Posted on: Tuesday, March 5, 2002

BYTEMARKS
Camping not as low-tech as you might think

By Burt Lum

Camping is one of my all-time favorite pastimes. I especially like the tent camping variety. Because of Hawai'i's mild weather, the worst you need to plan for is rain and wind. You might get a little cold if you camp in Haleakala crater, but at least it's not in the snow. We'll leave that for the hardcore.

I find it educational to see what other people consider essential when camping.

There are those who go for the bare essentials, such as a tarp and hammock. These are the minimalists, and they require much less in the way of equipment to maintain comfort than I do.

Don't get me wrong, I won't pack my pillow — but I won't leave the house without my Therm-a-Rest mattress pad.

What is basic to one person may be extraneous to another. But that's the fun of camping, understanding what you can or can't do without.

To start compiling your list of essentials, check out Camping Basics at camping.about.com/blbasics.htm.

As much as getting out into the outdoors seems like a low-tech experience, the more you get into it, the more you realize that there is actually a lot of high-tech involved.

Take my watch, for example. I've had this Casio for more than 10 years. It has an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and alarm. I won't go anywhere without it.

Suunto (www.suunto.com) makes a line of compasses and wrist computers, which can turn out to be incredibly useful while out in the wild. While at the Web site, check out the line of Primus stoves and lanterns.

Other essentials in my survival toolkit include a first aid kit, Swiss army knives or a Leatherman tool, and a Maglite flashlight.

The list goes on an on, and I haven't even talked about tents and backpacks. To get these, REI Co-op is my favorite store in physical space, but in Hawai'i you will have to reach it through rei.com.

Another good online store is campmor.com. I tried them out and received my order within four days. With so much to choose from, the key now is to pack so you have less than 100 pounds on your back. ;-)

Reach Burt Lum at burt@brouhaha.net.