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What to take to the mountains for 2 days.  What to take with you to the mountains

Endless hills and meadows, rocky streams and all-encompassing silence - a mountain trip will appeal to the heart of every tourist tired of the hustle and bustle of crowded cities. However, the mountains are not only beautiful, but also a demanding place for summer holidays. To travel to such an area, you should be very well prepared. The basis of such preparation is a properly packed backpack. Find out what to take with you on your mountain trip so you can have a great time and enjoy the magic of the wild without any obstacles.

What to take with you on a mountain hike: clothes

What to take with you on such a trip? The basis is appropriate clothing. The first thing you need to buy is good trekking shoes. Summer boots should be above the ankle and covered with breathable materials. If you are just going to buy shoes for hiking in the mountains, remember that they should be on average one size larger than the ones you wear every day. If you already have good boots, do not forget to thoroughly treat them with a special spray before leaving. This will make them more resistant to moisture. Another important item is hiking socks. They must be made of materials that allow air to pass through and remove moisture. It's good for summer socks to have cooling properties. These types of products are available in travel and sports stores. When hiking in the mountains, you need to take trousers and several T-shirts with short and long sleeves. They should be made of breathable and quick-drying fabric. A good choice would be clothing made from polyester or polypropylene. In addition, you will need a warm sweatshirt. Remember that even if the summer is hot, mountain evenings and mornings can be very cool. In addition, even during the day, the weather in the mountains can be very variable. Be sure to also take a membrane jacket, also called a hardshell. It will protect you from rain and wind. A very important thing is a headdress. In the mountains it is especially necessary to protect yourself from the bright sun. You can pack your favorite hat or, better yet, a multifunctional scarf in your backpack. The latter is used as a headdress or scarf. Also remember about sunglasses. If you have a backpack, shop for a model with a hip belt - this is an absolute must to ensure the weight of your luggage is properly distributed. A good backpack should be waterproof. It should also have a bottom or side slider so you don't have to remove it to put things you have hidden at the bottom. The most important thing is that everything in it is comfortable. How can I check this? Measuring an empty backpack won't tell you anything. Ask the seller to load it and only then check how it sits. Do not put: Don’t take your favorite cotton T-shirts and socks to the mountains. Cotton retains moisture, which can cause discomfort, especially on long hikes. Nobody likes to have a sweat-soaked T-shirt stuck to their back while hiking. And if you take cotton socks on your trip, you'll probably end up with painful blisters. Don't put jeans either. The thick, hard material is very uncomfortable during long hikes. Not only will it keep you warm on a cold evening, but it will make you very hot on a warm day.

Equipment for a trip to the mountains: what you must take with you

The first thing you need to pack in your backpack is a map and compass. Do you think this is unnecessary in the era of smartphones equipped with GPS? This is very far from the truth. The phone gets lost too easily in the mountains to rely on its navigation. Does this mean that the smartphone should stay at home? Absolutely not. You should have your phone with you just in case, so that if problems arise you can call for help. Before leaving, add emergency numbers to your contacts. Save a contact in your phone for someone close to you who should be notified in the event of an accident. This phone should be kept as one of the most important. It is also good to take a so-called powerbank with you, it will allow you to recharge your phone in a situation where you do not have access to an outlet. If you are going to spend the night outdoors, you need to take a tent and a sleeping bag. If you plan to stay at a tourist camp, take only a sleeping bag with you. In both cases, it is important to take a good flashlight, preferably a waterproof one. Tourist camps often do not have constant lighting. A multifunctional pocket knife wouldn't hurt either. In addition to a knife, you must have scissors, a can and bottle opener. You can’t help but have a travel multitool (spoon-fork) in your backpack. If you're planning a long hike, don't forget to take a small camping stove. Also wrap a large mug, preferably metal, and a thermos. At least a small first aid kit is very necessary. Place in it painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets, as many patches as possible, disinfectant and medications that you regularly take. Also, take a set of cosmetics. Remember that in the summer in the mountains you will need a cream with a filter, preferably SPF 30 or higher. Do not put: Seriously consider going to the store and buying a fancy survival kit. It often contains items that you will definitely not need during a mountain trip, such as knitting needles, blades, miniature saws or fishing kits. Regarding the latter, you need to know that fishing in some cases is poaching, which can lead to criminal liability.

