Loo Paper

[oconnor]

Hi, I am doing the trek next year with a large group of people including about 10 women, I have read about flat packing your loo paper in plastic bags, but was wondering if we could possibly take those plastic flatpacks of "baby wipes" for this purpose – they are medicated and have an antiseptic and are already wet and could be used to wipe hands, faces etc as well as the obvious. Is there any merit in this or can anyone give me reasons against this plan??? Nola

[Waza]

Hi Nola

Firstly, I'm surprised that you haven't received a reply as yet.

Whilst the 'baby wipes' are probably a good option, I would certainly compare the weight of a packet (or two) against the weight of a roll of loo paper. Weight is quite vital, I even took the cardboard tube out of the centre. You should get away with 1 roll for the trip, so there's not too much weight and you can squeeze it in anywhere.

As far as wiping hands & face, I used my cotton hat for that and just washed it out as needed.

Hope this helps out. look forward to your reply.

regards

Warren (Waza – Trek 83) <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:rolleyes:” border=”0″ alt=”rolleyes.gif” />

[oconnor]

Thanks for your reply Wazza – I also was a bit surprised that no-one had any comments. I take your point about weight, will have to work it out – the main concern I had was whether there were any environmental problems. We have been told to unroll our loo paper and fold it into plastic sealable bags.

Trekking brings about a few extra nightmares for us womenfolk, deciding just what 'essentials' we use each day we can do without is just one!!! I recently read a story called 'Hiking Boots and Channel No 5 – Trekking Kokoda' about a group of 14 women, it was quite entertaining.

Regards, Nola

[ARTHURR]

QUOTE(oconnor @ 16 Jan 2006, 09:10 AM)

Thanks for your reply Wazza – I also was a bit surprised that no-one had any comments. I take your point about weight, will have to work it out – the main concern I had was whether there were any environmental problems. We have been told to unroll our loo paper and fold it into plastic sealable bags.

Trekking brings about a few extra nightmares for us womenfolk, deciding just what 'essentials' we use each day we can do without is just one!!! I recently read a story called 'Hiking Boots and Channel No 5 – Trekking Kokoda' about a group of 14 women, it was quite entertaining.

Regards, Nola

<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//smile.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:)” border=”0″ alt=”smile.gif” /> Hi,

I did trek 74 "Harry's Heroes". Without question the need to restrict weight is important. several people on our trek did in fact take "Wipes" for the very reasons you mention. Suffice to say however the others of us used the standard ration roll. Tips:
Remove the paper centre.
Squash.
Place inside sealable plastic bag.
Limit usage and use only for the real purpose – do not waste and a roll will get you there no worries.

You raised and enironmental question. I must say that while I am no "Greenie" I firmly believe there should be a policy of taking out what you bring in. It will not be long before the accumulation of rubbish left behind by mindless trekkers becomes and issue. It is sad to see some Trenches along the way starting to fill up with all manner of wrappings empty bags etc. So, if you can, take out your rubbish and be mindfull of the need to ensure appropriate disposal of anything you leave behind.

Enjoy, it is worth the effort.

[ARTHURR]

QUOTE(oconnor @ 16 Jan 2006, 09:10 AM)

Thanks for your reply Wazza – I also was a bit surprised that no-one had any comments.  I take your point about weight, will have to work it out – the main concern I had was whether there were any environmental problems.  We have been told to unroll our loo paper and fold it into plastic sealable bags. 

Trekking brings about a few extra nightmares for us womenfolk, deciding just what 'essentials' we use each day we can do without is just one!!!  I recently read a story called 'Hiking Boots and Channel No 5 – Trekking Kokoda' about a group of 14 women, it was quite entertaining.

Regards, Nola

<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//smile.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:)” border=”0″ alt=”smile.gif” /> Hi,

I did trek 74 "Harry's Heroes". Without question the need to restrict weight is important. several people on our trek did in fact take "Wipes" for the very reasons you mention. Suffice to say however the others of us used the standard ration roll. Tips:
Remove the paper centre.
Squash.
Place inside sealable plastic bag.
Limit usage and use only for the real purpose – do not waste and a roll will get you there no worries.

