You Will Need Glacial Mountaineering Gear If You Want To Climb Pico de Orizaba

Climbing Pico de Orizaba is a once in a lifetime experience. However, if you become addicted to the sport, you might be visiting Orizaba several times a year.

The highest peak in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba. The Aztecs called this mountain the "Star Mountain", most likely because of its topographic prominence - its peak can be seen by the naked eye several hundred miles away.

Pico de Orizaba is known as an ideal training ground for expert climbers preparing for much more dangerous mountains, such as Everest or K2. Orizaba is also a great location for a novice climber to gain some experience in the art of glacial mountaineering. Every climber needs a unique set of tools if he wishes to successfully reach Orizaba's summit. This article will discuss a few of the more important pieces of technical equipment.

Do you know what "alpine style" means? It's the term used for "carry your own gear"! On Orizaba, there are no porters. There are no advance vehicles that will cart your belongings up the mountain side for you. What you carry on your back is what you get to bring up the mountain. Although this is a much more difficult style of climbing, it's a highly respectable way to climb any mountain. Orizaba is an "alpine style" mountain.

How much gear should a person take on their climb? Outside of the essential tools, it's really up to the climber. Obviously, the less gear you carry, the easier it will be to make the climb - less gear means less weight on your back, and less fatigue your body will have to deal with.

You're going to need a pair of high-quality boots if you wish to climb Orizaba - you'll never make it with a cheap pair of hiking shoes. You'll need to spend some decent money and purchase a high end pair of mountaineering boots. High quality boots equals comfort and warmth. If your feet hurt or they're excessively cold, you will be more than miserable on the mountain side. Basically, you will be putting your life in unnecessary risk if you attempt to climb Orizaba with a set of sub-par boots.

Have you ever been hit in the head by a falling rock? Well, it could certainly happen while you're climbing Orizaba. Loose rock is common on the mountain side. To help thwart a falling rock from knocking you unconscious, you'll need to purchase a high quality climbing helmet.

Another piece of headgear that is necessary is a head lamp. It needs to be well built and sturdy - you'll probably bang it around on a rock or two while you're wearing it. The headlamp is necessary because you will be starting your climb several hours before sunrise (commonly referred to as an "alpine start").

Ever heard of a climbing harness? The harness and climbing rope go hand-in-hand. The harness keeps you securely attached to the rope, and the other end of the rope is attached to your climbing partner's harness. You're essentially tied to your climbing buddies - if one of you falls, the other one has a chance to save you. It's quite common to see five or six climbers tied together by a single climbing rope.

An ice axe and a set of steel crampons are essential to glacial climbing. Both items are used to secure every step of your journey. The ice axe is used to help balance you and to self arrest in the event that you fall and start sliding down the mountain side. If you should trip and fall, and you begin to slide down the ice, you'll only have a few seconds to self arrest, otherwise you're as good as dead. With every step you take, your crampons will bite into the ice and stabilize your footing.

Two more recommendations are trekking poles and, of course, a couple of carabiners. The carabiners are used in conjunction with your climbing rope. And the trekking poles are used when you'll be walking for long periods of time - they assist in both balance and footing.

Mountaineering is an extremely hazardous sport. Many people die every year while attempting glacial mountaineering. You should have the proper equipment and clothing if you attempt to climb any mountain. And it's always best to hire a professional guide to help you with your journey.