What to take with you on a hike in the mountains so that you don’t get overwhelmed by hunger

What provisions should I take? The principle is simple: food should be as high in calories as possible and take up as little space as possible. It shouldn't spoil easily either. Freeze-dried products are becoming increasingly popular. They are very light and come in small packages. To prepare them you will only need boiling water. Previously, the taste of such dishes left much to be desired. Nowadays, these kinds of products from good companies are really very tasty. Also, pack sweets and nuts. It's a good idea to bring good quality protein bars with you. These snacks will give you energy between meals. To drink, in addition to tea, be sure to take isotonic drinks in powder form. They will help you maintain adequate hydration. Also take with you a bottle of water or a so-called camelbak - a water tank with a mask and snorkel, place them in your backpack, so you can drink during the march. Do not put: Previously, chocolate was a mandatory item on the tourist menu. This is, however, a very impractical snack if you are going to the mountains in the summer. On hot days it can easily melt in your backpack. At best, if it didn't melt during the hike, you might get it on your hands while eating, then fiddle with your dirty hands until you find water. And if the package has been opened, the chocolate will stain the contents of your backpack. Another thing you should not take with you is energy drinks. They cause short-term stimulation of the body, and as a result cause even greater fatigue and dehydration.

Hello friends!

As you already know, I really love mountains. It’s fortunate that I live in Almaty, at the very foot of the city. In winter, however, I’m not much of a fan of mountain treks: when it’s -25 outside, I almost never leave the house. Fortunately, my freelance business allows this.

Just recently I bought it in a fresh powder, my hands were frozen wonderfully. A good reason to write a useful article while waiting for the season. This time about what to take from food on a mountain hike.

3 main principles: lightness, benefits and satiety! Moreover, it doesn’t matter whether I’m going for one day or on a multi-day expedition to. I think that it is not at all necessary to carry heavy cans of stew (except maybe a couple...), and a couple of onions can turn any tourist brew into a feast of the gods.

On the first day of the hike, you can have a blast with tomatoes

I will say right away that I do not adhere to any special science in programming and buy all products based on my inner feeling and a written menu.

  1. talk with the participants of the hike about the specific preferences of each
  2. write a menu for each day
  3. based on 2 large meals and 1 snack per day
  4. To make it tasty and interesting, I repeat 1 dish once every 3 days.

I definitely include carbohydrates, sweets, fatty foods and vitamins in the menu. For in the mountains the body is exhausted and the only joy of the flesh for it is to eat deliciously. For the latter, I don’t hesitate to wrap even a head of hard cheese in a rag.

Breakfast products

I love hearty breakfasts, no matter whether I'm on a hike or at home. Apparently, the hiking habit forces me to eat heavily in the morning. In action are:

  1. Bystoff porridge. 2 packets per person (1 packet is a mockery) with condensed milk and a handful of raisins.
  2. Cocoa with condensed milk (tasty and nutritious).
  3. Salty sushi with a piece of cheese or smoked sausage (even during the times of vegetarianism in the mountains, I turned into a meat eater, because I don’t care)
  4. Instant noodles (1 pack per person) with chopped pieces of smoked sausage. In our area, instant “lagman” is a wonderful product and is widely sold in supermarkets. Of all the “noodles” presented, it is most like food: with meat, vegetables and spices.

