Altitude

2 posts

Backpacking and Cooking Foods at High Altitude

34% of the world’s population lives within 330 vertical feet (100 meters) of sea level Chances are, you live in a part of the country that is lower in elevation and pay no attention to cooking instructions intended for high altitudes. But one day, you may find yourself hiking more than 8,000 feet above sea level in the Sierras or Rockies and wonder why your rehydrated pasta meal came out crunchy or rice curry watery. Backpacking foods will require cooking adjustments at higher altitudes. High altitudes affect backpacking food preparation […]

andes mountain range

Preventing Altitude Sickness when Hiking at High Altitudes

The air is thinner at higher altitudes because the atmospheric pressure is lower. Your body will initially have difficulty getting the oxygen it needs, and your performance will suffer. This lack of oxygen can prevent unacclimated hikers from losing up to 50% of their regular physical efficiency at altitudes over 6,000 feet. Hiking at 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) or higher may cause altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness include a throbbing headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, and an inability to sleep. Undoubtedly, it is difficult to appreciate […]