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Hi all
I am preparing to do the Kokoda trek around mid-late May and am trying to sort out what equipment will be necessary so any input on the following questions will be very much appreciated.
1. Leather boots versus synthetic… shops are recommending leather boots coated with bees wax
2. Gaiters for minimising water ingress in to top of boot… has any used these
3. What would the minimum nightly temperature be in the ranges as I have a number of sleeping bags to choose from.
4. Trekking poles… a good idea or just use a stick?
5. Hiking tent versus hammock… one of our group wants to take a hammock instead of a tent. I have read the topic re this on this forum but how many people use hammocks instead of tents on the Kokoda?
6. Any recommendations on a good rucksack… brand, size, etc
I am sure I will come up with heaps of other questions as the time approaches
TIA
Stets
Hi stets
I have been on trek recently and am glad to anwer some of your queries – whichever way I can help you with.
1. Boots – Leather or synthethic? I think leather would be most preferable in these conditions. Bees wax would be a bonus – as there is one or two places you will come across with a lot of bees around. I have never worn any of these but would be helpful to hear from other trekkers.
2.Gaiters – You will definitely need this on your trek. Almost every trekker uses them.
3.Temperature – You can be best assured that the temperature up there is pretty cold in the night. In some places – esp higher altitudes it is freezing cold.
4.Trekking Poles – This is a must for every trekkers. Trekking poles or sticks have almost the same usage.
5. Tent vs Hammock – I think everyone prefers tents on the trek. A few have tried hammocks but have had one problem or another.
QUOTEre:Is hammock a good replacement for tent?A few trekkers went out with hammocks instead of a tent. The hammock had a top cover and overall it was covered so no mosquitoes can come in… but in practice, it was hard to set up and it wasn't strong enough to hold their weight. So one hammock collapsed at night.
In short it might be better and far easier to bring tent instead.
6. Rucksack – mountain bag (backpack) big enough to accomodate you sleeping bag, food stuff, clothes – the biggest you can find – at least 75 LT expandable to 85 LT size.
I hope this helps but maybe other ex-trekkers would like to add more on this? Anyone?
Thanks for the info Alison <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//smile.gif” style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:)” border=”0″ alt=”smile.gif” />
Hello Stets
I have recently completed the trek and can suggest what worked for our group
1. Boots – Leather boots and seal with snow seal if they are not water proof.
2. Ankle length sock guards worked well some others had gaiters and found them hot and uncomfortable.
3. Weather was cool at night in the higher country but not cold (April). Plenty warm enough with a +5 sleeping bag.
4. All the party used a stick it is a life saver I couldn't imagine how a pole could be worth the trouble.
5. A tent with enough room for your back pack if it rains. Make sure it is waterproof before you come even if the maker states it is. A plastic bag to keep muddy boots in outside the tent when it rains is handy.
5. I have a 75 litre Black Wolf they are reasonably priced and have loads of storage pockets and tear out pockets. They have a facility for a water bladder which is a must,they are much better than a canteen.
grt
Two guys on a trek recently slept in hammocks. At first when I saw the following photograph I thought they were playing their favourite sport, football….but no, Eric Uwea the guide informed me they were just setting up their hammock…check it out! Would you really want to go through this every night should you be exhausted when reaching your next campsite.
Note:the rather large rock in place of a hammer trying to secure the posts into the ground….that is of course after you cut and trim them.
My husband and son also bought a hammock and had the same problem erecting them. John (hubby) was ok with it but Nathan (son) said he hated it as he is tall and kept slipping and couldnt get comfortable as his feet felt cramped up.
P1000426.jpgand yet another pic:
P1000425.jpgI work at the Brisbane International and spoke to alot of returned Anzac trekkers about that equipment worked and what didn't.
Equipment info I got included:
Sleeping bags – get one rated to 0 degrees.
