Going for a hike in the mountains is an awesome adventure for many especially the extremist that really like to go all the way including mountain climbing to the summit but usually not on the trail; many want to go straight up the outside of the mountain with a rope and some spikes, these people are insane.
Safety is of course, always an issue and most that do this time of sport are prepared with proper equipment and even though they are taking some extreme chances with the type of activities that they enjoy, but at the same time safety is so important that they will not cut corners to do unnecessary things to jeopardize themselves.
Excellent ropes and personal protective gear is imperative, and most is very compact so that it does not way them down with added weight which could also hinder their climb, top quality boots along with helmets, gloves, and the special tools needed for getting around those treacherous rocks.
Depending on where climbers go to many of the state regulated parks provide additional safety features in certain areas such as vista point which include safety rails, or a quality guardrail to provide just that much more to protect everyone who want to enjoy a beautiful trip.
This type of sport is not for the inexperienced so do not think that you can just go wondering off with your two or three buddies and go climbing to the top of a mountain without some experienced folks with you that knows exactly what they are doing, and you should go through some type of training on lower ground before you begin; your life depends on wise decisions so do not be foolish with your life and others.
Even on some good hiking trails you need to use a lot of common since with so many possible issues that could arise, for instance are you aware of certain venom creatures that you could possibly walk up on and not paying close attention you could end up in a deadly confrontation; you might even walk up on a bear or a mountain lion with some cubs and then what would you do, and are you always thinking of the facts of life because you are in their territory, you are the visitor.
The whole point is that you must always take the thought of dangers being around every corner and make sure that you know what you are up against even if you are not expecting it, it must be planted in your brain before you even take off of a weekend adventure; staying alive and keeping your friends alive is top priority not on who can make it to the top first.
Everyone getting there with well being and pleasure of success is the most critical object to keep ahead of all including your entire surrounds situations, make sure that you keep the campfires and our wild life in consideration; it is not all about you, there are a lot of others to take in to this trip; so what you take in be sure to bring it back out with you.