But if we want everything to go perfectly we must not overlook these considerations to take into account:
7 Keys to going out into the mountains safely
1. Check the weather
The most important thing above all things is that you look at what weather you are going to find in the mountains, if storms are coming, if the sun is going to be scorching... and prepare your backpack accordingly .
Don't forget to always bring a raincoat and a fleece, just in case, because in the mountains you never know what can happen and hypothermia is the main cause of rescues. Check here the essential things to carry in your backpack.
2. Don't leave everything in the hands of technology
Many people believe that carrying a charged cell phone or GPS is enough. It is very useful, yes, but you have to know how to orient yourself in the field and carry a spare cell phone, turned off, with a full battery. In current mobile phones, with the number of applications we have installed, their battery life is rather short. Don't leave everything in their hands.
3. Don't go alone and let us know where you're going
One of the most basic rules of mountaineers is to never go out on the route alone. Generally it doesn't happen, but in the event of any setback you will have someone to lend you a hand: sprained foot, slip, storm, disorientation... And if no one accompanies you, at least give directions to where you are going, what you are going to practice (hiking , climbing, bicycle, etc.) and let them know where you leave the car parked so that they can locate you better.
It is also advisable that you trust a person to call you at a certain time, hoping to be back; If you don't call at that time, that person will try to locate you and if they don't succeed, they will call the rescue services.
4. Make a route that suits you
Know your limits and be aware how far you are able to go. Remember that reaching your goal is only half the way: then you have to come back and fatigue can play tricks on you.
5. Always carry plenty of water
It is already in the recommendations about the things you have to carry in your backpack, but it is essential and requires it to be treated in a single section.
You should not trust either the planned duration of the route or the time of year, because even in winter and with low temperatures we can run the risk of dehydration. Furthermore, it is likely that during the journey we will not even come across fountains or streams with drinking water and human beings can go without food but not without water. Also don't forget to bring foods that give you energy.
6. Go well equipped
It is important to wear footwear that supports the foot and, if possible, protects the ankle. This is one of the simplest and most valuable pieces of advice, since uncomfortable shoes can cause chafing, with the chafing the impossibility of walking well, and with that impossibility the difficulty of returning or the chafing becoming very painful wounds.
Don't forget to wear bright clothes, with bright colors so they can see you from afar.
7. Always use common sense
Anticipate the dangers you may face and always act with caution:
- Make the most of sunlight
- If you go in a group, do not separate from it
- If you go to high mountain areas, keep in mind that even in summer you can encounter snow or ice.
- Never trust yourself
- Consult or hire a mountain guide if you don't know the area or don't have much experience
- Find out well about the characteristics of the area you are going to.
