Գույք և հանդերձանք - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

List of equipment for technical ascents

armeniangeographic — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:45:06 +0000

According to experienced hikers, it is extremely difficult and almost impossible to complete a technical ascent without serious training and reliable equipment. A person feels uncomfortable even at an altitude of 5000 m. The weather conditions at the top of a mountain above 5000 m may be truly unfavorable to people. You will need special equipment for technical altitude climbs +5000 m (for example, to the peaks of Kazbek or Elbrus).

This is a list of equipment for technical ascents:

Clothes

Jacket

When in the mountains it is extremely important to wear pieces of clothing that retain body heat. It is recommended to wear two special jackets at once. First jacket with fleece lining makes up the middle layer of a hiker’s clothing, which should generally conform to the shape of the body and provide comfort during the ascent. The second jacket is worn over the rest of the clothing and serves as protection from cold wind, rain and snow. Wearing a jacket with a hood is advised.

Winter jacket

The second jacket is worn over the rest of the clothing and serves as protection from cold wind, rain and snow. Wearing a jacket with a hood is advised.

Fleece

Fleece (artificial wool) is lighter and softer than natural wool.

Fleece

Fleece outerwear retains warmth even after getting wet.

Thermal underwear

Thermal underwear is a piece of clothing necessary for every lover of outdoor activities and sports. Among the three layers of warm clothing, thermal underwear is considered the very first layer that is worn directly on the body.

The principle of layering in clothing: How to dress in layers correctly

Thermal underwear is made of a special material that removes excess moisture (sweat) from the skin surface and retains body heat.

Trousers

When choosing trousers, it is recommended to take into account the presence of a membrane layer, which provides both warmth, dryness and breathability. The choice of material is up to you. It can be natural or synthetic.

Hiking Trousers

Natural material (for example, goose down) retains heat better and is lighter in weight. Synthetics are usually heavier, but clothing made from this material is more affordable.

Socks

Hiking socks are made from both synthetic wool and merino sheep wool. It is recommended to give preference to a product made from natural material, since merino wool is light in weight, retains heat for a long time, quickly absorbs sweat and dries.

Hiking Socks

In addition, for mountain climbing you need to have several pairs of socks of different thicknesses.

Equipment

Hiking boots

Mountain hiking shoes have special durability, since they are made for movement on rocky and icy terrain to protect the legs from sudden impacts. Typically, such shoes have thick soles. When choosing hiking boots, make sure they fit your legs comfortably.

Hiking boots

Please note that during the ascent you put on thick woolen socks, so it is recommended to purchase shoes one or two sizes larger. It is especially important that such shoes have special fastenings for climbing crampons.

Crampons

Crampons are made of aluminum and steel. The advantages of crampons made of aluminum are lightness and comfort when walking. However, models made of this material are not as durable as similar products made of steel.

Crampons

For technical ascents, it is recommended to give preference to crampons made of steel. Make sure the crampons are securely attached to your shoes.

Ice axe

When buying an ice axe you should pay attention to its length.

To choose the ice axe that suits you, place it on your ankle: it should be about 10 cm above your foot.

Climbing ropes

Climbing ropes are of various lengths and diameters. So, when climbing a glacier, it is recommended to choose ropes that have undergone dry processing.

Climbing ropes

Climbing ropes of this type quickly absorb moisture, which makes them indispensable in snowy conditions.

Mountaineering helmet

A mountaineering helmet is probably the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing equipment for a technical ascent. There are plenty of different models on the market. There are two types of mountaineering helmets: made of lightweight foam and of hard ABS plastic.

Mountaineering helmet

The perfect mountaineering helmet fits your head tightly, covering your forehead, back of the head and temples and providing maximum comfort. The only way to choose it right is to try it on. Make sure that your mountaineering helmet covers as much of your head as possible. This way you will be well protected from overhead and side impacts.

