A small cabin in the thick woods of a towering peak with one’s personal slice of untouched nature – many people would call this their dream post-retirement life. Mountain living is tough, exhilarating, and peace-inducing (surprisingly all at once!).
Is it any wonder that more and more people are ditching their highly stressful lives in the city and embracing the fertile valleys and snow-capped peaks of Vermont? Yes, migration records for 2023 showed that more people moved to the Green Mountain State than any other across the US.
At least 20% of the movers sought a lifestyle change, characterized by regular skiing and quality time with family. Are you also planning to give mountain life a chance? Whether it’s just a travel trip or an experiment to discover the beauty of this life for a couple of months, you’re in for a major lifestyle shock.
This means you need to stay fully prepared. There are essentials you will need in the mountains that you may have seldom thought about in the city. In this article, we will discuss those essentials in detail.
Heavy Coat
Mountain peaks are famous for strong gusts of wind, even during the summer months. The cold may vary among seasons, but you will need a well-insulated coat nevertheless. Let’s mention here that layering is the name of the game.
The coat itself may not fit the bill for all months (especially the cold months of December and January). As for the coat, choose one that stays adequately warm, is waterproof, and comes with a durable hood. This will protect you from the wind and cold.
Moreover, ensure the coat has multiple pockets. These will allow you to store other essential items you may need while going out. Besides the coat, you must have on other clothing essentials like a ski mask, woolen scarf, and insulated gloves.
A Quality Flashlight
If the area you’re staying in is not crowded enough (more like a community), there will be issues regarding street lighting. Moreover, mountain peaks are prone to frequent power outages and natural disasters.
During such times of emergency (and otherwise), you will need a quality flashlight for a guide. After all, nobody wants to trip over roots or, worse yet, have a one-on-one encounter with a wild animal in the woods.
Every time you leave your cabin/tent (or even when inside), keep a check on the flashlight. Make sure it is fully charged and stock up on batteries whenever possible.
Boot and Glove Dryer
Can you imagine a mountain life without skiing equipment? Even those who do not enjoy this winter sport own a pair of thick hiking or camping boots (because mountain life is all about owning a pair of robust boots!).
The only problem is that such thick boots do not air-dry easily you could be looking at days or weeks. Especially during the winter, it is natural to have those boots soiled with snow. To have them ready for the next outdoor trip, you need a quality boots dryer.
This tool can be used to dry gloves as well. According to Alpine Dryers, such dryers can work for virtually anything that needs to be dried. This includes (besides boots and gloves) running shoes, soccer cleats, helmets, waders, and skates.
Your essentials may even get wet due to sweat. For such needs, shop for 110V boot dryers that will keep you ready for back-to-back sessions of sleighing or shoveling snow. We all know that everybody is hardy and tough unless it’s time to hit the snow.
Map, Altimeter, and Compass
Did you ever think of carrying tools like the compass, map, and altimeter in the city? Well, welcome to mountain life! With a myriad of lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and steep ranges, it’s easy to get lost.
A map will help you know the topography of the surroundings and help you find your way back to civilization. The compass can be used in combination with the map to navigate your way around unfamiliar terrain.
Do you need a GPS? Yes, much like the city, but knowing how to read the aforementioned tools is also crucial. This is because it’s likely that your GPS network will glitch or fail to function at an increased altitude. Finally, carry a barometric altimeter to pinpoint your ground location.
First Aid
Even a simple walk in the mountains can quickly become a risky business. This life involves walking along uneven terrain, rocky roads, slippery grounds, and sudden debris fallout.
So, another major item you must keep with you at all times is a first aid kit. This will come in handy during times of sudden accidents. Some must-have essentials in that kit should include moist fresh wipes, plasters, a tick remover, blister dressings, bandages, an instant cold pack, and an emergency whistle.
As we close, let’s mention that mountain life is an adrenaline rush in itself. Every new day brings with it adventures and challenges. The essentials mentioned in this article are what you need to embark on this journey.
With loads of opportunities for physical activities, you will also enjoy much-needed peace and quiet.
