Mountain climbing is one of the best things to do in the summer months. This hobby is not only great exercise, but can teach you a lot about yourself. Although the activity is a lot of fun, it can cost you a small fortune if you don’t know how to approach the sport. Luckily, there’s many great ways to save a few pennies on your mountain climbing adventure. These ten tips should help you find a way to work the hobby into your budget, so you can get out and climb your first mountain on Mountain Climbing Day. In no time at all, you’ll reach great heights that are sure to make you feel incredible.
1. Clearance Gear
When it comes to mountain climbing, you don’t have to shop for all of the latest gear. This is especially the case if you’re just starting out on the hobby. Each year, top brands come out with new items that are essentially the same as the year before. Sometimes, they will have small advances, but it won’t be anything you’ll absolutely need on the climb. That is why you should choose to shop clearance gear whenever you can. This gear can be found in stores and on websites, so make sure to look around to find the best deals. You should be able to find everything you need on clearance, especially if you shop right when the new equipment is released. Buying clearance rather than used can also help stretch your money as the items are new and won’t force you to have to purchase again before you get your money’s worth.
2. Rent Gear
Of course, if you’re just trying this activity out then you probably won’t want to buy anything in order to participate. The best thing you can do is actually rent the equipment you need. This will allow you to explore the sport without having to invest in it. If you don’t like it then you’ve only lost a bit of money and if you do then you have an idea of what equipment you will need to get prior to mountain climbing again. Renting is better than borrowing too as rented equipment has to meet quality standards before it is given to customers, whereas borrowed equipment might not be the safest option.
3. Splurge on Footwear
One of the most important things for mountain climbing is your shoes. You are going to want a pair that suits your needs and fits comfortably. However, you also want a pair that is going to hold up to wear and tear while allowing you to count on them not to break while you’re climbing. Usually, you have to put some money into shoes like this, so make sure to look around and read reviews on products that might suit your needs. You will be out some money for your shoes, but the safety and comfort they will provide can save you a lot more money in the long run. If you’re having trouble picking shoes for your hobby then talk to someone that mountain climbs frequently or someone that works at a store that sells equipment, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
4. Climb with Experience
Mountain climbing isn’t a casual sport, even when it comes to the mountains that seem like they are just a steep hike. When you are new to mountain climbing, you should hire a trainer to help coach you through the process. This will allow you to be prepared if an emergency does arise, which can save your life in the future. Coaches tend to not run on the cheap side, but if you can join a group you may be able to save some money. Of course, if you know someone that is an experienced mountain climber then you may be able to work with them to show you the ropes. Of course, you should always take precautions, which is why a trainer is the best person to take you on your first run. They will be able to point out problems they see in your form and give you pointers to help avoid major mistakes.
5. Travel with Others
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to find a group of people who also love to go mountain climbing. Even as you gain experience and feel more confident on the mountain, you are still at danger in this activity. Having a group or even just one or two others with you can save your life if you find yourself in a pinch. They can also help prevent major accidents. Of course, you should find people you completely trust in order to make sure that you will be safe in their company. Always travel with first aid and ensure everyone in your group knows how to administer it. Taking care of injuries when they happen can help improve healing capabilities as well as unnecessary medical expenses due to infections. Apart from making the activity a group affair, multiple people should be made aware of your whereabouts before you go on your climb.
6. Start Simple
A lot of people have dreams of grandeur when it comes to mountain climbing. They want to hop on the biggest mountain and prove their abilities to the world. The best thing you can do for yourself during this time is to actually start small. Choose a local mountain to climb that is small and can be done in just an hour or so. This will allow you to work your body up to bigger mountains in the future. You can always set high goals for mountain climbing, but try to start tackling your small goals first. There are many mountains that are challenging for beginners that will still give you some awesome bragging rights.
7. Pack Well
Another key to having a successful and frugal mountain climbing trip is to know how to pack your bag. First of all, you will need all of the equipment to mountain climb in your pack. If you are missing some of the key supplies then you will have to turn back without ever getting to enjoy your climb, which is a big waste of money. There are other crucial things you will need though. For starters, you have to have enough water to get you through the day. If not, you will need to know how to find water and filter it for your safety. Mountain climbing burns a lot of calories too, so food is another must have item on your list. You will also need supplies to keep you cool and save you from the sun’s UV rays. Keeping a properly packed bag can help prevent injury, exhaustion and other medical difficulties that could leave you paying a lot in hospital bills.
8. DIY Snacks
A lot of people love to buy pricey items for snacks because they think they will give them more energy. However, these snacks tend to come with too many preservatives, sugars and other ingredients you don’t really need in your diet, especially if you’re burning a lot of energy. There are a lot of great recipes online that you can try out, which won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The great thing about these snacks is you can make them in bulk for even cheaper and keep them in your freezer until you are ready to hit the trail. Trail mix, energy bars and protein drinks are just a few of the options to choose from.
9. Know the Mountain
Before you head out on your mountain climbing trip, you can do a lot to help make your trip a success. Most people have maps up of mountains, so you can check out everything you need to know about your climb ahead of time. You can even look at pointers from other climbers to help make your trip a success. Some things you might want to look for are dangerous areas that you should try to avoid. You might also check out regions with water, if there are any. If you plan on scaling the mountain often then you may even want to make your own map, so you can keep track of your own little findings.
10. Count the Costs
Climbing smaller mountains shouldn’t break the bank if you plan on mountain climbing often. However, if you are setting your sights high then you may want to do a little research into the mountain you plan on conquering. Big name mountains, like Mount Fuji, can cost you thousands of dollars to climb. So, you should always make sure you are ready to tackle the challenge before you invest the money in the trip. Keep in mind, these high cost mountains are also very dangerous and could cost you your life if you aren’t highly trained. By keeping an eye on these expenditures, you will be able to balance your hobby with your budget more efficiently.
Mountain climbing is a great way to get in shape, have some fun and release stress. It is also a great way to lose money. With these ten tips, you should be able to start on your adventure without overdoing it in regard to money. Before long, you will be scaling mountains like a champion without spending too much money.
