Hi craig, have a good look around and try on several packs. find a pack that feels good for you and that you can adjust so that it is comfortable. don't worry about brand names per se, just make sure that it feels right for you loaded. take it home and load up your gear. if it doesn't sit right take it back and get one that is right. you have to…[Read more]

hi lorna Iwill send you an email and arrange to post you out a copy of our dvd . its great and it will give you an idea of what it will be like for you. pete

hi lorna each night when Iwent to the stream/river to wash I simply cleaned the days mud off my outer boot and sole using a rag/stick for the sole. Twice I washed my boot and inner sole out by immersion after going through swampy ground . A good swirl of dettol followed which would have taken care of most of the nasties. boots were continually…[Read more]

Dear 39th descendant, so much fuss over something so basic. As the NIKE ads say "just do it". Remember where you are . Throughout Asia squat toilets are the norm. I dont know how widely you have travelled but if you travel through (as opposed to staying in 5 star hotels) Vietnam ,Cambodia, Laos then squat toilets are what you expect and have to…[Read more]

Dear 39th descendant, so much fuss over something so basic. As the NIKE ads say "just do it". Remember where you are . Throughout Asia squat toilets are the norm. I dont know how widely you have travelled but if you travel through (as opposed to staying in 5 star hotels) Vietnam ,Cambodia, Laos then squat toilets are what you expect and have to…[Read more]

hi lorna I trekked last April and we had had a lot of rain prior to the trek and heavy rain most nights. Apart from our first river crossing where we all took off our boots and put crocs on, the rest of the time my boots along with all our other trekkers stayed on. The track was very muddy in parts and we walked through muddy swamps and creeks as…[Read more]

hi thereI think geoff and phantom sum it up. Folly ,stupidity call it what you will but a basic rule of trekking and overnight walks is to be prepared for all contingencies. most treks are eight nights long. If things are going bad and you need to "pull your socks" up then it is impossible if you are not wearing any. The analogy is a simple one.…[Read more]

hi kevin, congratulations on starting the process of investigating walking the Trail.As regards your concerns. Malaria prevention should be seen in the light of your total health picture as well as part of your trip preparation in regard to proper clothing. Most trekking companies require you to have a medical check up and part of that is to…[Read more]

hey lorna, on our Anzac Trek last April we were fortunate to have a father/son combination who inherited fantastic artistic and IT skills from their father/grandfather who is one of Australia's finest cartoonists. the result is a DVD of our trek which is of commercial quality. It is specific to our trekking group and gives a real understanding of…[Read more]

hey lorna, on our Anzac Trek last April we were fortunate to have a father/son combination who inherited fantastic artistic and IT skills from their father/grandfather who is one of Australia's finest cartoonists. the result is a DVD of our trek which is of commercial quality. It is specific to our trekking group and gives a real understanding of…[Read more]

I used telescopic spring loaded poles and found them to be very handy. going down hills the poles gave my knees some cushioning. remember the terrain is not universally muddy but often the terrain is steep on ascent and descent and two poles worked for me. Even on flatter ground the poles allowed you to maintain a steady walking rhythm. personal choice.

Good to hear that things are on the improve with the condition of your feet. Just a little bit of extra advice. If you tape then tape every time. This includes each and every training session and not just soetimes. Your feet will position into your boots so much better if your taping is constant and the likelihood of a pressure spot is minimised.…[Read more]

hi krys, if you google "gluten free or dairy free ration packs" there is information that will be of assistance and links to other sites. When you talk of serious reactions , I think it would be a good idea to discuss your trek plans in depth with your local GP. If your reactions are of the allergic type, with careful planning you should manage…[Read more]

hi kerryn, I trekked last April and trained through a Melbourne summer. My training was varied cycling/swimming/walks with daypack and graduated heavier pack. My advice is not to get too caught up in trying to cover for every contingency and every variation. The trek by its very nature is unpredictable. Completing the trek is a mindset that you…[Read more]

hi Lorna, Blisters seem to be just an occupational hazard for a lot of sports people. the advice you have got so far is probably complete. I would just add that prevention is the best policy. Tape and cushion any areas that are a cause of a problem. Do so for each training session that you do. it takes a little while longer but it prevents…[Read more]

Hi Lorna , It sounds like you are moving in the right direction in regard to your fitness but if I can give you any advice I would suggest trying to get some hill work going . Stepping seems like a fair compromise. As regards the water a three litre camel back/pack is ideal.As regards water purifying, I would suggest you treat your water by…[Read more]

hi fluppy, I think you need to simply believe in yourself and mentally image yourself walking into Kokoda at the end of your trek, tired-yes, exhuausted- -perhaps, exhilarated – definitely, proud-certainly. Trekking Kokoda is a mindset. Believe in yourself, train hard, talk to others, seek advice but at the end of the day understand that it is…[Read more]

hi fluppy, I think you need to simply believe in yourself and mentally image yourself walking into Kokoda at the end of your trek, tired-yes, exhuausted- -perhaps, exhilarated – definitely, proud-certainly. Trekking Kokoda is a mindset. Believe in yourself, train hard, talk to others, seek advice but at the end of the day understand that it is…[Read more]

Make sure you have a comprehensive check up with your GP before you trek especially in regard to your asthma. With a good management plan combining proper use of preventers as well as agonists such as salbutamol( ventolin) in measured dose inhalers with or without spacers you should be ok.Given that your asthma is initiated by diverse non immune…[Read more]

On our trek in April there was only one person in our group of 22 that did not have a porter. The one person in our group was a young fit 19 year old guy carried his own and did very well. Having said that there were times when like all of us he did it hard.Part of the trek is to have a porter who not only carries your pack but shares the…[Read more]