In a saucepan - wild mushrooms (pasture), on the burner - mustard)

Afternoon snack

In the afternoon, around 12 o'clock, we usually stop for a short rest for tea and a small snack. During it, the following are actively involved:

  1. Salty sushi (instead of bread) with sausage, cheese and other variations (lard or, for lovers of Central Asian delicacies, kazy)
  2. Less often - canned fish. They must be thoroughly washed down with hot tea. Because after them you really want to drink.
  3. Pate made from spare parts of birds (it’s wonderful to spread on salted dryers)
  4. If you don’t mind carrying bread with you, it’s better to take thick Borodino bread. It is great for long-term storage and goes great in the mountains.
  5. A couple of sweets (kozinaki, halva, chocolate)
  6. and a lot of tea (this is the main must-have for me on any hike)

For dinner

Dinner, like breakfast, is plentiful and tasty for me. I do not share the ascetic aspirations of some adherents to take minimal food on mountain hikes. Still, the body must recover and nourish itself.

For dinner I prefer to cook soup! This is where pre-stocked onions come in handy. And here you can safely throw a can of stew, previously stored in your backpack, into the soup.

Options for a group of 4 people:

  1. Soup from a pack (2 packs for four), a can of stew and 1 small onion. If you believed me and didn’t take the stew with you, then without the stew. The meal is wonderful! Liquid, hot in the mountains goes with a bang
  2. Puree (not rollton in a jar, but quick-cooking in a pack), 2 packs per person. 2 cans of canned fish. This is only served in 1000+ star hotels near glaciers and mountain passes.
  3. Buckwheat (Wheat or Barley) with stewed meat and onions. If you also sprinkle it with spices hidden in your backpack, it will be really cool. True, I stopped carrying buckwheat with me. Even in times of hunger it does not interfere. Therefore, I found an alternative in the form of wheat and barley porridge. Alternatively, some kind of pasta.
  4. Ready-made mixtures, such as “bulgur with vegetables”, “masurdal”, etc. A very tasty and nutritious alternative to the endless tourist hell in the form of buckwheat.

Drinks on mountain hikes

There are crazy mountain tourists who basically drink water from streams and eat two Snickers for 3 days. I do not share this approach. Still, I like to go to the mountains with an arrangement.

For drinks I take:

  1. Cocoa. A wonderful energy drink (especially with condensed milk), especially in the morning
  2. Herbal infusions: I specially brought sagan-dali and good fireweed tea. But I also like to pick peppermint and sweet pepper along the trails.
  3. Shu-puer. I'm a big fan. Of course, there is no time for tea ceremonies in the mountains. But it is a great joy to brew good black pu-erh for good people, especially during the day.
  4. Traditional tea bags. I drink it exclusively in the mountains, so I usually take the one that is more expensive and tastier. Black (delicious when brewed with milk) and some fruity one (I especially like Summer Bouquet from Greenfield).

As a plus, I always take 2-3 lemons with me on a long hike. They are divine as a snack or in tea! Yes, and they help maintain the body in combat-ready condition. Vitamin Tse, after all.

Mountains and Chinese are one of the most harmonious combinations in the Universe

Layout for one-day routes and direct routes

With one-dayers everything is easier. Food for the hike is taken from home: boiled eggs, sausages in deli pastry, cheese cakes, chocolate, apples, tea (pu-erh, herbal or ginger). If you are a vegetarian, try lavash rolls with cheese and vegetables.

For a PVD (Weekend Trek), you can take some provisions with you from home + add some delicacies cooked on a burner: porridge with Adyghe cheese and crackers, some vegetables, and a lot of tea delicacies.

Not long ago, a basket of fried wings from KFC became a break in the pattern for me. It's really delicious))) Except for the plastic cold French fries.

