| WATER
EQUIPMENT
Water
is as essential and vital to life as the oxygen we breathe.
The amount of fluid lost through perspiration and evaporation
needs to be replenished. Otherwise, the body's chemical equilibrium
will become disturbed; illness is more likely to occur. Dehydration
occurs not only during hot weather but during cold conditions
also. This happens when one does not crave for water or does
not feel thirsty due to cold climate. Moisture loss occurs
during cold (extreme) conditions.
An
average mountaineer consumes around 1.5 liters per day for
moderate hiking with normal temperature of 25-34 degrees centigrade.
Note that consumption will increase as much as 3 times during
climbs in extremely hot conditions. Discipline of the mountaineer
is also one factor to consider. Some of the heavy drinkers
are those who take gulps of water instead of taking small
sips. For water intake while trekking, a small bottle is usually
positioned at the side pocket of the pack for easy access.
Containers vary in shapes and sizes but generally, the mouth
or opening of the container should be no bigger than the softdrink-bottle's
mouth. A wider mouth or opening would mean a bigger amount
of water going out of the container. Modern hydration systems
(such as Platypus) is a container that has a hose connected
to the opening, is getting popular due to its easy-access
feature. No need to stop and reach for the bottle. A sip from
the hose's end will do.
Water
sources coming from the falls and rivers must be treated with
puritabs to avoid getting sick. 1 liter needs 1pc of puritabs/iodine
tablet/magnesium sulfate to purify. Wait for around 30 minutes
before drinking. It takes a while to get used to the taste.
Some mask the taste by adding powdered juice. If you detect
any silts or foreign objects floating, filter the water first
before purification. A coffee filter or filter paper can be
used to filter out the silt.
Another
method of water purification is the use of a filtration device.
This is available at mountaineering shops but is seldom used
among mountaineers here in the Philippines. After filtration,
water needs to be treated to ensure water-borne diseases or
any other harmful bacteria are no longer present. The safest
way to purify water is by boiling which is not so popular
also since it consumes gas. Boiling water is reserved only
for coffee or chocolate drinks and food preparation.
CAMP
NECCESITIES
The
ability to pack the barest essentials and not carry extra
equipment requires a lot of self-control. One has a tendency
to bring the comforts of home in the mountains, weighing down
your pack, causing you to climb slower and eventually slowing
down the phasing of the group. However, there are critical
items that one might not use during the climb but are lifesavers
during emergencies.
The
list of essential items may vary depending on the nature of
the trip but basically these are the items each backpacker
should carry along in case the unexpected happens. A brief
explanation on the essentials follows:
FLASHLIGHT/HEADLAMP.
Choose a flashlight or headlamp that is compact, lightweight
and waterproof. Most commonly used is the Maglite, which has
an adjustable focus. It lets you adjust the lighting for viewing
objects from afar or focusing on things close by. Others prefer
headlamps as it keeps their hands free.
EXTRA
FOOD.A day's supply of extra food in case one gets
delayed for some reason. Usually, those that are easy to prepare
like cup noodles and canned goods requiring the minimum of
cooking.
EXTRA
CLOTHING. Depending on the season of the year, ensure
that you have extra clothing in case of rain. Note that one
should keep warm and dry as much as possible to combat sickness.
FIRST
AID KIT. The kit is not an emergency room fully equipped
to treat injuries. It only acts as a tool to keep the injured
stabilized. (Refer to Chapter IV for complete list of first-aid
kit)
POCKET
KNIFE. A minor climb does not require a 20 blade
pocket Swiss knife. As discussed earlier bring the barest
essential. A pocketknife with 2 blades, can opener and knife
will do. Knives are brought along basically to help in food
preparation and first aid.
MATCHES.
Carry an extra emergency supply of waterproof wooden matches
aside from the lighter.
WHISTLE.
In case you get separated or are in an emergency situation,
blow 3 blasts (long, short, long) to signify that you require
help. Blowing a whistle is more practical than shouting.
OTHER
ESSENTIALS
Maps
and compass: Since the trails in the Philippine mountains
are established, the use of maps and compass has been unnecessary.
However, the basic "know hows" should be acquired
by those who plan to take on mountaineering as a sport or
hobby. One should acquaint himself in the correct use of these
tools in order to be prepared in cases of emergencies.
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