You raised and enironmental question. I must say that while I am no "Greenie" I firmly believe there should be a policy of taking out what you bring in. It will not be long before the accumulation of rubbish left behind by mindless trekkers becomes and issue. It is sad to see some Trenches along the way starting to fill up with all manner of wrappings empty bags etc. So, if you can, take out your rubbish and be mindfull of the need to ensure appropriate disposal of anything you leave behind.

Enjoy, it is worth the effort.

[Waza]

Hi Nola

No problems in replying Nola, I enjoy talking to people about the Trek.

I didn't put my roll into a plastic bag, but in hindsight it may have been a good idea, although it didn't get wet and served the purpose OK.

With regard to particular requirements by females, there is a Lady here in town who walked the Track in August and she was very worried about personal concerns before she went, but through constant reassuring was OK before she left and after she got back, she told me that everything was OK.

I could put you in touch with her, but only through Gail. If you want to pursue that, one of us can get in touch with Gail and get an email address and then I can put you in touch with her, as she is a lovely Lady and would love to talk with someone who is going on the Track. There is also another Lady who walked at the same time with me and I'm sure she would also be happy to discuss any aspect with you.
She has just moved and has yet to link uip again with an email address.

Most of the wastage is buried in deep pits but come a time when that will be too much and too difficult to dispose of. All biodegradable items are OK I guess but plastics shouldn't be left on the Track in my humble opinion.

Where was the story 'Hiking Boots and Chanel No 5' Nola and do you still have it?

Look forward to hearing from you again.

Regards

Waza <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:rolleyes:” border=”0″ alt=”rolleyes.gif” />

[Andrew G]

Hi there Nola,
I trekked Kokoda with 6 ladies last year (all nurses – Gail I am sure the boys are still scarred from that experience LOL).

Anyways if you would like any info from them regarding this matter please let me know and I can get in contact with them and have them reply through this forum.

Cheers

Andrew (Trek 101)

[Manadak]

Hi,

I did the trek last year in August and wished we had taken baby wipes – not just as loo paper – but to just wipe your hands, clean your feet (before putting boots on after walking around at camps or before you get into your tent). Great to give yourself a bit of a freshen up in the morning as it can sometimes be a bit of a rush to get everything packed up, have breaky before you set off. there is not alway time to get down to the river to wash up.

Also make sure that you take a sarong – it was the best thing to take as it is very versatile – I used it as a towel (as my towel was wet from start to finish and never dried), sheet at night when it was too hot for the sleeping bag, privacy when getting changed. Would recommend guys take one was well as they dry overnight when much else doesn't.

Amanda

[oconnor]

Hi All

Thankyou all for your advice and replies and offers of assistance. I would be very interested in email contact with other women who have done the trek, so for those who offered to put me in contact with other women that would be great.

Wazza, the link for the Hiking Boots and Chanel No 5 – Women Trekking Kokoda is

http://www.dotlit.qut.edu.au/200302/boots.html – 37k

It is a shame that people are so lax as to leave rubbish behind – that is almost criminal – you would think we would have learned by now.

The other question I am pondering at the moment is what to wear – I had originally thought of going to the army disposal store and buying stuff, but that will all be cotton and I have read a lot of adverse comment on wearing cotton. Wicking fabrics seem to be the go, I am considering wearing lycra style gym gear – snug fit but not too tight, as it is wicking and it moves with the body and will mean I don't have to have two layers with the lycra shorts. I am definitely wearing long pants as I am the sort of person that comes up in a rash if I brush past something – the rash fades quickly enough, but everyone else panics. I will be doing the trek with 45 other people – 4 women and the other 40 men – one being my son in law.

I have been joking with my son in law about what kind of sarong he will take, but now I will tell him all jokes aside it may be a good idea.

Once again thank you all for your comments – sorry about the delay in reply.

kind regards, Nola

[rowebrad]

i walked the track june 2005,the toilet wipes were very handy as they can do a njumber of jobs.
happy trekking
brad

[Waza]

Hi Nola

Long time no talk, when are you trekking? Hope you haven't left all ready.

Must look up my lap-top and get your email address and talk further.

Hope you are well and have sorted out what you are going to carry.

Take care

regards

Warren (Waza) <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//biggrin.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:D” border=”0″ alt=”biggrin.gif” />

[Author]

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