When planning a great outdoor adventure, mountaineering or trekking may be among your options, right?

When it comes to this type of outdoor bonding activity, there are plenty of mountains that are frequently suggested by some professional climbers. So if you want to experience real enjoyment and excitement, why not climb to the top of one particular majestic peak that is considered to be the highest in the country?

However, before you get too excited, especially in preparing your trekking essentials, try looking at the following tips for a safe and memorable climb first:

1. Start your day with a good and healthy breakfast. Having a nutrient-packed first meal of the day will help you get enough carbohydrates to give you the energy you need before the climb. So before you join your pack to climb mountains, make sure you’ve included oatmeal or rice in your breakfast.

2. Tell your family about your adventure and when they should expect you to return. This is very important when we talk about security. Think about this: When you said you’d come home two days later and couldn’t, your family (or friends) can notify the proper authorities who can help look for you.

3. Ask PAG-ASA or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration for the latest weather updates. When considering hiking as an outdoor bonding hobby, you need to make friends with the weather guys. This means you need to frequent their website and keep an eye out for weather updates on TV, radio, newspaper, and even on social media. If the weather forecasters say it would be unwise to leave the four corners of your house for any period of time, then stay! Don’t risk it. After all, you can always check out the mountain at any time weather permitting. Remember, you can never leave where you are now.

4. Take with you some tools that can help you navigate. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar place, you certainly need the help of a map, compass, and guidebook. Nothing beats someone being prepared and the fact that you don’t need to worry when you feel like you’re heading into unknown space while climbing to the top of the mountain. When you have this “army of navigation tools”, you and your companions can always ask for their help if the need arises.

Stay tuned for the second of these handy tips to prepare for your climbing getaway.