tahac.net trekking|camping

One of the most important investments you will be making for your trekking gear is the camping stove. Sure, it's nice to have a camping buddy who already has one, but later on you will learn that cooking on only one stove can be time consuming especially for us Filipinos because we need to have rice cooked as well.

There are lots of cheap stoves around but since this is one of your accessories that will take a beating at every trek you make, it is best to invest in a good one, preferably those that have made names in their industry. Well, let's face it... if you buy an inexpensive thing, chances are it's not sturdily-built. Although of course I'm not saying you go for the most expensive ones either. Just get something that's decent enough for the many trips you will be making.

Safety is one major concern when fire and fuel is negotiated. So before turning on the stove, make sure that the fuel container is securely locked in place into the nozzle, and make a pre-departure check of the hose and make sure that it does not have any leaks. I have heard of a story of a camper who's face was badly burned because the fuel canister was not securely fastened and was leaking gas. So when the fire was lit up, it ignited the gas-laden air and such was the fate of the unlucky camper.

Here are some tips in choosing a good stove based on experience:

• choose a stove that's not too small. Sure, it can be compressed so small that it takes up little space in the bag. But when it's time to cook, it might not be able to support the pots and pans because the supports cannot spread far enough to reach even the edge of the pot
  
• buy one that has a wide burner. The fire will be spread more widely and efficiently.
  
• Check the locking mechanism where the fuel canister gets locked on. It might not be compatible with the type of canisters you will be using.
  

There are stoves that accept different fuels, be it diesel, butane or kerosene. There are also stoves that accept butane only. Choosing depends on your preference and budget. Also, it will be great to check with the local provider if they accept empty butane canisters as part of the recycling process.

Choose your camping stove well, and always prioritize safety when handling these devices.

Photo credit: Robbins International Trading Company

One of the challenges in spending the night outdoors is to replicate some of the comforts of home while trying to keep your bag as compact as possible. So aside from your sleeping bag, you need to have something to rest your head on, right? Believe me, it's a sore morning when you have nothing to use as a pillow and instead you use your shoulder for the entire night, which can render it numb through the night, and aching the morning after.

With space conservation in mind, trekkers suggest rolling up your clothes into one bundle and kept together by a soft container such as a waterproof bag. This makes for a nice pillow.

Another suggestion is to purchase one of these inflatable pillows. These are easy to inflate and deflate, and take up relatively no space at all! And while you're at it, remember to bring one of those big scarves (sarong or malong) to double as blanket when it's not being used as shield from the sun while trekking.

Head lamps are another essential trekking / camping gear. Lights are especially important when your outdoor adventure calls for spending the night with Mother Nature. It can get tricky when you have to do some cooking or wander about the premises without lighting up your way. Sure, flashlights can be handy too, but head lamps free up both of your hands to do your chores.

A lot of stores - even those not specializing in trekking gear (take The LandMark in Makati, for example) - are now offering head lamps with varied designs and light power. Most of these now sport LEDs for bulbs, which is more durable and lasts longer than the conventional bulbs. Many uses regular AA batteries; make sure you get rechargeable ones which will save you money (and become eco-friendly at the same time by avoiding battery wasteage) in the long run.

Some head lamps can even flash their lights in various patterns, mostly for emergency purposes. This is one of those gadgets in your arsenal that you will be using often, so invest in good head lamps by checking out the quality. You don't really need fancy ones with lots of lights in them (unless you're with the crowd that loves "outshining" - pun intended - the others in a bid for gadget dominance, then you'll be pressured to buy something more pricey); more often than not you will be staring at the ground near you (that's the nearest) to only about 15 feet away. But it's nice to have lamps that can swivel on its base so you have the flexibility to position it based on the situation.

One very useful tool – and a necessity – in trekking is the good old swiss army knife. With just one compact and handy device, one can have the power to chop veggies, open cans, bend wire, and pick teeth. With the more fancy swiss army knives, one can even saw through wood, have a pair of scissors to cut paper and cardboard with, open a bottle of wine, twist a loose screw into place, and a lot more. This gadget is the ultimate tool for the mobile handyman. In fact, you don’t have to be a mountaineering enthusiast to find the swiss army knife a necessity; you can do lots of things with it even at home.

The Victorinox swiss army knife has even evolved over time, with models featuring thumb drives. Nice, eh?

My Victorinox swiss army knife was a gift from a good friend in the late 90s (around 1997). It has been with me for around 10 years now and when I use the knife, I simply wash it with water and wipe it dry. And the knife is still as sharp as ever! This is a firm testament to the quality of the Victorinox Swiss Army knife for its durability and usefulness. And when I use it, it reminds me of my good friend Bong when he gave it those many years ago. What a wonderful gift!