Talking or thinking about standing on top of a mountain is always easier than the process of actually getting to the top. Just like anything else in life. But mountain climbing is a strange activity, really, since half the time we experience mental and or physical discomfort to a substantial degree. We get scared, are sweaty, cold and dehydrated (often at the same time) and then, in the end, we're fully convinced that we just had the time of our lives. Some nebulous reward seems to make it all worth it. Mountain climbing doesn't have to be all suffering though, and with a bit of solid planning you can avoid a lot of pain. Here are some basic tips that ought to point you in the right direction. 1. Take the time to find the right pair of mountaineering boots. If you decide that you want to climb a mountain, get them as soon as you can. Don't buy them online, if you can avoid it. You need to try them on, and you can get good advice about them in a specialty retail store. Don’t know where to start? Here are some Outdoor Research Trusted Adventure Dealers.  2. Break in your boots. I know that it seems hard to make good use of a mountaineering boot if you live far away from the mountains. You can just wear them around your house, in your office, mow the lawn, go for walks etc. Just get your feet used to them slowly. You do not want your first mountaineering trip to be your feet's first encounter with a stiff-soled boot. 3. Take the time to find the right mountaineering backpack. Put some weight in it and make sure it fits your body well and fits the need of your trip. Mountaineering packs fit closer to the body than a hiking pack. They are more streamlined and there is a reason for that—they need to be agile for climbing. 4. Invest in high-quality gear. It can be pricy, but with proper care, these things last a long time and if you chose good, modern equipment, you will save a lot of weight and volume in your backpack. Your pack should include all the necessities to keep you warm, dry and as comfortable as possible. Remember you are not only packing for the temperature at the trail head but for the top of the mountain as well, where weather patterns can (and most likely will) drastically change. A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket should be on everyone’s pack as well as a down or synthetic jacket to layer under a shell if the temps start to drop. To start the mountaineering clothing search, shop the Mountaineering Collection here. 5. Put in the time to train. Make sure your workouts are lower intensity, but longer duration. This could be a long hike. Try to carry some weight in your pack. You need to get your back and shoulders in shape as well. Plastic water jugs work great for uphill hikes. You can get rid of the water on top (make sure to drink some of it first.). This is easier on your knees. 6. Sign up for a mountaineering course. Especially if your objective is technical in nature and you want to climb your objective without a guide. Glacier travel in crevassed, high alpine terrain is best learned from a professional. The same goes for movement in exposed alpine rock terrain. The ramifications of poorly learned techniques can be really serious. 7. Pick your partners wisely. You will tie into a rope with people who will be responsible for your safety. 8. Pack for the unexpected. Yes, there are a lot of cool things we can buy for mountaineering and backpacking, but try to pare things down to what you really need, and then maybe add one or two "nice to have" things like a Kindle reader and a cotton T-shirt etc. If you go with a guide service, try to stick pretty closely to their suggested packing list. Don't overpack; you will most likely regret it. 9. Efficiency is key. Take it slow. You will get plenty of exercise. The goal (unlike in the gym) is to expend as little energy as possible while making it to the top. Efficiency is everything in the mountains. In his book "The Challenge of the North Cascades" the famous mountaineer Fred Beckey said: "In the mountains, you are sometimes invited, sometimes tolerated and sometimes told to go home." I do better in the mountains when I remember this. **  Photo by Martin Volken / Pro Guiding Service.
