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Adam, I seem to remember that we were advised to leave room for about 5 kilos of gear for the porter making the packs about 15kgs. They will adjust the pack to fit themselves and if there is no room in the pack they are very adept at tying things on. If they are walking back to Kokoda they generally take extra back for their families. Have fun, Libby
Galen, My 2 boys then aged 12 and 14 and I did the trek in October last year. We took water purification tablets and used those. The porters however, know exactly where to get your water for you so there is very little risk of getting sick. In the ration packs that we had, there were picnic bars (and they didn't melt), and a few other chocolate treats plus chocolate powder for a hot chocolate at night. We didn't take knives with us but my sons certainly came back with a few as gifts from their porters. They were carried in their back packs (not hand luggage), and went through without problems. I also bought my youngest a machete for his 13th birthday and that came back as well! Have a great time. It is the most amazing and life changing experience. Libby
Hi Austin, I'm glad you are doing the track. I did it last year with my two sons then aged 12 and 14. I trained for 6 months to get fit and walked the track without any problems. I'm not saying it wasn't hard but the exhileration was immense. I would like to think that you are walking the track not only for a fitness achievement but also as a thank you to the men of the 39th Battalion. There is a sense of the men every step you take. The boys and I were immunised for tetanus, Hep A and Typhoid. We were already immunied for Hep B. We took malaria tablests only because we were staing on in PNG for two months after the track. The other guys did not take anything, jsut made sure they covered up, and used tropical strength RID. Happy to help with any other queries. Libby
