Gaining a high and significant altitude is vital while hiking. This why quite a lot of hikers acclimate to a high altitude. However, it is crucial that you know how to prevent altitude sickness naturally. Elevating to a high altitude is not a simple task, it is more than a mere exercise.
While hiking, acclimatization refers to a gradual movement towards the mountaintop or a cliff. When you acclimate, you find your way to a high altitude while hiking.
Also, when you acclimate to a high altitude, it gives you a great experience. Ardent hikers often feel unfulfilled if they don’t acclimate to a high altitude. It’s part of hiking achievements when you elevate to an unusual altitude.
There is an overwhelming feeling you derive from elevating to a high altitude. When you are at a high altitude, you have the whole view of the vicinity and beyond at your disposal. Many people love to elevate but need to know how to acclimate.
1. How to acclimate to a high altitude?
This article provides you with in-depth information and guidelines on how to acclimate to a high altitude.
To start with, there are some critical aspects of acclimating to a high altitude that you need to consider before you embark on the adventure.
First, preparing for high-altitude hiking should be your priority. Few hikers go for high-altitude hiking. Some people hike just for the fun of it and to have a view of beautiful scenery, terrains, cliffs, and nature’s touch.
However, if you intend to know how to acclimate to a high altitude, preparation is vital. For high-altitude hiking, it might require that you pack for a week or more. This depends on the altitude you want to achieve.
Also, prepare your body and mind for high-altitude hiking. Ensure that you are healthy before you start on high-altitude hiking. Do not attempt it if your body or mind is not ready for such.
Despite that high altitude hiking is enjoyable, it is equally tasking. You should also consider planning for the weather before you start.
Also, in some cases, temperatures and weather conditions can quickly change, therefore, prepare dresses that will cater to changes in weather.
Furthermore, for high-altitude hiking, you need to prepare extra clothes, blankets, food, snacks, water, footwear, and other hiking gear you need to have successful high-altitude hiking. These preparations are necessary how to acclimate to a high altitude while hiking.
While preparing for a high altitude, hikers are often curious to know how long it takes to acclimate while hiking. However, the answer to this varies. In as much as different hikers want to attain different heights.
For instance, if you want to acclimate to a 2,000 feet height, you can spend a few days. But hiking to a very high altitude like 8,000 feet, 10,000 feet, or 12,000 feet, you will spend weeks hiking.
You can spend much time acclimating to a high altitude because you need to take time to adjust to a high altitude.
As a hiker, do not only be concerned about how to acclimate to a high altitude. How to avoid high altitude sickness should also be your concern.
What are the first signs of altitude sickness?
As a matter of fact, commonly observed high altitude sicknesses are Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, shortness of breath, insomnia, and nausea are the common symptoms of high altitude sickness.
How do you prepare your body for high altitude?
However, you can avoid high altitude sickness. The significant steps you can take to prevent it include the following;
Do it slowly
1. Acclimate to a high altitude slowly, do not rush it. Being in haste while elevating to a high altitude can cause high altitude sickness.
Also, you have a lesser chance of having this sickness when you elevate slowly. Although this might make you spend more days acclimating, it is worth it, it is an excellent preventive measure.
Take time to rest
2. It is also essential that you take time to rest while acclimating. Don’t over-exert your energy while acclimating. Once you notice you are becoming exhausted, slow down and relax.
Stay hydrated
3. Another way to avoid high altitude sickness is staying hydrated. Drinking water helps you stay free from sickness. It also prevents headaches and migraine.
Wear appropriate clothing
4. Wear appropriate clothes that suit the present weather condition. Don’t wear clothes that will make you hot or cold. This helps to avoid high-altitude sickness.
Know your disorders
5. Another vital way of preventing altitude sickness is by taking note of body disorders. Once you notice you have a sleeping or eating disorder, combat the disorder early enough before it turns to high altitude sickness.
What can you take to prevent altitude sickness?
Paying attention to these helps you to avoid high altitude sickness. Nevertheless, peradventure you have high altitude sickness, you need to get treatment.
A severe high altitude sickness, if not managed can cause death. The easy ways to get over high altitude sickness are through:
• Proper medication.
• Proper Oxygenation and respiration.
• Taking pain relief medications.
• Descending from a high altitude.
Furthermore, it is important that you quickly adjust to a high altitude while hiking. Failure to adapt soon can significantly affect you or your elevation to a high altitude.
How do you train for altitude sickness?
Here are tips to help you adjust quickly to a high altitude while hiking;
1. A moderate physical activity
2. Carry a portable oxygen canister.
3. Hydration
4. Eat right and eat well
5. Proper rest and sleep
1. A moderate physical activity
While hiking, do not stress yourself out. When you exert too much energy while acclimating to a high altitude, this will exhaust you and make it difficult to adjust to a high altitude. Have a moderate pace, always learn to take things easy; this helps you change quickly. Learn here more about lightweight backpacking.
2. Carry a portable oxygen canister.
Also, you need this to adjust to high altitudes quickly. In cases of shortness of breath, you need oxygen to normalize your breathing. It is important that you have a portable oxygen canister in your backpack.
3. Hydration
Hydration is another crucial factor that helps you adjust to high altitudes. Elevating to high heights can leave you dehydrated. This will hinder you from adjusting quickly to a new high altitude. Avoid dehydration by drinking enough water, and it is helpful.
4. Eat right and eat well
Eating well is not enough, it is important that you eat right. Always, eat food that supplies you enough energy you need to acclimate to a high altitude. Don’t overeat! This will leave you too tired and heavy. Thereby, unable to adjust to a high altitude.
Furthermore, your backpacking meal should contain appropriate vitamins and minerals. This helps in adjusting to a high altitude.
5. Proper rest and sleep
Sleeping and resting will help your body to adjust quickly to a high altitude. Have enough rest and also, do not deprive yourself of quality sleep.
Final Verdict
If you are a lover of high-altitude hiking, take note of the guidelines in this article.
Follow them by letter, and you will be able to acclimate to high altitudes.
As you acclimate to a high altitude, you will derive pleasure from the beautiful scenery and pristine landscapes.
Nonetheless, having good health while hiking is as essential. Do not sacrifice your health for high altitudes. You can achieve both seamlessly.