Services

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT

'We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.'

- Stevie Wonder.

"Survival is a discipline comprised by techniques and knowledge coming from various sources. These pieces of wisdom and experience allow us to save our lives and those belonging to other human beings under stressful or dangerous circumstances. It can also be used to save our properties and belongings.

In broad terms, and perhaps with the exception of some basic principles, “Survival” is a much too broad term to speak about, because different environmental conditions, different situations, etc. require also various techniques and pieces of knowledge that are quite varied.

For example, those techniques that could be applied for combat survival are quite specialised in most cases, and completely different from those that are practical to survive a car crash.

In the context that normally apply to outdoor activities, “Survival” could be understood as a collection of knowledge applicable to difficult and varied environments, accidents and occurrences proper of those environments (for example, avalanches, forest fires, etc.). These techniques could also be applied under normal circumstances to make our outdoor lives easier and more comfortable, and to increase the confidence of all participants, especially youngsters.

For example, knowledge of construction techniques could provide us with the basis for constructing stone ovens, shelters to expand our covered ground on camps, etc.

The origins of those techniques are varied and numerous. We can easily say that modern survival techniques are based on ancient knowledge as well as modern experiences during wars, natural disasters, etc.

Learning those techniques is a theoretical matter as it is an experiential issue. This means that there are various ways in which you can start learning survival techniques, but in order to gain an integral knowledge, you will have to use all of them sooner or later.

As on any high mountain, proper equipment is vital to safe and enjoyable climb.

•  FOOTWEAR: Mountain Boots, Several pairs of thin wool socks

•  UPPER AND LOWER BODY UNDERWEAR: Thermal underwear (Polypro), Track suit bottoms and tops

•  SHIRTS AND TROUSERS: Specialized synthetics, wool trousers and shirts ( avoid cotton), Breeches and salopettes (preferred by professionals), two thin woolen jerseys, modern fibre pile jackets

•  HEAD GEAR: A woolen.fibre pile balaclava and neck scarf, wide brimmed hat to stop sunburn on the face, sunglasses or snow goggles above 3,000m

•  HANDS: Gloves or better still mitts

•  RAIN GEAR: Cagoule or waterproof/ gortex jacket and trousers

•  SLEEPING BAG: Fiberfil sleeping bag rated to “3 seasons”, under-body sleeping pad such as a Therm-a- rest or karrimat

•  RUCK SACK: Aday pack of 20 litres capacity is recommended for personal effects, All other gear is best put inside strong polythene bags.

•  FIRST AID KIT: Certain basic equipment with some medicine is essential.

OTHER USEFUL EQUIPMENT: Gaiters to keep snow and stones out of the boots; Spare socks, shirts and trousers; Torch, camera, film and water bottle; Small towel and wash kit; Plastic bags, knife, fork, plate and mug(we provide these); Map and compass; Ski poles

Climbing Dictionary: http://home.tiscalinet.de/ockier/climbing_dict.htm

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Romantik Safaris & Travel Ltd.
Wabera Street, City House,

5th Floor, Suite 1, 

P.O. BOX 9494 (00300), Nairobi, Kenya

 Tel: +254(020)211856, +254(0722)782201 Fax: +254(0200312618

E-Mail:  info@romantiksafaris.com OR romantiksafaris@hotmail.com

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