Are you adventure enthusiast and you are planning to go for breathtaking mountaineering adventure? Is Uganda your dream destination that you wish to visit for mountain climbing adventures this coming season? Do you know the basic items or equipment that you must include in your packing list? Generally, choosing mountain climbing gear for the first time adventure enthusiasts is ideally very challenging.
Like most kinds of mountain climbing adventures, packing is based on which area that you intend to visit for your dream adventure and the number of days that you will spend while in that destination. After you have known this, then planning for your packing list becomes easier. If you are planning for this breathtaking adventure experience, you will definitely need that perfect mountain climbing gear that offers comfort and smooth journey to your dream destination. Whether you are a first time climber or you have done it several times, it is important that you dress up well as you head to the mountain and whether you purchase the gear yourself or borrow from friend, ensure that it is warm, waterproof and fits you well;
When you think of mountaineering adventures in Uganda, layering is very crucial when you are making the best choice on which mountaineering clothing to make you realize your dream. Other than putting on one bulky jumper to offer warmth to you, it is a wise idea that you layer with variety of thinner layers, meaning you can add or remove them based on the level of temperature. For starters, mountaineering layering system comprises of light insulation jumper, base layer, parka jacket but this depends on the altitude or region, hard shell jacket and many more.
- Mountaineering base layers
Merino base layers are perfect for you to have in your packing list when it comes to mountain climbing tours in Uganda. They seat wicking and have natural anti bacterial qualities. Base layers are exceptionally significant for starters when you are layering up for mountain climbing adventures. However, avoid cotton base layers as cotton layers tend to keep sweat and can make you feel damp and clammy. It is however perfect to select a sweat wicking material such as merino wool or synthetic material especially polyester. This can dry quickly compared to cotton underwear. Naturally, Merino wool features anti bacterial qualities on it and hikers can simply put on it for many times and it can’t smell bad like it is a case with regular T-shirts.
Ortovox make the best option of merino base layers for men and women with variety of colors. They are not cheap as such but they are take long and can keep you warm when on your adventure. The other thing, you will need a light insulation. It should be lightweight synthetic jumper made of fleece. It should keep you warm but also should be made from a breathable material. Most top outdoor brands feature a version of the fleece mid layer. The north face features a brilliant new technical fleece known as the fuse form dolomiti that weaves 2 material properties into a single fabric. It is lighter and more breathable than the usual insulating layers though still warm.
- Mountaineering medium insulation jacket
Medium insulation is perfect to have for hikers and a down or synthetic insulation jacket could be the best option. The Swedish mountain brand haglofs for men and women make the best insulating jackets; they are light weight, wind resistant and can easily be packed in your backpack.
Shell jackets are a lightweight, waterproof, windproof layer with no insulation. The major purpose of a shell is to keep you dry and protected from the elements. It should be made from a durable waterproof material especially the gore-tex and it is perfect to pick one with a hood.
- Mountaineering parka jacket
For hikers who are planning to undertake adventures to extreme altitude, you will require purchase an extra layer of kit which works well with extreme temperatures beyond 600m. The parka jackets of this kind make the upper end of your kit bag big, bulky and warm.
- Mountaineering boots
Selecting a pair of mountaineering boots is based on the kind of terrain that you intend to tackle. However, it is a wise idea that to choose the best mountaineering equipment for yourself. You will need to look at the 3 primary kinds of mountaineering boots-single boots, double and super gaiter boots. Single boots feature mainly a single upper boot and this denotes that it won’t separate in anyway. No inner or outer lining which come apart, they are lightweight and perfect for hiking to the hard rock and ice. Double boots feature mainly inner and outer boots, they are heavier and entirely used in very cold climates as they are warmer and the inner boot can be taken out and dried when you are not putting on them. The super gaiter mountaineering boots are a hybrid of single and double boots. Hikers can remove the inner boot but it is covered in a non removable outer boot that offers extra warmth and weatherproofing. These are perfect for colder climates unlike the single boots and they are lighter compared to double boots.
Mountaineering gloves have to be selected based on the conditions that you are most likely to interface. Depending on the season, but you will need mountaineering gloves to keep you warm and should be waterproof.
- Mountaineering essential accessories
Mountaineering essential accessories come in many categories and for first timers; the basic ones include the mountaineering helmet, sunglasses, map, compass, headlamp plus additional batteries, lip balm, first aid kit, bottled water,
In conclusion, mountaineering adventures are the most breathtaking and thrilling experiences that come once in lifetime. If you are planning to undertake this adventure, you have to be well prepared to challenge yourself and this means that you have to be equipped with necessary gear and we believe that the listed items will play a great role while you are on your mountaineering adventure in Uganda.