Other life hacks and amenities

  • Spices and Maggi cubes. With them, any camp brew turns into ambrosia! As an alternative to regular table salt, take Svanskaya. It wonderfully complements any buckwheat/pasta/cereals.
  • You can eat ALMOST anything with ketchup! What is not eaten with ketchup is dressed with mayonnaise and eaten. That. If you take with you a plastic packet of ketchup and the same packet of mayonnaise, you can eat ANYTHING with them!
  • Ginger ! A wonderful remedy for maintaining vitamin deficiency, good mood and pleasant warmth from drinking tea.
  • Mustard. In our area (Kazakhstan) there are very tasty seasonings “3 wishes”. Their mustard is very strong and at altitudes above 3000m it is considered a special delicacy.
  • Coffee . I don’t like coffee myself, but in the mountains I can drink a glass of some instant version. It's hot and wonderfully warm.
  • Gummies, like gelatin bears. In conditions of constant stress on the knees, this product becomes not only tasty, but also very useful.

To be honest, even after 10 years, the question of what to take for food on a hike in the mountains continues to be relevant for me. Sometimes I follow the beaten path, sometimes I improvise. So, several times I was able to taste overseas dishes in the form of freeze-dried products. The solution is quite interesting, but not too budget-friendly.

The food issue has been completely resolved. You walk from village to village and eat traditional Nepalese dal bhat.

I myself am not a supporter of total restrictions. Because, as I already said, food on a mountain hike is not only about weight and calories. This is a whole ritual that can bring happiness and unite any group, even the most diverse. Therefore, we need to improvise and look for options. In the mountains, everything is eaten with great appetite! And some, especially advanced ones, are not too lazy to even carry watermelons with them to the peaks.

Of course, I myself have not carried watermelons and there is little that can inspire me to stuff such a berry into my backpack. Everything here is very individual. Therefore, try, improvise! And let your hikes be not only beautiful, but also delicious.

Good weather and good digestion to you!

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The list of what to take on a mountain hike for winter and summer trekking differs only in a few things and items specific to each season, as well as the type of hike. Since the topic of this article is of a general nature, we will start from the most difficult one - winter hikes.

For those who are planning to travel in warm weather, all that remains is to cross out from the lists given what relates exclusively to winter trekking. The same list is suitable for those who are thinking about what to take for rafting. The only adjustment is that the shoes must be waterproof.

Things for a day trip

In the winter version, this list is supplemented, if necessary, with skis. So, what to wear to the mountains in winter:

  • thermal underwear,
  • two fleece sweaters of different weights,
  • windbreaker, windproof pants,
  • warm jacket,
  • two pairs of mittens or gloves and mittens,
  • two knitted hats - for sleeping and hiking,
  • balaclava to protect your face.

The summer version makes its own adjustments, it is complemented by the following things:

  • regular sweatpants,
  • t-shirt or shirt,
  • shorts,
  • Panama hat with a narrow brim.

You should not wear cotton clothes in the mountains, because there is often high humidity there. Jeans and other cotton items absorb moisture quickly and dry slowly. Membrane ones are better suited as outerwear; they have proven themselves well when combined with fleece and thermal underwear.

As for shoes, there is a real test drive for this type of equipment in the mountains. So don’t skimp and buy comfortable trekking boots. Along with them, you should buy two pairs of special socks; for winter, one of them should be warm. Sometimes nylon shoe covers are needed to protect shoes from dirt and water.

One day's equipment

To make your day trip to the mountains a success, take the following with you:

  • first aid kit with items, general and individual medications,
  • flashlight on the forehead and batteries for it,
  • 2 liter thermos and 1 liter flask,
  • if it’s summer, then only a flask, but for 2-3 liters,
  • personal documents wrapped in film,
  • phone, camera, navigator,
  • Sunglasses,
  • sunscreen, and if it’s warm, also repellents,
  • toilet paper.

We're going to the mountains for a few days

In this situation, the list of items expands. The traveler will need:

  • a tent, if for a winter hike, then without a zipper, because the latter will freeze in the cold,
  • foam mat,
  • sleeping bag,
  • devices that heat food - burner, primus, etc.
  • device for igniting a fire suspended above the snow,
  • food supply for the number of days of trekking plus another two to three days,
  • bowl, mug, spoon, knife,
  • saw, axe, matches, candles,
  • personal hygiene products.

