Ali Alami's Blog (45)

Basic Navigation: How to read a map

Many outdoor experts place a map as one of the 10 essentials. Even if you’re just following an established trail a map can come in handy for distances and in cases where you might veer off due to the trail being covered up in snow. Many mountaineering routes are in snow or remote area without a permanent trail. Maps are also light and easy to pack, and can be easily downloaded from the internet, www.trails.com is a good site. Many friends I know, including myself carry a GPS loaded with maps… Continue

Added by Ali Alami on February 12, 2009 at 8:30am — No Comments

10 minute a day rock climbing workout

There are many exercises that are benefit to rock climbers. If you have only 10 minutes a day for a quick work out and want to improve your climbing strength pull-ups should be a priority. Pull-ups help with pull muscle strength vital to most rock climbing techniques. Aim for 3-4 sessions a week. If you can’t do a single pull up start with lat pull downs in the gym and increase the weight till you can pull down close to your own. Another alternative without going to the gym is to use a bar and… Continue

Added by Ali Alami on February 2, 2009 at 6:58pm — No Comments

6 week beginner Mountaineering and backpacking training plan

Here's a rough 6 week training plan to get in shape for hiking/mountaineering. This will is a good plan for getting in shape to climb Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, or a 2 day back pack trip with less than 4000ft of elevation gain. Some things to remember when following this plan:

1. It really helps to have a heart rate monitor and follow the suggested MHR.

2. This is just a roadmap, not everyone is the same or has the same needs, tailor it to your needs. The important thing is… Continue

Added by Ali Alami on January 11, 2009 at 11:30am — No Comments

Equiptment List -Day hike in Pacific Northwest

Essential equiptment for a day hike (Pacific Northwest)

Having the right equipment can not only help fulfill a hikers survival needs when things go wrong but prevent a minor situation from escalating. It’s important to know how to use your equipment. Also it’s best to select items that are multi use. A t-shirt can be used as a bandage to stop bleeding, tied around ankles to absorb dew from plants for water, filter muddy water, used to cover your head in heat or cold,… Continue

Added by Ali Alami on January 10, 2009 at 5:30pm — No Comments

Staying Hydrated on climbs and hikes

Staying hydrated is essential to peak performance and climbing enjoyment, dehydration can cause lagging pace, apathy, headaches, fatigue, and can affect decision making. Constriction of blood vessels due to dehydration makes you susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude sickness.

Most athletes understand the importance of hydration but many climbers still end up mildly dehydrated without realizing it. Especially since some of the symptoms of altitude sickness are similar to… Continue

Added by Ali Alami on January 4, 2009 at 7:00am — No Comments