Lesson 1Gloves and hand protection: layering, dexterity vs insulation, waterproofing, glove careUnderstand glove types and layering for cold, wet alpine conditions. You will balance dexterity and insulation, compare waterproofing methods, and learn simple drying, storage, and repair techniques to extend glove life in Botswana's variable weather.
Liners, insulating gloves, and shell over-mittsBalancing dexterity with warmth and bulkWaterproof membranes and over-mittsSpare gloves and emergency hand warmersDrying, cleaning, and small field repairsLesson 2Ice axe: types (technical vs. general mountaineering), length selection, pick and shaft inspectionExplore ice axe types for general mountaineering versus technical use, and how to choose proper length. You will inspect pick, shaft, and spike for damage, and learn basic leashing, labelling, and care before and after trips in Botswana's snowy peaks.
General mountaineering vs technical axesChoosing correct axe length for terrainPick, adze, and spike wear indicatorsShaft integrity, head attachment, and leashesCleaning, rust control, and safe transportLesson 3Navigation and electronics: map reading, compass basics, smartphone GPS use, power management and protective casesReview essential navigation tools for basic mountaineering: map, compass, and smartphone GPS. You will practice protecting electronics from cold and moisture, planning power use, and carrying backups for critical functions in Botswana's remote areas.
Selecting suitable topographic mapsCompass basics and simple bearingsOffline smartphone GPS and map appsBattery care in cold and power budgetingProtective cases, lanyards, and backupsLesson 4Footwear: types of mountaineering boots, fit, stiffness, sole compatibility with cramponsLearn mountaineering boot categories, insulation levels, and sole stiffness, and how they affect crampon use. You will practice fitting boots for security and comfort, and checking soles and uppers for wear or damage suitable for Botswana trails.
B1, B2, and B3 boot categories and usesSingle vs double boots and insulation levelsSizing, toe room, and heel hold checksLacing methods for ascent and descentSole wear, delamination, and seam checksLesson 5Helmet: standards, fit, when to wear, inspecting for damage and replacement guidelinesUnderstand helmet standards, shell and foam designs, and how to achieve a secure, comfortable fit. You will learn when to wear a helmet, how to inspect for cracks or impacts, and when to retire or replace damaged equipment in Botswana's rocky terrains.
UIAA and EN helmet safety standardsAdjusting suspension, straps, and chin buckleWhen to wear a helmet on mountaineering routesInspecting shell, foam, and attachment pointsService life, impact history, and retirementLesson 6Basic first aid and emergency kit: essential items for one-day outing, blister care, wound care, carrying and using a whistle and space blanketBuild a compact first aid and emergency kit for single-day alpine trips. You will select items for blisters, minor wounds, and pain relief, and learn how to pack, protect, and use a whistle, space blanket, and basic documentation in Botswana's wilds.
Core first aid items for day ascentsBlister prevention, padding, and treatmentCleaning and dressing minor woundsUsing a whistle and signalling patternsSpace blanket use for wind and hypothermiaLesson 7Harness (if used) and simple attachments: when to include a harness, using slings or a lightweight harness for route protection or retrieval tasksDecide when a harness is appropriate for beginner mountaineering routes and simple glacier or steep snow travel. You will review lightweight harness options, basic slings, and simple attachment methods for protection or retrieval in Botswana conditions.
When to include a harness on easy routesTypes of lightweight mountaineering harnessesFitting and donning over boots and layersUsing slings for simple protection tasksBasic attachment to partner or fixed pointsLesson 8Pre-trip gear inspection checklist: checklist elements and pass/fail criteria for each key itemCreate a systematic pre-trip gear inspection checklist that covers critical items such as boots, crampons, helmet, axe, and clothing. You will define pass or fail criteria and practice running a quick but thorough final check for Botswana outings.
Listing all essential personal gear itemsVisual and functional checks for each itemPass or fail criteria for safety-critical gearTiming and sequencing the final inspectionRecording issues and planning replacementsLesson 9Backpack and load management: capacity selection, packing order, load distribution, emergency items placementLearn how to choose backpack capacity for day and light overnight mountaineering. You will practice packing order, load distribution close to the spine, and placing emergency and frequently used items for quick access in Botswana's mountains.
Choosing pack volume for route and seasonUsing frame, hipbelt, and compression strapsPacking order for stability and accessBalancing weight close to the spinePositioning emergency and wet-sensitive gearLesson 10Footwear and crampon compatibility checklist: how to verify compatibility before leaving homeDevelop a step-by-step process to confirm that boots and crampons are compatible before leaving home. You will check welt shapes, sole stiffness, and binding style, then perform movement tests to verify secure attachment for Botswana trips.
Identifying boot categories and sole stiffnessMatching welts to crampon binding typesDry fitting crampons to each boot at homeWalk, front-point, and sidehill fit testsDocumenting which crampons fit which bootsLesson 11Crampons: designs (strap, semi-automatic, automatic), adjustment, fitting to boots, maintenanceLearn crampon types, how they attach to different boots, and how to size and adjust them securely. You will also practice basic maintenance, rust prevention, and safe storage to keep points sharp and bindings reliable in Botswana's terrains.
Strap, hybrid, and automatic crampon designsBoot welts and crampon binding compatibilityAdjusting length bar and heel lever settingsChecking fit with walk and kick testsRust prevention, sharpening, and storageLesson 12Clothing system: base, insulating, shell layers, materials, layering strategies for late-spring mountain conditionsBuild a practical clothing system for late-spring mountaineering, using base, insulating, and shell layers. You will compare materials, manage moisture and wind, and plan spare layers for rest stops and unexpected weather in Botswana's springs.
Moisture-managing base layer optionsInsulating midlayers for cool spring tempsShell jackets and pants for wind and wet snowAdjusting layers during ascent and descentCarrying spares and emergency warm layers