If you want to protect your head from falling objects and other types of impact, you should pay attention to helmets with Hardshell technology. Durable ABS plastic fuses with foam for durable protection. The weight of this type of mountaineering helmets may be higher, but their price is usually more affordable compared to top-end models.
If you prefer a classic style and are looking for a lightweight helmet, consider the In-mold design. Thin polycarbonate replaces heavy plastic, and there are no gaps between the layers.
For the optimal combination of protection and weight, it is recommended to consider hybrid versions of helmets. An example of such helmets are models from the Berns brand with a polycarbonate shell glued with durable Zip Mold foam.

It is important to understand that foam helmets generally do not regain their shape and will lose their protective properties after one hard impact. If a crack or dent appears, the helmet should be replaced.

Mountaineering carabiners

Carabiners are used for secure fastening, connecting the ends of ropes and weaving knots during mountain hikes.

Mountaineering carabiners

Thus, mountaineering carabiners are indispensable during technical ascents.

Hiking Backpack (volume 40-50 liters)

When choosing a backpack, you should consider the duration of the ascent. Typically, backpacks with a capacity of 40-50 liters are used. When choosing a backpack for a technical ascent, you should pay attention not so much to its stylish design, but to its functionality.

Hiking Backpack

First of all, it is important to make sure that the size and shape of the backpack matches the curve of your back, ensuring a proper fit and contour to your hips. In addition, you need to make sure that the backpack is waterproof and has special mounts for an ice axe, protective helmet and other equipment. The perfect backpack ensures not only your comfort, but also safety.

Trekking poles

Trekking poles significantly reduce the load on your legs during mountain climbs. Special attention should be paid to the strength tip, which is designed to move around tight layer of snow.

Trekking poles

Sleeping bag

The packaging of a sleeping bag indicates its temperature regime: the upper and lower limits of a comfortable temperature for a person, as well as the extreme temperature at which the sleeping bag loses its effectiveness and its owner is at risk of severe frostbite.

Sleeping Bag

Accessorize

Warm hat

It is better to give preference to a fleece hat, since this material retains heat longer and provides protection from the wind.

Warm hat

Sun protection glasses

Sunglasses for mountain ascents above 5000 meters must have sufficient protection, otherwise there is a risk of snow blindness.

Glasses with lenses of the first and second categories made for the city and light hikes are not suitable. It is necessary to purchase sunglasses of the third or fourth category (they have a tint of 82-91 and 92-97% respectively).

Buff

The buff is a multifunctional scarf that provides protection from wind, dust, snow and cold.

Buff

In strong winds, you may pull up the buff and cover your face with it, providing additional protection.

Gloves

During the ascent, you need to have 2 sets of fleece gloves: regular five-fingered ones and mittens.

Hiking Gloves

You can take special ski gloves that have a waterproof layer on the outside and a soft, insulated layer on the inside.

Headlamp

As mountain ascents often begin at night, you need a headlamp. Before the ascent, it is important to check that the batteries are working properly. Also, don’t forget to take spare batteries with you.

Headlamp

First aid kit

In the article at the link, we tried to list all the medications necessary for a mountain ascent. Of course, this list is not exhaustive.

It is important to note that some people may be allergic to certain chemicals. Please make sure that you and other people in your group are not allergic to the medicine you are going to take or offer to a friend.

Other

A thermos
Drinking water bottle
Warm slippers
Change of underwear
Personal hygiene items (hygienic lipstick, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
Sunscreen or spray with a protection level of at least 50 spf.
Telephone
Power bank
Passport and other personal documents, wallet. Documents can be placed in a zip bag to protect them from dirt and moisture.
A protective cover for a backpack or plastic bags for packing things.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

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How to charge your gadgets while hiking?

armeniangeographic — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:25:33 +0000

In modern urban life we use a variety of electronics. And although many people claim that they go to the mountains to take a break from city life, from phones and Internet, even in the mountains we still need some gadgets. For example, a smartphone, which is a phone, a photo camera and a GPS navigator at the same time. We also often use action cameras, flashlights, GPS navigators, walkie-talkies, e-books and so on. And if without a camera or an e-book you will survive in the mountains, then your phone and the walkie-talkie should always be accessible and charged. In the mountains, your phone is an important tool. There you have all your maps, and if something happens, you will need a phone to call for help. In general, it is difficult to predict what to expect during hiking. That’s why charging gadgets during hiking is a very important topic, even if it’s a one-day hike.

