| If you're a beginner mountain climber and you | | | | They are also adjustable and comfortable which is |
| decide you want to climb Orizaba, it's not critical | | | | just perfect for long arduous climbs. |
| that you have mountain climbing skills. What's | | | | Ice Axe - As the name suggests, this axe is |
| important is that you have some glacier trekking | | | | designed specifically mountaineers to use in snow |
| and survival training skills which you'll definitely | | | | and ice conditions. They usually aid climbers with |
| need when you're on the mountain. The mountain | | | | the ascent (like a walking stick for uphill treks) and |
| is not necessarily tricky but the sudden changes in | | | | for descent (acts like an anchor to prevent you |
| climate and terrain may prove to be a challenge. | | | | from sliding down a steep grade. You also need |
| In any mountain climbing expedition, you'll certainly | | | | an ice axe that suits your height and strength. If |
| need tools of the trade to be able to maneuver | | | | you slip and fall, the ice axe is used to self-arrest. |
| your way around the terrain and any obstacles | | | | Crampons - Crampons are the spikes that you |
| you may encounter. When climbing Pico de | | | | attach to your boots to help you walk on snow |
| Orizaba, climbers follow the "alpine style", which | | | | and ice. With them you will have no fear of |
| basically means that climbers carry their own | | | | slipping across the terrain and you will even be |
| gear. There are no porters to follow you around | | | | able to climb frozen surfaces. You will need |
| to help you carry your stuff. So, prior to your | | | | 12-point adjustable crampons designed for |
| trip, you need to make sure that you bring only | | | | technical mountaineering. You may use either steel |
| the stuff that you need. Here is a list of the | | | | or aluminum (metal works best for icy conditions). |
| essential gear and equipment for your climb. | | | | It's important that you bring the right crampons |
| Headgear - One of the most basic pieces of gear | | | | to suit the kind of boots that you're wearing. |
| that you need to bring is your lightweight, sturdy | | | | Trekking Poles - Trekking poles are basically hiking |
| helmet. Technically, it doesn't really help with the | | | | sticks. They usually resemble ski poles except |
| climb but it will protect you from falling rocks and | | | | that they're collapsible and lightweight. You use |
| ice which you may encounter depending on the | | | | trekking poles to support you while you're walking |
| route you're taking and on the weather you'll be | | | | and give you balance when navigating through |
| experiencing. Your safety is always a concern and | | | | uneven terrain. |
| the helmet is your trustworthy assistant in | | | | Carabiners - One important gear for climbing Pico |
| protecting your fragile head. | | | | de Orizaba is the carabiner. You'll need at least 1 |
| Climbing Harness - Another essential piece of | | | | locking and 1 non-locking carabiner to connect to |
| climbing gear is your climbing harness. You wear | | | | your climbing system (with ropes and other gear). |
| this tool around your waist and legs to give | | | | Carabiners are especially handy when securing |
| support and protection in combination with your | | | | your foothold on the mountain as well as helping |
| climbing rope. Since there are many types of | | | | with rescue systems. |
| climbing harnesses for a variety of climbs, you | | | | Mountain climbing can be an extremely dangerous |
| need to choose a harness fit for alpine climbs. | | | | sport. It's highly recommended that you hire a |
| They are generally made of non-absorbent | | | | professional guide whenever climbing any |
| materials to withstand the rough climate | | | | mountain with extreme weather conditions, such |
| associated with glacier and high altitude climbs. | | | | as Pico de Orizaba. |