Mountains create their own weather and unique difficulties for hikers, mountain bikers and climbers. Even vacationers experienced in traveling through the mountains can get light-headed from the thinner air, get caught in an unexpected thunderstorm in the summer or feel a change in the air as the thermometer drops 15 degrees in an hour and snow start to fall. Anyone can trip and hurt themselves near the peak and have to walk back down. The more knowledge you have, the better chance you have to deal with unexpected problems.
Air and Water
Exerting yourself at higher altitudes increases the risk of dehydration, so drink water steadily. Bring a CamelBak -- a soft-sided water container, which is in its own backpack and has a long flexible plastic straw that reaches your mouth. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, it might be a sign of altitude sickness so head down to a lower altitude immediately. You don't want to drink from the streams without purifying the water because of giardiasis and other water bourne diseases.
Fast Weather Changes
During the summer, start hiking early in the day so you can be off barren mountain peaks and below treeline if there's a late-afternoon thunderstorm. If you are above treeline, crouch down or try to find shelter but avoid overhangs and small cave entrances.
Always Take With You
Always take a small emergency kit with a whistle, compass, space blanket, string, duct tape, matches and iodine tablets (for purifying water). With these, you could do MacGyver-like magic that could help keep you safe if lost.
Bring a waterproof jacket or rain gear, a fleece top and even gloves and a hat if it's fall or spring, in case there's an unexpected snowstorm.