Power bank

The easiest way to charge your gadgets is a power bank. It can charge all major devices that have an access to USB. The main indicator when choosing a power bank is the battery capacity, which is measured in milliapmeres per hour – mAh. The larger the capacity, the better. However, do not forget about the weight and size of the power bank. The larger the battery capacity, the heavier your power bank will be. Usually 10.000 mAh is enough to charge a phone with a 4.000 mAh battery twice.

Charging gadgets during hiking

Also note the loss of energy, that can happen due to fuses and adapters of a power bank. In addition to capacity, pay attention to an output current, as the charging speed of the power bank depends on it.

The standard indicator is a power connector with a capacity of 1 ampere per hour, but there can be several, one of which is 2, 2.5 or even 3 amperes per hour. Also calculate how many devices you plan to charge. If you will only charge a smartphone, it is enough to have a power bank with one USB port. But if you have more devices, or your friend’s smartphone also needs to be charged, then it’s better to buy a power bank with two or more USB connectors. If you like outdoor activities and are often in extreme situations in nature, then your power bank should also be ready for extreme conditions. It is better to choose a waterproof power bank, with metal case, and with rubber plugs for connectors to protect them from water and dust.

Charging gadgets during hiking

One more tip related to power banks. It is advisable to have several power banks. It is better to have two 7.000 mAh power banks than one large, as they can be damaged, broken or discharged from the cold. In these cases it is always good to have a spare option.

Power banks have one flaw: they operate at a voltage of 3.7 V. It means that a number of devices will be impossible to charge without special adapters. They add weight and take up extra space in your backpack. Therefore, it is better to purchase spare batteries for the photo camera and walkie-talkies, and always keep them charged in your backpack. In the case of flashlights it is advisable to purchase the ones with disposable batteries, AA or AAA type. You can also purchase rechargeable batteries of these sizes, but in any case, be sure to stock up on a few disposable batteries.

Solar chargers

As for solar chargers, their effectiveness is a bit controversial, since compact and lightweight panels that are convenient to carry in a backpack do not always provide enough power and direct current to charge devices. Along with them you must also have an intermediate battery – a power bank, which can charge from such an unstable power source. The batteries of smartphones and other gadgets are simpler, and with a low current they may not charge at all, or will charge very slowly. This whole system can make your backpack one kilogram heavier. Therefore, you should think carefully about whether you need a solar charger, or not? If your trip does not last a week or more, then it is pointless to have solar chargers with you. They come in different capacities, ranging from 0.5 to 75 Watts.

Charging gadgets during hiking / Solar charger

It will be realistic to have a solar charger in your backpack with a maximum power of 20-25 watt. More powerful panels will be too heavy. You can take such panels with you to long camping trips, when there will be various devices in the camp and you will have a relatively passive rest. Remember also that the power of the solar charger is directly dependent on the sun. It should be directed towards the sun with its entire surface. To provide a maximum power, there should be a strong sun and cloudless sky. The power also depends on geographic location. In Yerevan it will be easier to get more power, than in Helsinki, for example.

How to save battery?

And now some tips on how to save the battery of your gadgets.

Protect all devices and batteries from the cold. Wrap them in warm clothes and in waterproof bags so that they do not get wet. Wet clothes will cool gadgets faster.
All phones, tablets and photo cameras have power saving mode. Activate this mode so that your gadgets consume less power.
In the mountains there is mostly no radio coverage. And in the absence of network, the phone increases the antenna power in order to find a network. Because of this phone discharges faster. Therefore, put your phone in an airplane mode. This mode turns off the antenna and other wireless modules, which significantly extends the battery’s life. It’s possible to stay in the mountains for three days without recharging your phone, using only GPS and sometimes a camera. In urban conditions, the same phone will barely last two days.

