I of course very much support the comments of petedowling. Comprehensive preparation will tell you "what works best for you"I certainly respect the wide experience and view of Russell Eroro however it often boils down to the physical capabilities of the user. Light weight telescopic poles will never ever support the full weight of an individual in…[Read more]

I of course very much support the comments of petedowling. Comprehensive preparation will tell you "what works best for you"I certainly respect the wide experience and view of Russell Eroro however it often boils down to the physical capabilities of the user. Light weight telescopic poles will never ever support the full weight of an individual in…[Read more]

Hi Anthea,You seem to be mistaken as to the extent of river crossings where it is necessary to take your boots off. There are only two,Brown & Goldie Rivers, days apart on the Track. Once the crossing is completed you immediately put boots back on. All other water crossings, which there are many, are by rock hopping or by log bridge.I am not…[Read more]

Hi Pedler,Brian's suggestions regarding Bill James Field Guide are very much supported by me.It was my "Bible" before, and thoughout our trek. Other recommended reading is also very worthwhileA further suggestion is to consider the trekking options involving treks led by Soc Kienzle of Komplete Kokoda in association with KTL. For a full background…[Read more]

Hi Lorna,Like Brian, I have been fortunate to escape any prolonged blister problems involving feet.My thoughts would be that once your existing blisters heal, proceed with your normal sock arrangement solely. If "hot spots" start to re-appear, quickly apply the blister strips. As always, if the problem persists, qualified medical advice maybe…[Read more]

Hi Lorna,Assuming you still have a few months before you trek, I would strongly advise you ease off with the walking and wait until your blisters are completely healed. Use time to build up your heart/ lung fitness by e.g.swimming and/ or exercise bike / rowing ergo. Good cardio fitness is just as important for Kokoda as "miles in your…[Read more]

Hi Kerryn, I too prepared in the hills east of Melbourne at Powelltown and Warburton for our crossing in late August 2007. Our last training walk a week beforehand up Mt Donna Buang was in fact in snow. I also do not enjoy humidity and I did have a bad reaction whilst spending three days in Popondetta before commencing our crossing from Kokoda.…[Read more]

A member of our group in August 2007 also lost the sole of one boot within two days of commencing the Track. Problem was overcome in the main with grey duct tape. His boots were a quality brand . The major problem was that they had been unused for 10 years beforehand, left in a back shed without proper leather conditioner protection. The other…[Read more]

I agree, health issues must not be compromised however lets get serious about acknowledging the current situation on the Kokoda Track.1.Amenities along the Track are not "5 Star" not even "1 star". Perhaps minus 5 maybe an accurate rating!2.The great bulk (95%)of tolieting facilities along the track are of the squat variety. I not sure how…[Read more]

I agree, health issues must not be compromised however lets get serious about acknowledging the current situation on the Kokoda Track.1.Amenities along the Track are not "5 Star" not even "1 star". Perhaps minus 5 maybe an accurate rating!2.The great bulk (95%)of tolieting facilities along the track are of the squat variety. I not sure how…[Read more]

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…[Read more]

The "spring loaded" type you refer to I think is in fact purely of a shock absorbing nature. Spring is internal and poses no problem with mud etc. A bit more expensive than the standard telescopic type. I in fact used the shock absorbing type. This was a conscious decision on my part as I found them to "work best for me" As to whether they give…[Read more]

The "spring loaded" type you refer to I think is in fact purely of a shock absorbing nature. Spring is internal and poses no problem with mud etc. A bit more expensive than the standard telescopic type. I in fact used the shock absorbing type. This was a conscious decision on my part as I found them to "work best for me" As to whether they give…[Read more]

Hi EVOThe 8th August annually has been celebrated by the 39th Battalion as "Kokoda Day" since the Second World War recalling the successful attack by the 39th Battalion, "A" Company (of which my late father was a member) against the Imperial Japanese Army to retake the village of Kokoda on the 8th Aug 1942. They then fought off a series of fierce…[Read more]

Hi EVOThe 8th August annually has been celebrated by the 39th Battalion as "Kokoda Day" since the Second World War recalling the successful attack by the 39th Battalion, "A" Company (of which my late father was a member) against the Imperial Japanese Army to retake the village of Kokoda on the 8th Aug 1942. They then fought off a series of fierce…[Read more]

Jafa,What I was refering too as regards mutual co-operation and assistance to other team members, was that due to the severe lack of suitable hanging points at almost all camps sites along the track, separation would be far far greater than what is the case with tents. If everyone, in even small groups, were to use hammocks there simply would not…[Read more]

Hi Lorna,As I have mentioned previously, your preparation will tell you what works best for you, wether it is one stick or two. If it is to be two then I would certainly have two of the same, not a mixture of telescopic and carved wooden. As an experienced hiker, but now of advanced years, 60+, I went with two of the manufactured telescopic…[Read more]

I would agree with the majority view that hammocks are not suitable on the Kokoda Track. For very experienced hikers, maybe. If you are trekking in a small or large groups, team spirit is important and being isolated/separated in camp sites is not condusive to good team spirit.Geoff Hardie

Hi Kerryn,In my opinion a second pair of hiking boots,in case of emergency, is an overkill and totally unnecessary. You simply should not have the capacity, weight wise, for this luxury.The Columbia hiking boots are of a good quality and you should not have any difficulties. A spare set of laces is important though. If it gives you comfort, a…[Read more]

Hi Fluppy,I would totally support the comments of Jafa. As I recall you are not trekking until October next. You really do run the risk of "burn out". Slow down and concentrate on endurance training, e.g extended overnight bush hiking. Given your preparation to date, I am sure you will be fine.Regards, Geoff Hardie