Hydration/day Pack

[Lorna]

My kids bought me a Black Wolf Python hydration pack for christmas. It has a 3 litre bladder and is rated as holding 15 litres of gear. However, by the time I fill the bladder and add 2 x 1 litre additonal water bottles it's practically full. Can anyone offer advice on just what I need to carry myself? I'm hiring a porter. Do I carry my first aid kit, day snacks, loo paper, sunscreen/mozzie off, poncho, camera…. in my daypack so that i don't need to be bothering my porter throughout the day? Or can I get gear from him if need be ( such as my first aid kit)?

Also would appreciate some guidelines on the size of the daypack. Would 25 litres be big enough?

Thanks

[Brian]

Hi Lorna

You appear to have every thing covered well whilst different brand your day pack seems the same size as the one I took with much the same as I carried.

If with KTL your porter will be quite happy when your group stops to let you get into your main pack so do not carry any more weight than you need to in your day pack.

I just carried the very basics of the first aid kit in my day pack with my medications and other first aid items in the pack the porters were carrying.

Have a great Trek

Brian

[Brian]

Lorna

Just thinking my Camelbak Day Pack has a pocket outside of the pack on each side each taking a 1litre water bottle I feel your day pack may have the same leaving room inside the pack for your gear.

Brian

[Lorna]

Thanks for replying Brian. The Black Wolf 'python hydration pack is described as a streamlined hiking pack… which I think is where the problem lies. As such it's quite small and fitted to the back. There is a large zippered section and then one big outside pocket that has bungy cord type adjustments. … though the sides are quite low on this bit. When I filled the hydration pack and added the 2 x 1 litre bottles in the zippered pocket – there wasn't much other room. I tried the bottles in the outside bungy cord section but they didn't appear very secure. I think I'll get another larger pack to be sure I've got sufficient room for my bits and pieces. Good idea about only carrying the basic first aid with you too. Cheers

[Mrs Moo]

Lorna
Don't forget you will need room for your ration pack each day as well.

Moo

[Lorna]

Yes, the ration pack…one more thing. Did you also carry a small latrine shovel Mrs Moo? It seems i'm going to need a decent sized day pack. These forums are a fantastic learning/information tool arent' they. Cheers

[Mrs Moo]

No, I didn't worry about a latrine shovel. In an emergency you can always scrape a hole with the heel of your boot (or a stick). Try to keep pack weight down as much as possible, even if it means leaving behind stuff you "might" need.

I'm not sure how big my day pack is (30 litres??) but it just fitted my bladder, two 1 litre bottles for water and gatorade, my ration pack, and my cup and bowl which I squeezed in somehow. All other stuff I put in my big pack, except for some anti-bacterial wipes, anti-bact hand wash etc which I carried in my pockets of my shorts.

Moo

[Brian]

Hi Lorna

My Camelbak day pack had a 2 litre bladder I also carried 2×1 litre aluminium bottle one in the net or bungee pocket what ever you call it on each side of the pack. 4 litres (4KG in weight) was ample for my needs if necessary I had ample opportunities to fill up along the track. I filled up the bladder with water from the 1 litre bottles that I had previously treated at least 1 hour before with puratabs.

I cannot say what you personally will need but I personally had no need at all for any sort of scoop etc, the toilets certainly left a lot to be desired but we all including one lady managed OK with them.

I made a mistake by carrying to much, in weight, as gifts for the kiddies along the way this I will reduce when I go next time.

We were given the next days rations each night as we generally had too much we sorted it each night giving some to our porters for their own use and ONLY carried in our day packs any food that we may require during the following day. The EVENING meal portion of the rations was always carried in our porters pack.

My porters pack not including any food weighed in at about 15kgs whilst my day pack that included the kiddies gifts and 4litres (4KG) of water was around 7kgs.

I carried two smaller canon cameras both capable of taking the same charged batteries and cards. Did this in case I drowned one or other I only used one but would still take two next time. I took 5 fully charged batteries for both cameras whilst I only used 3 of these one of our team used the other two. I had a 4gb card for each camera but only ended up using one.

Lorna what ever you do keep that weight down only taking items that you really absolutely need nothing extra, likewise in your porters pack take nothing you really can do without. Keep that weight down.

Leave any spare clothes in your hotel for when you return there after your trek.

Hope this helps a little

Brian

[Geoff Hardie]

With respect, carrying a latrine shovel is basic hiking etiquette and an essential requirement. A suitable implement is essential to ensure adequate depth (20-30cm min.) is achieved thus ensuring animals do not disturb and uncover faeces. Using your Boots and sticks will not easily achieve the required depth quickly and easily.
In my opinion it is essential that all contemplating walking Kokoda should experience extended overnight outdoor hiking in their preparation, most particularly if this is to be their first experience with bush hiking. Some of the most important benefits that will be achieved is finding out what works best for them regarding pack size,arrangement of items within pack, hydration needs etc.
Kokoda does however have many unique issues and this forum has invaluable and comprehensive information contained within its data base for all who are able to explore it fully.
Geoff Hardie

[Author]

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