Charging gadgets during hiking / Photo: outdoorsymama.com

Your smartphone or any other device may suddenly discharge. Do not despair. Move it to a warm place: tent, under warm clothes in a backpack, or under a jacket. Most likely the battery just froze and after warming up it can work for some time, until it’s completely discharged.
Have a spare phone with you. Take your old Nokia or Sony Ericsson phones with buttons that hide in some far corner of your closet. Everyone knows that these phones can last for weeks. Here they will be very needed.
And finally, prioritize everything. Use your smartphone only if it’s necessary: don’t play games, don’t watch movies; turn off internet, social media, work emails. You may need your phone in case of emergency, or when you need to call for help.

We talked about the importance of charging gadgets during hiking. Although most of these tips were obvious, someone had to collect them all in one article, right?

Hike safely!

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

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Thermal Underwear: Functions and Selection Recommendations

armeniangeographic — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 11:08:58 +0000

It is commonly believed that natural fabrics are “breathable” and can protect against perspiration. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are considered to be bad, promoting sweating, irritating the skin, lacking breathability, and so on. But that’s not entirely true. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Of course, our grandmothers would disagree, but cotton is actually the least breathable material. Cotton fabric quickly gets wet and freezes, as a result of you getting cold. Modern synthetic fabrics outperform all others in this regard. The sports apparel industry has undergone numerous changes thanks to the development of special materials, fabrics, combinations, and technologies that take the concept of clothing to a whole new level.

What is thermal underwear?

Thermal underwear (also known as base layer) is an essential part of hiking equipment for lovers of outdoor activities and sports. In the three-layer clothing system, it is considered the first layer, worn directly on the body. The main purpose of thermal underwear is to quickly and efficiently remove sweat from the body. Thanks to special materials and fabrics, thermal underwear rapidly removes sweat from the skin and evaporates it, keeping the body dry. Research has shown that polyester and polyamide are the most effective at removing sweat. These materials are commonly used in the production of thermal underwear. However, manufacturers often incorporate natural substances such as cotton or wool into the fabric to make it softer and more comfortable. In general, thermal underwear can be divided into the following types:

Single-layer for sports in the city or gym: These are tight-fitting garments that provide muscle support and help improve blood circulation.
For mountain tourism and hiking: Designed for high-intensity activities, these thermals offer breathability and moisture-wicking properties while providing some insulation.
Wool thermal underwear: Ideal for moderate cold conditions, these thermals provide a balance between insulation and breathability. These thermals offer maximum insulation and are suitable for extreme cold weather conditions or low-intensity activities.

When choosing thermal underwear, consider the intended activity, weather conditions, and personal preferences to select the appropriate type and material for optimal comfort and performance.

Quality thermal underwear can be distinguished by the following characteristics:

It fits snugly to the body, but does not press or interfere with the blood circulation.
The seams are flat, and labels are placed on the outer side.
Even during active physical activity, you don’t feel overheated.
It doesn’t become wet from sweat and doesn’t develop unpleasant odors.
It maintains its original appearance even after washing and active use.

Care Recommendations

Thermal underwear can be washed in a washing machine, just like any other clothing. However, there are a few nuances to follow. Wash it at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. Use liquid detergents instead of powder, and avoid using fabric softeners as they can clog the fabric’s pores and hinder its performance. Additionally, thermal underwear should not be ironed. Fleece-lined items are recommended to be washed inside out. After washing, do not wring out or machine dry the thermal underwear. Instead, hang it in a damp state to allow it to air dry gradually. Hot water and excessive wringing can damage the fabric’s structure.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Գույք և հանդերձանք - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

List of equipment for technical ascents

Clothes

Jacket

Fleece

Thermal underwear

Trousers

Socks

Equipment

Hiking boots

Crampons

Ice axe

Climbing ropes

Mountaineering helmet

Mountaineering carabiners

Hiking Backpack (volume 40-50 liters)

Trekking poles

Sleeping bag

Accessorize

Warm hat

Sun protection glasses

Buff

Gloves

Headlamp

First aid kit

Other

One Day Hiking in Armenia

How to charge your gadgets while hiking?

Power bank

Solar chargers

How to save battery?

Useful to know

Thermal Underwear: Functions and Selection Recommendations

What is thermal underwear?

Care Recommendations

Blog about Armenia