It is for this reason that Emmanuel Daigle, professional guide, completely revised a book that he published at the beginning of 2016, High altitude – From trek to expedition, to enrich it as much as possible.
“It was my first book,” he recalls. I compare it to an end-of-primary thesis while this one is like a doctoral thesis, it’s really another level. »
In particular, he called on experts from different fields to help him revise each of his chapters. “I wanted it to be a team effort, so I communicated with the best people I knew in the world. »
This included updating certain knowledge about high altitude, such as the daily altitude difference to be respected to promote good acclimatization. According to the latest recommendations, one should limit one’s ascent to 400 m per day above an altitude of 2500 m, whereas previously a wide range of 300 to 500 m ascent was given.
Emmanuel Daigle also wanted to expand his chapter on equipment. “In outdoor stores, there aren’t too many truly technical advisors anymore. So my goal was to make people autonomous. It’s like a mega buying guide. »
The author also touched on themes that he had not touched on in the first edition. He is particularly proud of a brand new chapter on women and high altitude.
“To my knowledge, this is the first book that specifically talks about this. It’s as if all the books about altitude were written by men for men. I found it nonsense not to talk about these specifics. »
It particularly addresses the issue of menstruation. “The guides don’t even talk about it with their clients. »
Women should also be vigilant about anemia, a condition that could be particularly problematic at altitude. He therefore recommends doing a blood test before departure, to find out if you need to take iron supplements. “In some cases it can make a big difference,” he notes.
It answers other questions women may ask. For example, what’s up with breast implants at high altitude? (No, they won’t explode!) Is it safe for a pregnant woman to go to high altitude? (This would not necessarily be desirable.)
Emmanuel Daigle also addresses more psychological questions. “It’s important to understand why a woman feels good or not within a group. I encourage all men to read this chapter, especially the guides, because they will be able to better manage and help the women in their group. For me, it’s a must. In 2023, we need to talk about that. »
The author also devotes a chapter to the shock of return. “All this psychological side, we throw that out even though it’s super important. I experienced a shock returning to my first adventures. I relate this anecdote to introduce the chapter and to give tips to help people reduce this shock. »
Emmanuel Daigle worked with Rando Québec to publish the new version of High altitude – From trek to expedition. He hopes that this book will become a reference.
Emmanuel Daigle targets the French-speaking world with his book, but he sees further. “This book is going to be translated into Nepali,” he says. This will be the first mountain book that the Nepalese will have in their own language. Nobody took care of them because there is no money to be made there. I don’t want to make money from that, I’m going to give them my rights. »
Funding still needs to be found. “I’m in talks with a company, but otherwise it would be crowdfunding. »
It will then be necessary to find a publisher for an English translation. “I am confident, I am very satisfied with the result, the book is really complete. »
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