The Seven Strengths of Summiting: Summiting Your First Big Mountain

Book Synopsis: Learn to avoid common mistakes in the mountains: preparation advice on hiking, backpacking and summiting your first, or even your tenth, big mountain! Experienced trekkers know that preparation is half the battle in reaching the summit. You have to be fit to succeed in the mountains, however, many trekkers fail to reach their full potential in the mountains because they focus their prep on improving just their physical strength. After years of trekking and summiting some of the world’s most challenging mountains, author Mark Santino realized there are actually seven interconnected strengths that, taken together, equip mountain hikers with the tools they need to prepare for the challenges the mountain throws at them. The Seven Strengths of Summiting is a must-read if you’re a trekker looking to up your game in the mountains — especially if you’re new to hiking at altitude. This guide book (1) provides guidance into how to prepare for your first big hike or climb, (2) shares lessons learned so the reader is able to accelerate their learning curve, and (3) imparts insights to get the most out of your time in the mountains, including what Mark would share with his younger self just starting out.

Included are Mark’s logs from three of his many treks: Mount Whitney (California; 14,505 feet); Mount Everest Base Camp (Nepal; 17,598 feet); and Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania; 19,341 feet). Each of the Seven Strengths is on full display throughout the logs, which offer an intimate glimpse into the triumphant highs and soul-crushing lows that are an inevitable part of the journey to these magnificent summits. Also included is a very detailed gear checklist from one of Mark's multi-day treks over 10,000 feet.

“Some great preparation advice for the mountains, big or small. This book really helps putting the pieces together.” —Ash Dykes, world record trekker / explorer / extreme athlete

“While I can prepare you to be a physical & cardio beast, this guidebook can help prepare you for all the strengths needed for your next mountain adventure.” —Eric Fleishman (“Eric the Trainer”), Hollywood physique expert