Hypothermia in the Mountains: Myths and Facts Every Climber Should Know

Hypothermia is one of the most feared conditions among climbers — and rightly so. This potentially fatal situation can occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about hypothermia still circulate among outdoor enthusiasts, often leading to misunderstanding or even dangerous mistakes in the field.

To stay safe, it’s essential to separate myths from facts. Here are some of the most common ones you should know before your next climb.

Myth 1: Hypothermia only happens in snowy mountains or extreme cold

Fact:
Hypothermia can occur even in tropical mountains of Indonesia. Temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F) can be enough to drop your body temperature significantly, especially if you’re wet from rain, wearing damp clothes, or exposed to strong wind.
It’s not just about the cold — it’s the combination of wind, moisture, and fatigue that accelerates heat loss.

Myth 2: People with hypothermia always shiver uncontrollably

Fact:
Shivering is an early sign, but as hypothermia progresses, the body may stop shivering because it no longer has the energy to generate heat.
At this stage, the person might start mumbling, stumbling, or losing awareness — all signs of severe hypothermia that require immediate warming and supervision.

Myth 3: Give a hypothermia victim hot drinks or place them near a campfire

Fact:
Doing this can cause a sudden temperature shock, making the situation worse.
The correct way is to warm the body gradually: replace wet clothing, wrap the person in a sleeping bag, and use body-to-body contact to share warmth.
The goal is not to “heat up” the body quickly, but to raise the body temperature slowly and safely.

Myth 4: A thick jacket is enough to prevent hypothermia

Fact:
A thick jacket won’t help if it’s not waterproof or if you’re already soaked from rain or sweat. Water conducts heat 25 times faster than air, meaning wet clothing can quickly drain body warmth.
Use a layering system for better protection:

• Base layer: absorbs sweat,
  
• Mid layer: retains body heat,
  
• Outer layer: protects against wind and rain.
  

Myth 5: Hypothermia is just about feeling cold

Fact:
Hypothermia isn’t just about the temperature outside — it’s about the body’s inability to maintain heat balance.
Fatigue, lack of nutrition, and stress can all contribute to hypothermia by slowing down metabolism and reducing the body’s ability to generate heat.
That’s why eating well, staying hydrated, and resting properly are just as important as dressing appropriately.

Hypothermia is not something to take lightly. It’s not only about the cold, but also about how prepared you are to manage your energy, equipment, and awareness in harsh environments.
Don’t wait until you’re shaking uncontrollably to take action — in the mountains, prevention is always better than rescue.