My original purchase were the leather Scarpa boots. Comfortable just wandering around but my God, once I started seriously trekking in them they nearly killed me. Blisters after blisters after blisters. I didn't think I'd ever break them in. Some of you would remember my earlier posts when I was trying to break them in… and terrific advice was…[Read more]

After consultation with my Doctor ( The Royal Flying Doctor Service), one of whom had trekked Kokoda last year, I was inncoulated for Thyphoid and Hep A and B. I've got cholera mixture to take in two doses a couple of weeks before I leave. I also had a tetanus booster and a flu shot while I was at it. And I've been prescribed anti malaria…[Read more]

My kids bought me the black wolf Python daypack.. but it was way to small…(I'm trekking in June). So I sold it on ebay and got a women's specific Camelback , 26 litres I think. It's extremely comfortable and has plenty of room. From advice on this website, which – by the way, is invaluable to trek preparation, you'll also need to carry (so you…[Read more]

Thanks Pete. Your email arrived this morning….. cheers now.

Pete, when you say you cleaned your boots each day, what exactly do you mean? A wipe over with a damp cloth, dig mud out of the treads? Thanks.

Pete, I would absolutely LOVE a copy of your trek DVD. I'm like a sponge at the moment….. the preparation and learning about this battle are half the fun I've discovered. It's interesting comparing different trekking companies. MIke didn't trek with KTL… and it appeared from his DVD that the porters didn't have much interaction with the…[Read more]

Thanks Mike, my copy arrived a few days ago. I agree with all posted comments.. this DVD is great for my research as I'll also be trekking from Kokoda to Owers Corner in June. I like the detailed and accurate times for various sections of the track, though imagine there would be a great variation from when Mike walked if the track was wet.Mike…[Read more]

Thanks Mike, my copy arrived a few days ago. I agree with all posted comments.. this DVD is great for my research as I'll also be trekking from Kokoda to Owers Corner in June. I like the detailed and accurate times for various sections of the track, though imagine there would be a great variation from when Mike walked if the track was wet.Mike…[Read more]

All very good advice, thanks so much. While away earlier this week I puchased every sort of blister pad I could find, and have found using these, plus tape to keep them firmly in place – and of course a thin inner pair of socks and good quality hiking socks is working. I'm going to continue taping my heels for quite some time to come just to make…[Read more]

Thanks for your quick replies Brian and Geoff. This is really frustrating me – the boots (leather scarpa) have been absolutely fine just wearing for everyday use the past couple of months. It's only now i've started hiking with my backpack that I'm experiencing the problem. The blisters are also preventing me from running – my other great passion…[Read more]

I'm also breaking in my new Scarpa trek boots. I purchased them about 3 months ago and have worn them heaps without any problems whatsoever. They were a little uncomfortable to begin with but the more I wore them the better they got. So I was absolutely horrified yesterday when I went for a hike in them ( complete with my new daypck, loaded with…[Read more]

I too paid my deposit to another company before discovering this forum. While I'm perfectly happy with my original choice ( and have spoken to several past clients who have trekked with them – all full of praise, couldn't speak highly enough of the company, the staff, their porters, the historical content etc etc ), I also wouldn't hesitate to…[Read more]

Fluppy, your hubby will still need something to wear around camp at night, such as crocs. Those wetsuit type booties are a real sauna for dry feet. He'll sweat buckets in them…. and i think the idea is to dry/air your feet once we've finished trekking for the day. They'd probably be fine for the creek crossings but will necessitate the taking of…[Read more]

One pole or two??? Many I speak to say two is a necessity, especially if it's raining – but then others think one was sufficient. I have purchased one Leki and was thinking I could get a hand carved one when I'm there as well. That way if I'm comfortable walking with just the one pole I could pack my Leki away. Question – would 2 'odd/different'…[Read more]

Thanks for this very sound advice Times Two. I've now got another larger daypack – the Camelbak Trinity ( on sale at Paddy Palins for half price at the moment), which is a ladies specific pack – 3 litre hydration system and 26 litres for cargo. It looks and feels ideal. I intend to carry 2 x 1 litre bottles as well and may well only fill one but…[Read more]

Have finally purchased another daypack ( and sold the smaller Black Wolf on ebay). It's difficult for me as I'm in the middle of nowhere so have to rely on research on the net and assistance from salespeople at the stores by phone … then do a mail order. I wanted the pack now so that I could begin training with it.I settled on the ladies…[Read more]

Great – thanks Brian and Jafa. I'm sold… i like the weight ( about 600grams), good thickness and compactability. As this will probably be a one off for me I feel buying a thermarest is overkill – $$$ wise. Have a good day.

Great – thanks Brian and Jafa. I'm sold… i like the weight ( about 600grams), good thickness and compactability. As this will probably be a one off for me I feel buying a thermarest is overkill – $$$ wise. Have a good day.

Thanks Jafa. The sales lady said they had done a roaring trade of late… most probably due to your posted link here! Shows just how popular this forum is. Cheers

Thanks Jafa. The sales lady said they had done a roaring trade of late… most probably due to your posted link here! Shows just how popular this forum is. Cheers