Camping on a mountain is very hard, and only recommended for experienced campers. If that sounds like you, then I’m glad you found this post, because you are in the right place.
I will be explaining how to camp on a mountain – the correct way – throughout this article. You will soon learn the top secrets that I’ve been using for many years to help me complete a successful camping trip on the mountain.
Organize Your Gear Properly
You should be focusing on trying to organize everything, keeping it all in a tidy manner, and trying to not get stressed out when you can’t find something.
The last thing you want to do is take all your gear out of your backpack, simply because your waterproof matches were at the bottom of the main compartment 😮
Get A Decent Backpack
And adjust it properly. A well-made backpack will sit most of the weight on your hips and not your shoulders. While the padding should have received a lot more attention than anything else on it.
Bottom line, a backpack should not give you one bit of grief, especially if it is high quality.
Watch Your Footing
Take EXTRA caution when camping in the mountains. You’re only one slip away from falling over and injuring yourself. Which is only going to cut your trip short because you have to go get some help.
Wear Correct Footwear
Boots or shoes? I get asked this question a lot, and it still ceases to amaze me as to how many people don’t know which one they should be choosing.
There are a lot of considerations that needs to be remembered when you figure out what to choose. Gone are the days of ‘one boot does it all’.
You should be taking boots when you camp in the mountains. Ask yourself this: Are you camping in snow, on rock, ice, or all of these 3 combinations?
Realize that there’s a lot of things to consider, and it will help you make the right choice down the line.
I recommend getting a pair of heavy duty, high-cut boots that will handle rocky terrain, while high performance socks will help avoid blisters.
Here’s a great guide from REI that explains it all.
Know How To Predict Avalanches
This is a big one, and should be taken very seriously. Avalanches can and will kill you, even in your sleep. Nature doesn’t rest.
It is highly important to know if an avalanche will be coming, so you and your family/friends can pack up and get out of there asap.
Sciencemag explains a how-to, very clearly.
Know That Temperatures Can Drop Considerably
Once the sun sets over the horizon, you will soon feel the sudden temperature change. Bring more layers with you!
Early morning temperatures often drop too, and when they do, they drop fast and hard. You can combat this drastic temperature change by being prepared for it in the first place.
A decent sleeping bag is a start. You will need one with (at the very minimum) a 0 degree rating.
Then you need to learn how to keep warm in your tent. My winter camping tips will explain in higher detail 🙂
Get A Decent Tent
For the love of god, and for your own sake, please find a decent tent that is actually cut out for mountain weather!
I know many 4 season tents can get costly, however there are still some affordable 3 season tents that still work in minor winter conditions.
ALPS are a great brand and never fail to amaze me.
The ALPS Mountaineering Mystique (1 person) tent is a great example. The ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 2 Person tent is a better choice if you want something with more room.
My Final Thoughts
Camping in the mountains should ALWAYS be taken with extreme caution. I don’t care how much camping experience you have in the great outdoors.
If you aren’t always on your toes, watching your footing, or keeping everyone else’s safety in mind, you should not be camping in the mountains whatsoever.
A successful trip can soon turn into a tragedy in an instant, so be careful.
Other than that, you should have some awesome fun, and countless memories to share with the many people you will come across in your paths.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and considerations. If you did, please let me know in the comment section below 🙂