Posted by geemiz | Posted in Byahe Pilipinas, Cotabato, Davao, My Travel Story | Posted on 26-10-2022
Tags: Mt. Apo
I have been hiking for 5 years now (started in 2017) and like any other trail seeker, I dream of climbing the grandfather and highest mountain in the Philippines but never did I thought that it would be this early in my hiking journey.
Around March this year (2022) when fellow adventure enthusiast and friend Aldrich – The Bisaya Traveler invited my husband and me to join his group to climb Mt. Apo, we immediately said yes. First, because we still have time to prepare and second, I consider it as a new chapter of my hiking journey.
All the things mentioned here are based on my personal experience.
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The Training
The team we are with is the Day Hike Therapists a non-profit Outdoor Group that organizes Hike for a Cause in Cebu. The team is very particular with the preparation for Mt. Apo and I am thankful that we did because during the 3 – Day Mt. Apo Traverse Trek there were no injuries and everyone is at pace with one another. (no one was left behind and nobody waited too long at the camp or at the peak).
1. Constant Exercise.
I consider my lifestyle active. I exercise at least thrice a week and I go for a monthly hike. And I say these are crucial for climbing Mt. Apo. I did get tired at times, but my endurance is priceless. My exercise consists of an alternate 5km run, strength training (mostly lower body), Yoga and stretching, and meditation.
2. Hiking with a Load.
For the past five years, all my hikes have been just day hikes so there’s no reason for me to bring a huge backpack. But since climbing Mt. Apo is a multi-day activity and I will be bringing camping gear, clothes, food, and other necessary things, practicing hiking with a load to acquaint me with walking with a heavy bag is essential. Together with the group we did a 70%, and 100% load hike, and here in Cebu, the best trail to practice is the Six Towers Trail (Napo x Six Tower x Baksan x Paseo). The trail is around 13km with an elevation gain of 653. Babe and I also had the chance to have a hike with a load during our last 2 hikes in Bohol. The Calamay Trail in Jagna and at the Alicia Panoramic Park Hills long hike.
3. Long Distance Hike.
Aside from the heavy load, it is also important to practice hiking long distances, a minimum of 10km, the more the better, and with an elevation gain. Based on my experience long hikes do not just prepare my physical stamina but also my mental strength. During a long and hot hike, there is always a breaking point especially when you are already tired, and more when you add hunger and thirst. Training my mind to cope with this kind of feeling is vital. I believe that once my mind is broken then everything will follow so it is crucial to not just train the body but also the mind.
4. Camping.
What I recently learned is that camping is not just about building a tent. It also includes how quickly you set up and break camp. In Mt. Apo the weather is unpredictable, and it can change at any minute so the quicker we build our tent properly and the faster we clear and keep all our camping gear orderly in our bags then the better. This also prevents the group from waiting for us.
We also practice camping with the whole group. Through this, we know how to act as one and how to strategize to help each other.
Hiking and Camping Gears
Before we buy our hiking and camping gear, we make sure to do research or ask for guidance from people who have been in this activity for a while. The husband spent hours doing research for our hiking bag, sleeping bag, jackets (rain, down, and fleece), and shoes. It’s also a good thing that we are surrounded by outdoor friends whom we bother with questions every now and then. (Shout out to Andrew, Mark, Beboy, and Aldrich).
Below are our companion’s things to bring to Mt. Apo.
The Basic and Necessary Multi-day Hiking & Camping Essentials
These items are non-negotiable and should be brought during the Mt. Apo climb.
o Camping Tent.
Lightweight and can withstand heavy rain and strong wind.
o Hiking Shoes.
Grippy and preferably non-low-cut. Non-low-cut hiking shoes give more protection and stability to the feet, especially when carrying a heavy load while on ascent and descent. The trail can get muddy most of the time so hiking shoes that can grip the surface well help a lot during the trek. My husband and I are both wearing mid-cut hiking shoes.
o Waterproofing Materials.
Either a thick plastic transparent bag or a thin dry sack that can protect your things from getting wet. Mother waterproofing for the main compartment and each item/category especially the things for sleeping must be waterproofed properly.
o Sleeping Mat.
Sleeping mat to prevent ground moisture from reaching your sleeping bag and body. The groundsheet alone cannot withstand the ground moisture and coldness.
o Sleeping Bag.
This helps keep you warm at night. Check for the weight and temperature rating.
o Hiking Bag.
A hiking backpack with a back frame, proper cushioning, and ventilation, and is well-fitted for your size and body.
o Hiking Socks.
Always wear dry socks to prevent blisters. I personally recommend having 1 new sock every day. Comfortable feet mean you can walk comfortably the whole day.
o Rain Jacket.
A jacket at the same time serves as rain protection. It easily dries and can also be used as a normal jacket.
o Windbreaker.
Lightweight and packable. I used my windbreaker a lot during the 3-day trek. The trail is usually warm but windy and mildly cold.
o Trekking Pole.
I think one is enough especially since one hand is needed to hold on to roots.
o Water and Electrolytes.
