Part 1: Outdoor Fundamentals Flashcards
Define belaying
The technique of securing your rope partner in case of a fall
What is the Climbing Code?
A set of guidelines to help people conduct themselves safely in the mountains.
List the Climbing Code guidelines
- Leave the trip itinerary with a responsible person.
- Carry the necessary clothing, food, and equipment.
- A climbing party of three is the minimum unless adequate support is available.
- On glaciers, a minimum of two rope teams is recommended.
- Rope up on all exposed places and for all glacier travel. Anchor all belays.
- Keep the party together, and obey the leader or majority rule.
- Never climb beyond your ability and knowledge.
- Never let judgment be overruled by desire when choosing the route or deciding whether to turn back.
- Follow the precepts of sound mountaineering as set forth in books of recognized merit.
- Behave at all times in a manner that reflects favorably upon mountaineering, including adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
What are the enemies of comfort?
Precipitation, wind, heat and cold
Why does cotton kill?
Comfortable to wear when dry cotton loses insulating qualities when wet, absorbs many times it’s weight in water and generally takes a long time to dry. Can contribute to hypothermia. It also chafes skin when wet.
What is a base layer?
The layer of clothing next to your skin, allows perspiration to evaporate, keeping your skin warm and dry.
What is a mid layer and what should it do?
Mid layer strap warm air close to your body. The thicker the layer of trapped air the warmer you will be.
What is a shell layer and what does it do?
Shells protect mid layers from wind and precipitation. These could be waterproof breathable hard shells, soft shells or wind shells a depending on the conditions.
What is a belay jacket?
A jacket you can get in and out of quickly when you stop moving in cold conditions. An insulated jacket sized to fit over all other layers and preserve warmth at lower exertion.
How can being dehydrated make you cold?
Dehydration results in low blood volume
Why do your extremities get cold first?
Your body, when cold, reduces blood flow to the arms and legs to warm other more vital areas.
What are the steps for properly fitting and adjusting a backpack?
- *loosen all straps then shoulder the pack
1) position the middle of the hip belt over the top of the hip bones. Raise your shoulders and firmly tighten the waist belt. Virtually ALL OF THE WEIGHT should be on your hips as the shoulder straps are slack.
2) tighten the shoulder straps so they form a smooth arc over your shoulders. Minimum weight should be carried by the shoulders.
3) gently tension the shoulder stabilizer straps to bring the pack close to the body.
Tension any hip belt tensioners or sternum straps.
When putting on your pack where should you feel you are carrying most of the weight?
Your hips.
When you put on your backpack you should adjust the straps from _____ to ______.
Bottom to top (hips to head)
When packing your backpack heavier items should be packed where?
As close to your back as possible
List The Mountaineers 10 essentials
1) Navigation
2) Headlamp
3) Sun Protection
4) First Aid
5) Knife
6) Fire
7) Shelter
8) Extra Food
9) Extra Water
10) Extra Clothes
What are the 5 essential tools for navigating the backcountry as defined by the mountaineers 10 essentials?
1) map
2) altimeter
3) compass
4) Global Positioning System
5) personal locator beacon
Why might an altimeter be more useful than a compass in helping you determine where you are?
Fog, dark and heavy rain can obscure your vision. With an altimeter and topographic map you only need one more piece of information (trail, a stream, a ridge or bearing to a known location) to accurately self locate.
Which item of clothing provides more warmth to weight then any other?
A hat
What are the four components of the sleep system?
Sleeping clothes, a sleeping bag, ground insulation and shelter
What are the three cardinal rules for leave no trace camping?
1) camp gently -camp in established campsites or durable surfaces whenever possible
2) do not disturb - take only photos, leave only footprints
3) dispose of waste - dispose of human waste 200 feet (75 paces) away from water, trails and campsites. Bury in Forrest’s and blue bag in alpine areas.
What is the “campsite triangle”?
The campsite triangle is a principal that your tent, your food preparation and eating area and your food storage should be 100’ apart in a triangular configuration
Why should you face tent doors to the wind in good conditions and away from the wind in inclimate weather.
Facing the door into the wind in good conditions will distend the tent and minimize flapping. Facing the door away from the wind in bad weather will keep rain and snow from blowing inside.
Describe the ideal campsite
Great views, nearby water source and protection from the elements.