If you are planning a vacation why not make it something different and extra special? It may be that your normal vacation routine is to visit another country. You find some nice lodgings and plan some outdoor outings. If possible, you try and squeeze in some rest and relaxation. But if you really want to step it up a notch, then why not plan on taking a mountain tour. This will ensure you have a truly exhillarating time.

There are a lot of extra benefits that come with a mountain tour. First of all, you are going to get some excellent exercise in the clean air of nature. Sure, you can spend hours walking around the shopping malls in the city you are visiting, but this will be nothing compared to the walking you will be doing in the mountains.

If you book a mountain tour with one of the organizations that is running them, you will most likely have a guide that will take your through the mountain trails. This is an excellent resource that will teach you a lot of things along the way. You will get to learn a lot more about the history of the region you are visiting. Many of the things you will discover may be easily lost if you do not take this adventure.

You will also find that you will have a wonderful panorama, and see some spectacular views. None of which would be quite as impressive if you did not take the trouble to climb up part of the mountain side.

Frequently, where there are mountain tours available, there are options as to their duration and intensity. If you are not an outdoor person, then you may want to begin your mountain adventure with the one that is shortest in time and intensity.

There are several different types of equipment that you are going to need if you are going to trek the mountains. One of the most important is mountain climbing boots. Picking these out will be a little different than when buying just plain everyday boots.

The Difference Between Mountaineering Boots and Hiking Boots

Your first inclination may be to buy some good sturdy hiking boots. These may be okay in some circumstances, but if you are going to do some serious mountaineering, then you will want true mountain boots. The biggest difference between these and hiking boots, is that the mountaineering ones have more weight to them, and they are rigid in their composition, so they can attach to the necessary climbing gear.

If you are only going on a short climb, then Alpine boots will work nicely. But if the weather conditions are going to be cold, then these boots are not the best choice, as they are made of leather and not meant for intense cold.

If you think you will be climbing on ice, then the boots you are wearing are going to be important for this task. You want a pair of boots that have narrow soles and are also stiff and have a full shank. If you are setting out on a full expedition, you need to choose what are actually called expedition boots. These boots are totally insulated for warmth. What they also have is the ability to remove the insulated lining, which may be necessary if you are going to climb above 15,000 feet.

Ideally, you will want to try your mountain boots on before you buy them. Make sure you are wearing socks that are of medium weight. Pay close attention as to whether the boot is rubbing or pinching your feet anywhere. They should feel snug but comfortable.

There are some serious mountaineers out there, that when they go on a mountain trip they are going on an expedition. Perhaps you are new to this type of outdoor adventure, and you are not quite ready for something so intense. In that case you may want to start out with a weekend mountain trip. You can not only do this as a great weekend getaway, but also as a learning adventure.

The first thing you want to do is plan on where this mountain trip is going to be, so you can research as to what the weather and terrain will be like. Even in the summer months, the mountains are quite a bit cooler, and you will want to make sure you have enough warm clothing with you.

You also need to determine what kind of activities are going to be available to you while you are there. Some mountain terrain is ideal for cycling. If you have the proper mountain bikes, then you may want to pack them up to take with you. If the mountains are ideal for skiing, then the same thing goes. In either case, there is probably a town close by that caters to mountain tourists, and they may have rentals of the pertinent equipment that would be used for most of the activities.

Always check what the weather is going to be in the region where you are taking your mountain trip. There are times when it can become dangerous to be in the mountains in adverse weather conditions. If it appears that the weather is going to be bad, then it may be best to postpone your trip. You may want to pack two pairs of shoes even though you want to travel light. Your footwear is going to be one of the most important pieces of your attire.

Camping is great fun, but for many, mountain camping is even more enjoyable. This kind of camping also creates the need for a little more planning. This is to ensure that you are going to take everything that you need so that your great adventure doesn’t turn into a disaster.

Be Prepared for Temperature Changes

One of the biggest mistakes that a lot of mountain campers make, is not being prepared for the cooler weather that is so common in the mountains. If you are going in the summer, you will still need heavier clothing, especially at night time.

The Right Backpack

You will most likely want to pack light because you will be moving from one camping spot to another, and dragging a lot of gear and clothing with you can be tiresome. At the same time, you want to make sure that you have enough of everything. Choosing the right backpack will be really important for this. Also, a backpack not only has to be adequate in size, it has to be compact enough so you can easily carry it. And it also needs to be comfortable. You may not realize it, but you need to have the perfect fit.

Prepare Your Clothing List

Don’t just grab a bit of this and a bit of that, when it comes to what clothing you are going to be taking. Not only do you want the right amount, you want the right type. Choose pants that are quick drying, and the same for your under garments. Wool socks are the best choice. For your base layers, go with short sleeves, and for an outer layer, a down filled pull over or fleece jacket is ideal, and don’t forget a rain jacket! Along with all of this you also need good footwear and accessories.

There are lots of things that you need to take with you on your mountain trip. Yet, at the same time, you need to pack light and be able to compact it. Your gear is just one category that you are going to be depending on.

Your Backpack

This is an item you are going to want to make a good investment in. It has to carry a lot of items, yet be comfortable and lightweight.

Trekking Poles

Don’t count on finding some tree branches as trekking poles. You are going to be in the mountains here, not just some small forest.

Tent and Bedding

You need a simple lightweight tent and a down sleeping bag. Ideally for comfort you may want an inflatable pad to protect you from the ground.

Cooking Items

Go with lightweight cooking items and purchase a lightweight backpacking stove. Water is going to be important, so make sure you have a 3 litre bladder. Also, carry some water filters with you.

Other items on the list that are going to be important include some type of item to start a fire, a knife and a headlamp. Take extra batteries and a trowel so you can bury your waste. Don’t forget the toilet paper, and some trash bags. And an emergency kit is a must.

Make a list of the clothing items you will need. It is highly important that you stay organized with your packing. You don’t want to be up a mountain and suddenly realize that you forgot something important.

You will want some toiletries, but be sensible about this, and only take those items that are necessary. You can buy travel sizes for your toothpaste, soap and shampoo. Don’t forget a towel.

No doubt you will want to cut down some of the costs that come with mountain camping, but don’t do this on important items. Your gear is critical to you safety and comfort.