hands to make progress. Simple eh? One definition you sometimes hear is that scrambling is ‘climbing without ropes’. No, no, no…You won’t need a rope on most easy scrambles, but depending on how experienced and competent you are, on a lot of the stuff at the harder end of the spectrum and on easier conditions on easier, but exposed routes, some people will definitely want a rope. Why do it then? Often the best and most inspirational routes up a mountain are scrambles – narrow ridges, dank chimneys, blocky, interesting buttresses. Easy scrambling is a taste of climbing, but without needing the technical knowledge and equipment.GradesThere are a number of dedicated scrambling guides on the market which generally grade routes on a scale of 1 to 3 with an optional 3(S) to denote really serious stuff. Don’t get too hung up on grades and remember that they’re only a guide. Striding Edge on Helvellyn and Crib Goch on Snow-don are both classic grade ones, but the latter is much more exposed and potentially serious. Anyway, here’s our guide to what they mean:Grade 1 Don’t need any specialist mountaineering skills so technically easy and can usually be done without a rope. This doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous, but they’re the best starting point. In winter generally much more serious.Grade 2 More serious. You’ll need technical skills and probably a rope in anything other than ideal conditions – smaller holds and steeper ground are the norm. Not a good place for a novice.Grade 3 Like grade 2, but with pitches of proper rock climbing where you’ll need to know about technical rope work and how to protect yourself. Best done in dry conditions unless you’re a confident, experienced climber. If you’re a novice, don’t even think about these.The ScramblesAndalusia province has a wealth of untapped scrambling potential. We shall embark on some of the best there is! Instruction will be given where necessary in the basic use of rope and gear for protection and safety. Guests should have a good head for heights and have some experience of hillwalking in the UK or Europe. Scrambles of grades 1, 2, 3 and 3S will be undertaken.The scrambles include:River gorge followed by mixed rock to a high plateau.Long “alpine-type” ridge to a fine summit.Long easy limestone ridgeHigh altitude ridge (similar to Aonach Eagach in Scotland)You may also be interested in?Introduction to rope work for scramblers and beginner rock climbers or Alpine Introduction Courses