For a winter hike, you will have to choose a larger backpack, 100 liters, so that all your things and objects fit. In the case of summer trekking for several days, a 60-liter backpack is suitable. Also, the winter version is supplemented with spare parts for repairing skis, lubricant for them and additional fastenings.

What products to take

This list is also suitable for those who are deciding what to take on a hike in the forest. In addition to it, you can grab 100-200 g of toffees or caramels, which improve your mood and well-being, and also provide additional energy by raising blood sugar.

On a mountain hike, it is better to lighten your luggage as much as possible, so we choose from the following:

  • crackers, flatbreads, cookies,
  • dried fruits, condensed milk, kozinaki, candied fruits, halva,
  • hard cheese, smoked sausage,
  • pates, canned food, stewed meat,
  • pasta, cereals, beans,
  • instant food: soups, purees, porridges,
  • dried mushrooms, vegetables, herbs,
  • tea: green, black, herbal, milk powder,
  • spices, salt, sugar.

For the first day, take sandwiches. This minimum can be varied, but you should be careful not to make your backpack too heavy to carry.

Mountain hikes require considerable physical endurance, so you should soberly assess your strength and start with simple climbs to low altitudes. Only after gaining self-confidence can you embark on long high-altitude trips.

When climbing, weight and proper packing of the backpack play a big role. Any item on a hike should be functional, moderately light, durable and resistant to low temperatures and high humidity.

Clothes and shoes

Good shoes are the most important element of hiking equipment. Modern trekking boots are suitable for almost any hike - they do not slip on crust and rocks, they are quite light and comfortable. Remember that during the hike you will have to cross mountain rivers, and any material will get wet sooner or later.

It is important to have time and opportunity to dry your shoes after a day's trek. On multi-day camping trips, you can wear light sneakers while your boots are drying.

In the mountains, the weather changes quickly, and there is often fog and rain. On bare slopes above 1000 m there is almost always a strong wind. Therefore, when choosing clothes, it is important that they are not blown through. You should definitely take a raincoat or waterproof cape.

It is always quite cool here, even if the temperatures are high at the foot. Therefore, it is better to take a warm sweater and jacket. There is special membrane clothing for mountain hiking. Warm gloves will also come in handy in the mountains.

Pants should be comfortable, as you will have to wade over unstable rocks, ridges, and overcome passes.

Clothing should be made of thick, waterproof fabric. It is better not to take jeans, as they usually do not have time to dry while parked. Even in the south in the mountains it is quite cool in the evening and at night, so woolen items or more compact thermal underwear will not be superfluous.

It is important to provide yourself with dry and warm clothing, especially when traveling long distances. To do this, you should always have spare socks in stock, and for sleeping it is better to take an extra pair. To keep things in the backpack dry, it needs to be protected with a special cover.

If your trip is only 1 day, still take the climb seriously. You need to select things for such a trip in the same way as for a multi-day trip. A small assault backpack will accommodate all the items necessary for climbing.

Many tourists, when hiking in the mountains, especially if there is a long climb ahead, purchase special trekking poles. They protect your knees and reduce stress on your legs. Instead of special ones, you can use telescopic ski poles, which cope with these tasks no worse.

If there are glaciers and snowfields on the mountain, then you need to purchase sunglasses or special mountain glasses - without them you can get an eye burn. It is better to secure the glasses with an elastic band. It is also important to remember about your headdress - it should be warm and cover your ears. A membrane hat will help avoid sunstroke, provide the necessary ventilation and protect from cold winds.

Collecting a first aid kit

In the mountains there is no way to quickly get to the emergency room, so all necessary first aid must be carried out independently. To do this, you will need a properly assembled first aid kit. In addition to the usual medications, your travel first aid kit should contain additional medications.

The most common injury on mountain routes is sprains, so the kit must include regular and elastic bandages and anti-inflammatory ointments. Do not forget about open wounds - in the mountains you can fall on sharp stones. Therefore, the first aid kit should contain means for their treatment (iodine or brilliant green).

