What is the basic equipment needed for a beginner mountaineer?

Answer 1

This all depends on how long you plan on hiking the trail. Is it for a few hours, a few days or the entire trail?

Water is the most crucial item to bring regardless of how long you plan to spend on the Appalachian Trail .

In addition to water, bring a backpack, a snack, first-aid kit, flashlight and a trail map.

The Appalachian trail is a very long trail. It runs from Maine to Georgia. Along the trail there are many places that you can stop to purchase new supplies. However there will be many times that you are not near any civilization for possibly days and you will need to rely on what you can carry.

This is a short list that has been taken from the Boy Scout Handbook, tenth edition

Pocket knife

First aid kit

Extra clothing

Rain gear

Canteen or water bottle

Flashlight

Trail food

Matches and firestarter

Sun protection

Map and compass

I will expound on the items listed above.

A pocket knife should be sharp. A dull knife causes a person to exert more force to cut something and the risk of an accident is greater. The larger the knife the less usefull it can be. A good sturdy, quality folding knife is best.

A first aid kit is a must. One that will treat cuts and scrapes and blisters from hiking boots and even splints for sprained or broken bones. If it has a snake bite kit in it, throw out the snake bite kit part. They are more dangerous than the snake bite.

Extra clothing. Especially extra socks. Dry clothes can make the difference between a miserable hike and an enjoyable one. Dress according to the weather and the predicted weather.

Always count on rain so have a good rainsuit or poncho.

Water is a must. Almost none of the water that you find on the trail is safe to drink without treatment. Nothing worse than being stuck days away from a good toilet if you get my drift.

A good small flashlight is also a must. Night is when things get tricky because you can't see to do anything unless there is a full moon and no clouds.

Food that is light enough to carry on the trail and also nutricious. Plus you will need something to cook in so a good messkit comes in handy. The Boy Scout messkit is surprisingly really good even for adults.

Matches and fire starters. Make sure that your matches are in a waterproof container. I liked to dip mine in wax to make them water proof.

Sun protection is needed since sunburn can ruin a trip and is unhealthy.

A good quality topo map of the area that you will be hiking in with a compass are a must.

Good quality hiking boots are a must. Don't skimp on the boot quality.

You will also need shelter as in a good backpack tent and sleeping bag.

Shelter is probably the most important thing to consider while hiking. Hypothermia has killed many hikers even in cool weather because they failed to watch the weather and plan ahead.

REALLY IMPORTANT! Don't go alone. Always leave a hiking plan with someone that you can trust. Detail where you plan to be at different times and check in with these people when you are supposed to. This gives them a place to start the search if you fail to check in.

Finally, on a lighter note: If you are in bear country, wear a bell around your neck and carry pepper spray.

Answer 2

The basic equipment needed for a beginner mountaineer include good warm clothing, climbing shoes and safety equipment. One needs a hat and climbing harness to protect against falling.