Agree, after a rather difficult half-quarantine year, the soul of almost everyone in Ukraine wants rest. Some people like to passively contemplate the beauties of nature on the warm coast or from the window of a luxury villa, while for others the real thrill is an active extreme hike on unfamiliar mountain trails, an open-air night and the pleasure of birds singing and crackling bushes in the fire. And if for the first option it is more or less clear that even forgotten things at home can be found in shops or southern markets, then on the deserted trails of the Carpathian Mountains such an option will not work. So, what to keep in mind if your element is to conquer the peaks in friendly company? I share my own experience I gained this year while climbing the majestic Petros

1. Qualitative tent. Usually climbing a mountain begins in fine weather conditions: the sun shines, the breeze blows pleasantly, chirping birds. The mountain path winds like a snake, embracing the mountain. But the higher you go, the colder it gets, the atmospheric pressure changes, the wind rises. In addition, the weather in the mountains is very changeable. A cloud is coming in – and you are already wet as a beetle. Therefore, a night in a tent should be taken very seriously. The tent should be chosen of a high quality. It is important that the outside tan is waterproof and does not touch the inside in an unfolded form, because this will lead to the fact that in adverse weather conditions, even in a tent, rain will drip on your head. Also keep in mind condensation, which will inevitably form on the inside of the tent if there is insufficient ventilation. It is better to spare an extra hryvnia to equip a quality tent that will protect from wind and rain.
2. Gas burner (soldering iron). Undoubtedly, you may need classic matches, for example, for logic games. To light a fire, especially in bad weather, you can not do that without a soldering iron. Raw firewood from a soldering iron ignites quickly, giving the necessary heat and light at night. An option may be dry alcohol, which also ignites quickly in any weather, dries wet firewood and helps the hearth to ignite.
3. Ax. Of course, dryness in the Carpathian forests can be found quite quickly, but you can turn it into convenient firewood only with a sharp ax. Well, if a sharp-edged ax is accompanied by a muscular man, then consider yourself lucky. Our ax broke at the end of the second day, but managed to chop so many bushes that the fire blazed merrily all night, despite the dampness and rain.
4. Linen rope. You will need to dry wet things, because the nights in the mountains are quite cold and wet. In addition, it will help to stretch the outer tent.
5. Thermal underwear. Of course, you will not forget about a sleeping bag and a tourist rug, but dry warm linen will help to spend the night in mountains more comfortably. And if you happen to have to sit in a tent all day, hiding from the rain, and not continue to climb, then it is thermal underwear that can keep you healthy and warm. In general, for several days of hiking, you should take a warm jacket, change of clothes, and many socks, including warm ones. These things do not take up much space, but will be able to support your spirit when wet and cold, but you need to either wait or move up.
6. Raincoat. Saves not only from rain but also from strong winds. Step by step approaching the top of Petros (2020 m above sea level), it became colder, wetter, and the wind became stronger and more piercing. Suddenly we found ourselves in a cloud, which added dampness and fog. Timely dressed raincoat saved from the cold and wind. And at the very top, enjoying the heights and landscapes, the raincoat helped to feel comfortable and protected.
7. Cauldron. A super thing that will cheer up an active traveler in any weather conditions. Aromatic soup, canned porridge, stewed pasta, fragrant thyme tea and herbs are not the whole list of dishes that are quickly prepared over a campfire and invigorate tourists in the camp. Warning! The size of the cauldron should correspond to the number of tourists in your group. Approximately 300-500 ml per person. That is, a company of 10 people needs a 5-liter cauldron.
8. Special footwear. The selection of trekking shoes should be treated responsibly. Depending on the season and the chosen route, choose the appropriate hiking boots. In my version, the summer Carpathians and 27 kilometers of mountain path after the rain needed a lightweight form of trekking boots with a firm and ribbed sole that provides maximum traction and protects the feet from injury. Do not forget that your walk will take place with a heavy backpack, which will increase the load on the legs. Therefore, shoes should be strong, tested and not new.
9. Hiking poles (option: old ski poles). Walking with a heavy backpack on rocky mountain roads, and especially the ascent and descent from the mountain is much easier and safer if you have special trekking poles. I assure you that the economy option with old ski poles is also not worse. A steep descent from Petros, which is very dangerous without sticks, was a revelation for me. And considering that we went hiking with children aged 11 and 12, these sticks also became a calming tool for me as a mother, because I was calm that the children will cope with the difficult and dangerous descent with these sticks. In general, trekking poles help to relieve the load on the back and evenly distribute it throughout the body. Therefore, even gentle climbs should be overcome with this tourist tool.
10. First aid kit. I do not advise to save space on the first aid kit. Let it better not be used, but it must be completed very carefully. Pills for pain, diarrhea, balms for insect bites and burns, peroxide, iodine, plaster, cotton swabs – this is what we needed for three days of travel. You can add antispasmodics, bandages, lip balm (cream), medical glue (disinfects, reliably protects and quickly heals small and serious skin injuries).
Careful preparation for active recreation will be rewarded in the hike with grateful friends, maximum comfort and enjoyment of contemplation of the surrounding beauty, rather than focusing on their own uncomfortable feelings. I must say that such a vacation is physically exhausting, but helps to clear thoughts, outline plans, prioritize tasks and life goals. Faced with face-to-face nature, you realize what small problems we sometimes worry about, forgetting the main thing – our lives, the higher meaning of birth and the meaning of temporary stay on this planet. Let’s think about it not only in tourist campaigns, but also every day. Enjoyment for everyone from an active tourism!