Sleeping Mats – the thin foam mats were too thin and you don't get a good night sleep. The 2 inch self inflating mats were great and you get a good nights sleep, though they are alot more expensive.
A good pillow was also very important.
Where your shoes in and do lots of working.When you return –
Clean your boots, gaters, tents and pegs, poles all your equipment used on the tek so there is no soil, grass or seeds.
Make sure the pole type walking sticks have no bark on them unless you want to pay an extra $30 having them treated.
They all had a great experiance.
Katie
Tks Katie for taking the time to post and for your comments. I found the same thing, my inflatable mattress saved the day! and my beloved inflatable pillow as well…..
Sometimes they can be a bit hard to deflate as shown here with Russell Eroro & Eric Uwea. We have now found the best way is to lie it down…roll…stand on it….roll…stand again and so forth until you push all the air out!
Air_Bed_Russell___Eric_3.jpgDoes any body know about fuel.
I am wondering If we need fuel stoves for the track. I like a cuppa – or coffe while walking.
I see no mention of stoves and cooking equipement in the gear to bring.
SO I am Wondering !!!!Lastly if I take a stove were can I get fuel – (Metho or Heximine blocks).
I would understand that gas canisters would be hard to get, and you are
not supposed to fly with the stuff.Regards
Dave :Dave,
I walked the track acouple of years ago. Don't worry about the fuel stove, the guides and porters can get a fire going in a tropical down-pour. I would suggest taking extra tea/coffe as our trek we were getting three cups from the one teabag before the resupply.
CheersYes Dave, agree with Ray's comments, no need to bring along a stove of any description as the porters and guides get a log fire going within minutes and have great survival skills.
What is good though if you want a cuppa whilst walking, is to bring with you a small thermos. In the morning before heading out on the trail fill it up with hot water from their cooking pot for breakfast and you can make your own tea/coffee anytime you want to stop whilst walking with no further need to boil the billy.
As for myself, I must admit I only drank water/sustogen etc whilst walking coz you perspire so much and its hot out there. A cuppa I have beside me right now but out on the trail I wanted something cool and did not yearn for something hot.
When I stopped for the day in the campsites I made up for it and had several cuppa's….
Thanks,
For the advice.
I think I will just use the fires, and have the caffine hits in the morning and evening.
Even walking in the back blocks of lamington I sweat like a ?????,
I still enjoy the odd brew.It is a different concept from the Bans on fires here in Aust…
Regards
DaveHi,
Just thought I would add to your initial query about gear.Believe me I have tried all sorts over the last 30 odd years.
Leather boots definately. Good brand no cheap rubbish. Good socks and wear them both in for weeks before you go. Use beeswax or dubbin.Take it with you and add every evening. use sparingly, if you use too much you can saturate the leather and it gets too soft and you lose the support.
Get gaiters as they save your socks and make early morning walking in the dewy grass much more confortable.Keeps the rubbish out as well.
Forget about hammocks, haven't seen a decent one yet. Pain in the butt to erect.
Get a Therma Rest mattress they are a Godsend for older citizens. Like me.
Sticks for this type of alking are a saviour if you don't do alot of hiking, they certainly do take the load off you're knees but they can be awkward to use at first.
Hope this helps
A tip from 4 doctors over 50 who just walked with us:
They said it is a MUST for all trekkers their age to have not one but TWO walking sticks.
It was suggested I strongly get this message across to all future trekkers so they are prepared.
I must admit Russell suggested to me that I purchase two walking sticks and they were absolutely fantastic. They can also easily be adjusted to your height.
My friend was 65 when she walked with me and only brought with her one stick. She tried out mine and said it was much better with two.
Also if you are like me and not used to tough work, you need a pair of gloves with the fingers cut out so protect your hands from blisters….one again this worked for me.
Myself, Gail Thomas out on the Kokoda Trail with my gloves on and my trusted walking sticks not far from my reach….I have even had trekkers come back in who have given their sticks names…haha
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