Hydration is vital in every hike and electrolytes are the magic drinks to withstand the long hike duration and during a steep ascent and descent.
o Headlamp and extra batteries.
The only source of light at camp and when hiking at dawn and night. Use new batteries and bring extra batteries.
o Waterproof gloves.
To keep your hands warm and safe when holding on to roots and mud on the ground.
Other Hiking and Camping Necessities.
These are more items needed for the multi-day trek in Mt. Apo.
o Hiking clothes.
Use non-cotton, breathable, and quick dry.
As for Me – I have 4 sets of clothes. Day 1 clothes, Day 1 sleeping clothes is my Day 2 hiking clothes. Day 2 sleeping clothes are my Day 3 hiking clothes. Lastly 1 set of emergency clothes.
For babe – He has 1 set of bakbakan clothes (clothes he wears every day for the entire hike), 1 set of sleeping clothes, and 1 set of extra emergency clothes.
o Trail Food.
Trail mix divided for 3 days. We also have gummy bears, candies, and chocolates. What I learned is that you won’t be eating a lot while walking so only bring enough for yourself and a little spare to share.
o Slippers.
Comfortable footwear to wear at the campsite.
o Lunch box/plate and cups.
I use a collapsible with a lead and spork lunch box that is also perfect to store lunch food that is eaten on the trail. A lightweight coffee cup that is to be used for drinking coffee, hot chocolate, and soup.
o First Aid Kit with Medicines.
I bought a ready-packed first aid kit online and I added basic meds like biogesic, antihistamine, and loperamide.
o Jacket.
Choose between a fleece or a down jacket. Babe and I brought each other a fleece. We only use it during sleeping time. Outside the tent at the camp, we use our rain jackets.
o Toiletries.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunblock, comb, mini soap, and deodorant paste.
o Extra Bag for the Porter.
We are the ones to provide bags for our porter. The porter can carry 15 kilos load.
o Warm or cooling patches.
We were given Johnson and Johnsons’ warming oil by one of our companions ate Jen and we added cooling patches in case our legs get sore because of the whole day of trekking Mt. Apo.
Emergency Hiking and Camping Items
Nature is unpredictable so it is always better to be ready for what is coming. These are items that we are happy not to be able to use but are good things to have while on the trek.
o Emergency blanket.
2 each for me and babe. This is a one-time-use silver-colored emergency blanket.
o Emergency food.
Ready to eat food. I bought an easily opened sachet of corned beef. 2 sachets each for me and babe.
o Duct tape.
Other Things to Prepare
Aside from the essentials mentioned above the following are also needed during Mt. Apo climb.
• Climbing Permits. Mostly it is the organizer who handles this part. All we did is provide the necessary information, IDs, and vaccine card.
• Money. Climbing Mt. Apo needs money. The rate depends on the trail that you will be taking. Our trail is a 3-Day traverse via Balutakay Trail in Bansalan to Magpet Trail. Members of our group poll and save monthly. We gave it to our very transparent and trusted banker Dian. Thanks, Yan, budgeting is easier because of you. Other expenses are for the porter, plane tickets, accommodation, and food in Davao City.
• Team Lead. This is or These are the people who are responsible for communicating with the organizer and preparing for our training. Thank you Beboy, Dian, Mark, and Francis.
• Pre-Climb Meeting. A few days before our departure the group had a pre-climb meeting to discuss the trail and itinerary, remind us of the things to bring, and just plainly check on everyone before the major climb.
• Attended Responsible Mountaineering Course. RMC or BMC certificate is not required to climb Mt. Apo but our group decided to have one to help us prepare for the coming journey especially since some of us, this is our 1st major climb.
What I Invest in Highly
1. Time. I invested a lot of time participating during training and most especially made time to exercise.
2. Gears. Me and the husband invested in a good camping tent, hiking shoes, a rain jacket, socks, and sleeping bags.
3. Rest. The most underrated thing to prepare but highly important. A well-rested body means a healthy body. Cliché but true. Not necessarily an 8-hour sleep but a quality sleep to feel active and energized.
Conclusion
- Only bring the essentials. Even if hiring a porter just bring the necessities. The lighter you carry during the trail the easier for you to sustain on the multi-day trek. I was carrying 8kls – 10kls daily. We hired a porter (shared by three people) to bring 2 tents, one sleeping bag, one sleeping pad, and the third-day clothing and exchanged it for used clothing the next days.
- Prepare all your things days ahead of your flight. Label them on their waterproofing pouches. This is to ensure that all your things are accounted for and for easy packing and unpacking during camp.
- Read here the advice, tips, and experience of my companions during those 3-day Mount Apo climb.
I am blessed to be with this group during Mt. Apo’s major climb because I realized that enough preparation is the key to a successful and enjoyable climb to the roof of the Philippines.
This is a 5-part blog of our 1st major climb to the highest point of the Philippines Mt. Apo. I will share with you the Mount Apo preparation, Mount Apo tips from friends, and each day’s adventure.
Have you visited Mt. Apo? We would love to hear your story.
Are you planning to visit Mt. Apo? Go for it!
