Category: Mount Kilimanjaro

Gloves and trekking poles go together like bread and butter as the use of gloves with hiking and trekking poles continues, with opinions varying among outdoor enthusiasts. Some prefer to keep their hands warm with trekking and hiking gloves and forgo the use of poles. In contrast, others choose to use gloves while utilizing trekking poles as protection against the sun's harsh UV rays. Hikers who opt for using hiking and trekking poles without gloves typically ease their grip to prevent abrasions and blisters on their hands. However, for those who prefer wearing gloves, a simple biking glove can offer protection from UV rays while maintaining the necessary grip while walking with poles. Interestingly, some hiking and trekking poles, such as Nordic walking poles, come equipped with attached gloves to minimize the impact on your hands when traversing uphill or downhill. Therefore, it's advisable to consider donning thin mechanical gloves, like biking gloves, when using hiking and trekking poles to shield your hands from the challenging outdoor environment. How tight or Snug Should Hiking Gloves Be? Just as your hiking clothing should fit snugly like a second skin, your hiking gloves should embrace your hands perfectly. They should be snug around your palm and fingers without being too tight or too narrow. Think of the fit of hiking gloves in the same way you consider the fit of your shoes. Shoes should encase your feet snugly, leaving a bit of room for your fingers to move comfortably. However, there should be minimal room to spare in areas where a snug fit is essential. Moreover, the materials used in your hiking gloves should not cause discomfort, itching, or excessive warmth. When assessing the fit of hiking gloves, it's crucial to try them on before making a purchase. If you must exert

When preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb, choosing or selecting the right trekking gloves is crucial for comfort and safety. While Kilimanjaro climbing doesn't require technical expertise, it does demand mental and physical fitness. The right gear is essential for a successful summit attempt, and that includes suitable gloves. Making the right choice of gloves may help keep your hands warm and comfortable when climbing Kilimanjaro. You should have a few different types of gloves, just like you would when layering your clothing. To be clear, hiking, not mountaineering, is what it takes to climb Kilimanjaro. Your hands won't be in the snow as a result. However, it does become chilly at night, particularly on summit night. Furthermore, it's possible for it to be below zero. It's crucial to keep your hands warm if you want to reach the Uhuru peak. It will be terrible if you don't have the proper gloves since your hands will be chilly. In light of this, here are some suggestions for different kinds of gloves you might want to pack for your climb. Lightweight Gloves For your Kilimanjaro adventure, your choice of gloves plays a critical role. Lightweight gloves serve a dual purpose. They keep your hands warm during hikes, and their durability adds padding while using trekking poles. Several suitable options are available. Glove liners can be crafted from materials like silk, wool, lycra, polyester, nylon, or fleece. It's essential to select a pair that offers both durability and warmth, ensuring they last the entire trip. Investing in high-quality gloves designed for cold-weather hiking is crucial for comfort and safety. Midweight Gloves Consider including midweight or wind-blocking gloves in your gear. If you're already bringing ski or snowboarding gloves or mittens, there's no need to pack both glove liners and midweight gloves; one of

Kristin Harila, a Norwegian lady has smashed the record to have climbed all 14 of the world's highest mountains the quickest. She did it in three months and one day when she reached the peak of Mount  K2 in Pakistan on July 27th, 2023, beating Nirmal "Nims" Purja's previous record by three months and five days. This means that Harila beat Nimsdai's record by 4 days. Former professional skier Kristin Harila reached her final peak, K2 in Pakistan, the second-highest mountain in the world, less than four months after setting out to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. Former professional skier Harila recently transitioned to mountaineering, while Tenjin has been working in the mountains since he was young. Harila participated in the Norwegian championships in 2006 as a cross-country skier, and achieved the 24th and 25th positions. She was a member of the club IL Polarstjernen. In 2021, Harila reached her first 8,000-meter peak and later became determined to climb them all as quickly as possible. In 2022, she made an initial attempt but was only able to complete 12 peaks due to pandemic travel restrictions. The first climber to summit all 14 peaks was Reinhold Messner, accomplishing this feat over 16 years without supplemental oxygen. The climb of Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world at 8,163 meters, was criticized by renowned sherpa Mingma G for her team's apparent significant dependence on helicopters to stock camps on the mountain before her successful ascension. Harila's efforts, however, have not been without criticism. On her last peak, Osprey, one of her sponsors, announced her triumph. According to a July, 27th, 2023, statement from Osprey, "Today at around 10.45 am Kristin and her committed climbing partner, Tenjin 'Lama' Sherpa, successfully summited K2 in Pakistan, and with that reached the summits of