Another danger that mountain tourists are exposed to is temperature changes and high humidity. Participants of the hike may catch a cold: the temperature may rise, the ears or throat may hurt. The best remedy for a cold is warm and dry clothing and hot food; you should stock up on antipyretics from medications. Some even experienced tourists may feel ill at high altitude - the first aid kit should have appropriate medications for heart pain.

Each traveler must take care of the medications that he personally needs.

Necessary little things

Above are all the basic items, but there are many accessories, personal items that are essential for traveling. This includes personal hygiene items, a mug and bowl made of unbreakable materials, a knife or folding set, which additionally includes a fork and spoon, matches, repair and sewing kits. All important documents, money, a map of the area with the route marked must be placed in a sealed bag. The camera must be packed in a waterproof bag.

In the mountains, a strong rope can come in handy, especially if you have a difficult climb ahead. You should also take a flashlight with you, preferably several. You may have to finish your trek at dusk.

Equipment for a multi-day hike

If the above items are enough for a one-day hike, then for a long trip you will need a tent and a sleeping bag. When choosing this equipment, you need to take into account low temperatures at night and strong winds. The tent must be stable and protected from moisture. It is better to choose an option with a vestibule where you can put your backpack at night.

The sleeping bag must be warm even for traveling in the southern mountains. It is better to choose models that can withstand temperatures down to -5 °C. It is important that it be light enough, so you should choose a sleeping bag made from modern materials. You can take a mattress of sufficient thickness or an inflatable travel mat, then it will be warmer and more comfortable to spend the night in the mountains.

The backpack deserves special attention. Do not strive for lightness and choose a model without a rigid back. The frame will help to better distribute things in the backpack and provide even pressure on the back, and this is very important when climbing.

If a group of people goes on a hike, then it is necessary to distribute common items among them. The approximate weight of a men's backpack is 80–100 kg, a women's backpack is 30–40 kg. If you choose a one-day hike, then each participant should have a small waterproof backpack with personal belongings, food for the day and a flask of water.

There is probably nothing more dangerous psychologically than a long stay in areas that can hardly be called wild. Physical fitness can save you from any excesses, which often make hiking in the mountains even more painful. In order for you to rest your soul, you need to properly stock up on equipment, as well as special food.

1. Clothes

Cotton items, which we diligently try to find in everyday life, have one property that makes them not worth taking on a mountain hike: they dry slowly. Therefore, especially in winter, it is necessary to take clothes made of synthetic polyester with you, which will protect from moisture and wind. Moreover, we must not forget about warm clothes, which should be stocked in duplicate. Also, don’t forget about what will protect your hands and face: mittens insulated from the inside and a balaclava hat will help you with this.

2. Products

It would seem what benefits candy brings while camping. However, everything is not as simple as it seems: they not only lift, but also save you from dizziness, which occurs due to pressure changes. Remember that you will have to carry everything on your own back, so try not to carry half the store with you. Stock up on something that doesn’t weigh too much: for example, instead of cans of meat, you can take dried meat. Hiking in the mountains will not give you the opportunity to prepare complex and multi-step dishes, so you should take with you everything that can simply be boiled, cut or fried over a fire.

  • One day hike

On any hike, no matter how many days, you need to take something that will help you stay in healthy shape: personal documents, anti-frost cream and, of course, a phone with GPS or a special device for orientation on the terrain. In addition, it is worth taking a powerbank, because you may need working equipment at any stage of the trip. Moreover, for a few days you don’t need to carry a pot and a burner on your back, because during this time you will be able to feed yourself on snacks, fruits and simple sandwiches.

  • Hiking in the mountains for several days

The longer you are camping, the more personal items you need. On a multi-day trip, you need to have a burner and a pot, several bottles of clean water, matches, a saw, and personal hygiene products. Moreover, you need to take care of food in stock for several days. It is better to avoid tents with zippers, because they freeze in the cold. In addition, you can take heat-insulating mats (foams, mats) that will keep you from freezing while you sleep.

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