Hunting up high

[Derrick]

Last season I hit the Montana high country and thought I was in shape, turns out the mountain had other plans. I started conditioning weeks before this year’s trip: hiking with a pack, cardio, and stair climbs, and yeah hydration and pacing make all the difference but are there tricks for handling that thin air without feeling like you’re dying halfway up?

 

[Mokaa]

Those mountains humble everyone the first time. I started training earlier too, and it made a world of difference. Staying hydrated, pacing slow, and packing light kept me from gasping like a busted engine up there

 

[Billinthedesert]

I start feeling it about 8,000 feet and it becomes a real burden above 10,000 -- and I live at 5,800.

 

[Jesse]

I get that, Derrick. The altitude humbles you fast. What helped me most was slowing down early, deep rhythmic breathing, and keeping snacks handy for steady energy. The mountain always tests you… but that’s part of the magic up there.

 

[Derrick]

Those mountains humble everyone the first time. I started training earlier too, and it made a world of difference. Staying hydrated, pacing slow, and packing light kept me from gasping like a busted engine up there

Yeah, I learned that lesson quick too. Packing lighter and pacing myself helps a ton. I’m adding more uphill hikes this time, I am hoping that extra conditioning pays off in the thin air.

 

[Derrick]

I start feeling it about 8,000 feet and it becomes a real burden above 10,000 -- and I live at 5,800.

Yeah, that altitude hits hard no matter what. I’m around sea level, so it smacks me even sooner, I am trying to get my lungs ready before heading that high again

 

[Derrick]

I get that, Derrick. The altitude humbles you fast. What helped me most was slowing down early, deep rhythmic breathing, and keeping snacks handy for steady energy. The mountain always tests you… but that’s part of the magic up there.

That’s good advice, slowing down early and keeping energy steady makes sense. You’re right, the mountain’s challenge is part of what keeps me coming back every season.

 

[Howard]

At many of the sporting goods stores, you can buy little cans of supplemental oxygen.They are nice for an occasional boost