Anna Gutu, one of the two American climbers together with Gina Rzucidlo, have unfortunately died in an avalanche accident on worlds highest mountain, Everest. In a heart-wrenching turn of events during the 8000-meter climbing season, Shishapangma, one of the world's renowned peaks, witnessed tragedy. Two climbers have been confirmed dead, two are missing and presumed dead, and several others have sustained injuries due to avalanches that struck over the weekend claiming the lives of the four climbers. On October 7th, American climber Anna Gutu and her Sherpa guide, Mingmar Sherpa, were hit by a devastating avalanche at approximately 7,800 meters on Shishapangma. Tragically, they lost their lives in this perilous incident. Later that same day, another avalanche occurred in the same area, affecting a second American climber, Gina Rzucidlo, and her Sherpa guide, Tenjen Lama. Despite rescue efforts, they remain missing and are presumed dead, buried beneath the avalanche debris. Shishapangma, standing at just over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), ranks as the world's 14th tallest peak. While it is considered one of the less technically challenging mountains of such height, it is not immune to the inherent dangers that high-altitude climbing presents. Two avalanches struck Shishapangma's slopes at elevations of 7,600 meters and 8,000 meters on a fateful Saturday, claiming the lives of Anna Gutu and Mingmar Sherpa. Gina Rzucidlo and Tenjen Lama, who aspired to achieve remarkable feats on the mountain, are now missing, their hopes and dreams buried beneath the snow. The climbers attempting the summit, hailing from various countries, including the United States, Britain, Romania, Albania, Italy, Japan, and Pakistan, found themselves in the treacherous path of these avalanches. In response to the unstable snow conditions, all climbing activity on Shishapangma was suspended. This season, the Himalayas welcomed climbers in October, a month traditionally known for more

When it comes to conquering the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, especially during those freezing and challenging summit nights, the choice of hand protection becomes paramount. Mittens, in particular, play a crucial role in ensuring your hands remain warm, functional, and well-protected from the harsh elements. Let's delve into the importance of mittens, especially during summit night expeditions. Shop for your mittens here Mittens: Your Lifeline on Summit Night Extreme Temperature Defense Mittens are your best defense against extreme temperatures, and they are primarily designed for use on summit day and during the coldest of nights. When the mercury drops to its lowest point, and the biting cold threatens to freeze your fingers, mittens step in as your saviors. Essential Features When choosing mittens, make sure they come equipped with certain essential features. Look for mittens that have wrist cords and reinforced palms. These features are vital, especially during wet conditions, as they help maintain a firm grip on essential equipment and prevent slipping. The Versatility of a Removable Liner Opt for mittens with removable liners. This feature is invaluable for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to dry and wash the liners, ensuring that your gear remains hygienic throughout your expedition. Additionally, it provides you with the option to replace the liners if needed, ensuring that your hands are always protected optimally. The Significance of Hand Protection While you've likely invested considerable time and resources in acquiring hiking boots, a reliable jacket, a sturdy backpack, and suitable trousers, the importance of hiking gloves and, more specifically, mittens, should not be underestimated. In cold and challenging environments, it's essential to remember that hypothermia typically starts from the limbs, making hand protection a matter of utmost importance. Understanding the Functions of Mittens Mittens serve two primary functions –