Mountain Cuisine & Trekking Guide: Tips and Safety
Mountain Cuisine
Types of Food
While on the mountain, climbers need to eat primarily hot meals like pasta and stews. Other options include:
- Pasta dishes
- Natural survival foods
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Freeze-dried food
Survival Food
Nature can provide sustenance if you know what to look for. Learn about the flora of the region where you’ll be climbing. Plants can provide food, medicine, weapons, and raw materials for shelter and fire.
Utensils
Aluminum containers may melt when used with high-powered stoves. Stainless steel is more durable but transmits less heat. Cooking fatty foods in aluminum containers without protective Teflon can release toxic substances that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cutlery
For practicality, aluminum cookware is recommended for its durability. Choose pots suitable for your group size to cook and eat from directly. Apart from the usual spoon, fork, and knife, a multi-tool knife is very useful.
Transporting Food
Transport spices, salt, or sugar in small, sealed containers. Use screw-cap bottles for liquids like oil. For food packed in glass jars, buy plastic containers to protect them during transport.
Tricks
Egg in a Potato
Cut off the top of a potato, make a hole in the middle, break an egg into it, replace the top, secure it with sticks, and cook until done.
Sausage on a Banana Peel
Make a cut in a banana peel, remove the pulp, place the sausage inside, and cook over coals.
Map Reading, Compass, and GPS
Introduction
Understanding map reading, compass use, and GPS navigation is crucial for outdoor activities.
Map Interpretation
Maps are scaled-down representations of the Earth’s surface. They use symbols and colors to depict terrain features, trails, and points of interest. Understanding map scale is essential for calculating distances.
How to Read a Map
A map provides a bird’s-eye view of the terrain. To read it effectively, you need to visualize the landscape from above. Key concepts include:
- Vertical perspective
- Reduced scale
- Selective representation
- Symbolic representation
Geographical Coordinates
Parallels (latitude) and meridians (longitude) form a grid system that allows you to pinpoint locations on the Earth’s surface.
Compass Orientation
- Hold the compass level at waist height.
- Align the steering angle to N = 0°.
- Place the compass on the map, aligning the north arrow with the map’s north.
- Rotate the map and compass until the compass needle points north.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth with a clear view of four or more GPS satellites.
Glossary
Scale: The ratio between real-world distances and their representation on a map.
Planning Trips and Expeditions
Hiking vs. Expedition
A hike is a day trip that doesn’t require specialized knowledge, while an expedition lasts two or more days and requires participants to be prepared for various challenges.
Hiking
Hiking involves traversing natural environments for recreational purposes. It can be done on foot, bicycle, horseback, or skis. Proper planning is essential for safety and enjoyment.
Planning an Excursion
- Decide on the destination and purpose.
- Plan a route and create a roadmap.
- Communicate important details to participants.
Rules of Hiking
- Safety: Prioritize safety due to the potential dangers.
- Minimal environmental impact: Respect the environment and minimize disturbance.
- Respect for local communities: Be mindful of private property and local customs.
- Harmony: Maintain harmony with nature and fellow hikers.
- No motorized vehicles: Avoid using motorized vehicles during hikes.
Equipment
Essential equipment includes a first-aid kit, map, compass, whistle, flashlight, satellite phone, thermal bag, boots, matches, roadmap, canteen, sunglasses, sun hat, water bottle, extra clothing, sleeping bag, tent, backpack, and waterproof gear.
Food
Eat a good breakfast before a long hike and carry high-energy snacks like glucose sweets, sandwiches, crackers, nuts, and raisins. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Group Size and Safety
Keep groups small (no more than seven people) with a minimum of four. Maintain contact information for each participant’s family. Ensure at least one person has first-aid knowledge. Learn the international distress signal (six whistles, one minute of silence, repeat).
Post-Excursion Evaluation
After the excursion, reflect on the experience, assess the route, equipment, and identify areas for improvement.
Glossary
- Route plan: Detailed information about the route, terrain, weather, participants, etc.
- Survival bag: A large bag for emergency use, such as hypothermia.
- Waterproof clothing: Essential for staying dry and warm.
- Map cartography: A flat map divided into four quadrants for locating landmarks using coordinates.
Physiological Terms in Trekking
Physiology
Physiology is the study of the human body’s functions. Understanding basic physiology can help trekkers recognize and address potential health issues.
Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, can occur due to challenging terrain or overuse.
Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage is the escape of blood from the circulatory system. It can be internal or external.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains involve stretching or tearing the ligaments of the ankle, causing pain and limited mobility.
Poisoning
Poisoning can result from ingesting, inhaling, injecting, or absorbing harmful substances. Examples include drug overdoses, carbon monoxide poisoning, household product exposure, and pesticide exposure.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness and loss of balance, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Techniques of Minimal Environmental Impact
Trekking
Minimize environmental impact by staying on marked trails, packing out all trash, and avoiding disturbing plants and wildlife.
Cavalcade
- Use established trails.
- Reduce the number of animals and load weight.
- Minimize the length of stay.
- Reduce the confinement of animals.