Mountain Climbing Ethics: Unwritten Rules Every Beginner Must Know
Mountain climbing is not just about conquering a peak or getting the best photos for social media. When we enter a forest area, we are "guests." Just as when visiting someone's home, there are rules and norms that must be observed to preserve nature and maintain harmonious relationships among climbers.
Many beginners unintentionally make mistakes because they don't understand the unwritten rules of the mountain. As a brand that supports a sustainable outdoor lifestyle, Hikemore wants to invite young adventurers to become smart and responsible climbers. Here is a guide to climbing etiquette that you must understand.
1. Take Your Trash Down (Trash In, Trash Out)
This is the most basic rule. Plastic waste, food wrappers, and even cigarette butts cannot decompose naturally in the mountains. Use a Hikemore carrier bag with side pockets or a special trash bag to store your waste until you return to basecamp.
2. Give Way to Ascending Climbers
When passing on a narrow trail, ascending climbers have the right of way. Why? Because climbing uphill requires more energy and a heavier breathing rhythm. As a descending climber, give them space and let them pass first.
3. Do Not Take or Damage Flora and Fauna
Seeing beautiful Edelweiss flowers is tempting, but picking them is an illegal act that damages the ecosystem. The same goes for scribbling (vandalism) on rocks or trees. Let nature remain in its original state so that future generations can enjoy it.
4. Maintain Quiet (Use a Polite Voice)
People go to the mountains to find peace. Playing music loudly through portable speakers (deafening speakers) is very disturbing to other climbers and wild animals. Use earphones if you want to listen to music, or enjoy the much more calming sounds of nature.
5. Be Courteous When Greeting Others
Indonesian climbing culture is strongly associated with friendliness. Saying "Excuse me sir/ma'am," "Hello/Come on," or "Keep going!" when passing is a simple way to give positive energy to each other. This is also important as a form of social oversight if undesirable things happen on the trail.
Figure 1: Being a responsible climber means keeping the campsite as clean as when you first arrived.
Lifestyle Modification: "Adventure with Respect"
Wearing cool Hikemore gear will feel bland if it's not accompanied by good ethics. Your quick-dry pants and functional jacket are designed to protect you from nature, but your ethics protect nature from damage. By managing your behavior, you help ensure that Indonesia's mountains can still be visited for decades to come.
