Hi Brian,I too perspire freely and my suggestion re waterproof hood was only intended as an idea for movement around campsite. I could never walk with a hat on either, rain or no rain, unless in the middle of a Melbourne winter. I dont recall condensation being a problem as one normally had tent well ventilated, just the mozzie screens zippped up.…[Read more]

Hi Brian,In September you will certainly encounter rain at some point. I found a lightweight 3/4 length rain jacket to be ideal for use around campsite at end of days walking. A waterproof hood is useful.I personally also used a very lightweight poncho however I found it impractical when encountering the many steep uphill and downhill sections,…[Read more]

I am not a qualified pyhsical trainer however it is my experience that in the early stages of any preparation for a severe physical challenge, most will suffer pain in some part of ones body. This is quite normal. The test will be the challenge itself. If you have done the right preparation you will succeed over all the pain you may have…[Read more]

After five decades of active involvement in the sport of rowing, experience has taught me that only continuous use will sufficently toughen you hands to avoid blisters.Assuming you time is limited before your trek I would recommend you try either the following,Cycling mits, should you decide to continue with a bush stick orTelescopic walking stick…[Read more]

My assessment of cash needs whilst on the track does not allow for the usual gratutiites to your porters. Probably 100 Kina may still be enough to cover all gratutities.You will need to know exactly when you will be parting company with your porters as to cash needs whilst trekking or if an opportunity exists upon you return to Port Moresby where…[Read more]

Nettie,For someone doing the full track, I believe 50Kina is a little light although it was about what I personally needed. Some of our group spent that much on bananas alone. Most enjoyed the odd can of coke along the way as well. Cash is also needed as a form of gratutity if group wish to meet Ovura Ndikik, one of the few remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy…[Read more]

Hi Nettie,Toliets along the track are certainly very primative and actual toilet seats are very much the exception. My only recollection of seats were at Efogi.Cheers,Geoff Hardie

Hi Fluppy,It sounds like you are carrying a complete pack, i.e. without the use of a porter, If Kokoda is to be your first experience with overnight hiking, full preparation by way of some prior overnight hikes is absolutely vital. How you assemble you pack will boil down to what best works for you. Rolling clothes, I believe, enables you to…[Read more]

Stewart,Your plans are now perfectly clear to me. Had this detail been known from the beginining I would not have wasted my time, other than to pass on the info re purchase of gas canisters in Port Moresby Perhaps I made too many assumptions, my mistake. I am sure your crossing will go well.I have no connection with KTL or any other tour company…[Read more]

Hi Stewart,I well appreciate the many possible reasons why you may have chosen not to use the services of an authorised and experienced tour operator.Trekking Kokoda is nothing like any Hikes you may have done in Australia or elsewhere and no experience in Aus. will prepare you for the cultural issues you will experience in PNG.In this regard the…[Read more]

HI Stewart,From my recollection this issue has been raised a few times before in this forum. Assuming you are tekking with KTL or another authorised operator, from my own experience in August last, I do question the need to bother with taking your own gas cylinders. Your porters will provide you with all the hot water you need at normal meal…[Read more]

Hi everyone,I did not wish to alarm, only to warn on the need to cross all "t's" and dot all " i's " when dealing with Insurance companies, particularly with travel insurance.Certainly it would appear the age of the insured is an important factor when determining what risks each company will cover, as Brian and I have experienced.Cheers, Geoff…

Be a little carefull here. Airlifting a traveller out of Ireland maybe regarded by all insurance companies a little differently than the nature of "adventure" travel on the Kokoda Track.Best to put the situation direct to whoever you decide to go with. I was covered by Toursafe Travel Insurance in August last. My query to them on the subject at…[Read more]

Hi.No need to fear the water crossings, Your Porter , I am sure, will give you all the assistance and assurance you need. The agility and overall ability of these guys is truely amazing.Cheers again,Geoff Hardie

Hi AllBeing all of mature age, I believe this gives us all the ability to recognise the physical challenge of Kokoda and the sense to prepare properly. "Are we there yet",you certainly have "ticked all boxes" so far.Myself, at age 61, with an extensive background in hiking, 6 months before ,I too was extremely nervous of the challenge. Being very…[Read more]

Brian, After using other brands in the past, which leave your water tasting awfull, I found Micropur Forte by Katadyn very good on our crossing in August last. They caused little if any change in water taste. Available at Annaconda but are expensive at around $40 a pack of 100 tablets.Water bladder, as long as you have one with the usual wide…[Read more]

Brian,You will find a full hydration pack will interfere with the need to carry other misc personal gear, assuming you are hiring a porter.Far better to go with your existing day pack and invest in a hydration bladder with tube which fits inside your day pack. 2lt is sufficient, supplemented with a 1lt bottle. Bottle to be used to top up bladder…[Read more]

Hi Neat,I am aware of the Rockport brand which is regarded as a good quality "fashion" footware manufacturer. I am not sure however if their range includes good quality hiking boots. If your Kokoda Trek is to be a "one off" then possibly what you have in mind will be adequate, if a little worse for wear at the endAs frequently mentioned in the…[Read more]

Charlie, I do not have definative knowledge on this matter. Others may be able to assist? I would assume there would be no problems all the way through the dry season April to October, also assuming no global warming factors coming into play leading to unseasonal storm activity. Cheers, Geoff Hardie

To be without a tent on any overnite hike breaks the most fundamental rule of outdoor adventure. Not only do you put yourself in danger, but also your companions.Regardless of the season, to be without the use of a tent on the Kokoda Track is sheer folly .Geoff Hardie