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Tips for Hiking Oahu's Backyard
Chapter 5.2: What to CarryThere is no cure-all for what to bring on your hiking trips since what you can carry comfortably will weigh the balance between necessities and luxuries in your backpack. However, I can share with you what I take along on all of my day-hikes. Some might say I bring too much, few might say I don't bring enough.
The three sample lists you see here represent the actual inventory of what I carry. Occasionally, very long and dry hikes, such as Kamaileunu Ridge, requires that I bring extra water (6 - 8 liters). Often, on these hikes, hikers will reduce their carry load by stashing a bottle of water somewhere along the trail for the trip out. For safety and security, be careful that you choose a well-hidden spot - and don't forget to retrieve it on the way out! Rare are the people who bring portable filtration systems and draw drinking water from local streams. On the plus side this is a lightweight alternative to loading your backpack with water which can weigh several pounds. However, it has the bothersome requirement of hiking down into the valleys for water, and can be cumbersome especially if you're hiking on a ridge trail. The sweat you lose hiking down and up from a tall ridge negates the usefulness of this alternative. Remember, some streams on Oahu are intermittent and many run dry or stale during summer months. This option is almost never used except by backpackers who really have no choice other than uncomfortably hauling gallons of water. Speaking of drinking water and backpacking, I avoid the use of iodine tablets whenever possible. Iodine leaves a nasty taste in the water and prolonged usage is bad for your health. When the iodine tablets have been used, I add fruits gathered on the trail, such as lilikoi or guava, to improve the taste a little. The citric acid from the fruit helps to neutralize the iodine compound. Alternatively, one can purchase iodine-removal tablets (which often come in a two-pack with the iodine tablets), but it requires you to wait even longer before you can drink. Want to know a secret?
Keep your lunches rich in carbs, but light. Take pasta and fruit, for example. Save the juicy steaks for your overnighters. On long backpackings, try to bring something with citric acid. I've found prunes dried with orange juice is perfect to get those vitamins and minerals lost on days of reconstituted meals. Have I needed a compass and map before? YES! Well, no - not vitally needed since I've gone without both before. I've had times where it could've made things a little easier, though. You can't get lost on Oahu! (You can only get stuck.) A compass can assist in solving the confusion. It also helps you pick out the significant landmarks (like faraway peaks or waterfalls) along your route to gage your travel
Compact disc, you ask? Yep! It's light, cheap, and have you seen how well the sun reflects off it? Plus, I can attach it to the back of my pack in case I want people to see me while I hike. I've kept it in its sleeve and plastic wrapper for when I need it. Everyone can find a CD they don't want. I've got about a hundred of them from AOL. Remember to note expiration dates of all medication/ointments and Cylumine light-sticks on the canister or on a slip of paper inside the canister. I have small dessicant packs in most of the plastic bags to keep things free of moisture. Most of the stuff is double-bagged in resealable plastic bags.
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