Packing The Back Pack

[Phil_P]

Hi all,

I am planning on doing the kokoda with a shared porter (that is 2 of us will carry full back packs but have 1 porter between us to take some of the load).

I have purchased a Mac Pac 70Litre Back Pack and am trying to figure out if it's better to have the thermarest packed inside the Back Pack or strapped outside. – any suggestions? Is it too much hassle strapping it on each day?

The other think is water bottles, I hate using the camel packs. Any comments on those water bottles that have the caribener for clipping on the outside of the pack? My pack does not have pockets for water bottles.

Mac Pac have advised me that I don't need an outside water cover just an internal liner for rain protection.

I will be carrying, clothes, sleeping bag, thermarest, day pack of food etc – basically everything except tent.

Thanks in advance
Phil P

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Phil,
I have emphsised in many of my previous posts that it is important that if Kokoda is to be your first seriuos hiking experience you must prepare thoroughly which should include extended overnight hiking in the Australian outdoors. A major benefit of this will be that you are able to find out what works best for you.
With the Macpac pack you have chosen a quality brand and the 70 lt pack should be adequate given that you do not need to allow for the tent.
I am always able to carry my 3/4 length thermarest inside my pack. including hikes of 8/9 day durations when full term food rations are included. Generally with Kokoda you will only be required to carry 2-3 days rations at a time. I would avoid carrying any bedding outside you pack. My pack is a 80lt Aiking Pack. The only items needed to be attached outside have been my tent and poles.
Water Bottles vs Camelback. Again, find out what works best for you. I certainly would not want loose bottles hooked onto the outside of my pack nor would I want to be continually stopping to gain access to bottles. What everyone I am sure would agree upon,particularly for Kokoda, is the need to have a tube leading to your mouth connected to a water source either it be a bladder or bottle.
Internal pack waterproofing is important and in my opinion works far better than any external cover.
A good qualty large plastic "Glad bag" works well.
Good luck with your preparation, Geoff Hardie

[Times two]

Personally, I recommend a pack cover! I took a "one planet" backpack, also fully lined and water proof, but the rain is torrential at times. I borrowed a pack cover and it made all the difference. The best part was that when I took my pack off at the end of the day, it didn't drip a big wet puddle into my tent the way it had when I had no cover. I didn't worry about the cover in light rain, but for anything approaching heavy it was fantastic. It also helped to keep things together if you have things like water bottles and shoes hanging off the outside.
Putting the mat inside your pack is also beneficial – it keeps it dry, stops it from catching on everything, and no little hitchhikers can crawl in! I folded mine in half, then rolled it, and it fitted perfectly in the bottom of my bag.
As for the water bottles, a couple of our guys rigged up something on the waist strap to hold their bottles. I found carrying anything in the front restricted by climbing ability, but others wore bum bags on front with food, drink and sunscreen etc. There is even a new camel pack in a bum bag you can get! For drinking on the go a camel pack is worth its weight in gold, but I found water bottles ideal for when I stopped and could have a long solid drink.

[phantom]

Hi, For what its worth, roll you Thermarest inside your pack aso that it leaves a large hole in the middle and then pack inside of that. It give everything else a bit of cushioning and you don't have stuff hanging on the outside of your pack. Your water bottles etc are vital so don't risk losing them by having them swinging in the breeze and then 10 kms down the track you find they are no longer there.

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