Hi,Seen guys using them on a number tracks in Nepal recently and they swapped them back for boots after about 2 days. Not really suitable for rugged off trail use as they don't give your feet adequate protection when scrambling around rocks, mud and tree roots.They would be fine in camp and for bathing etc but the mud will pull them off your feet.…[Read more]

Hey,Groundsheets or footprints are a good idea in this sort of climate. You will save the tent floor from cuts and punctures and keep some moisture away but you still end up with a wet groundsheet to pack away. The beauty of them is you can always use it for other purposes if you need to.One of the better substitutes that are getting around at the…[Read more]

Morning all. The backpack debate continues, which is a good thing for all. There has been a proliferation of new cheap packs on the market over the past 3 or 4 years and for their price they are good value. like anything though cheap is only achieved by reducing quality of build and cheaper materials and labour. The Rolls Royce packs such as One…[Read more]

Hi Benn,Consierations need to include;Am I carrying it as a backpack only or do I need it as 'suitcase' with some limited backpacking.Do I need a day pack.Will I be carrying it all day or d I have someone else or some other means of tranportin the pack.If you are carrying it yourself the answer is simply buy the best quality you can. That would be…[Read more]

Hi Fluppy,Just saw your post about the Exped Tent. They are a good tent and a very common style. Excellent choice and it will negate the need for the heavy Hootchies to cover your packs etc.The front and rear entrances to these type of tents ( vestibules) serves to store you pack and boots in and keeps them out of the rain and more importantly…[Read more]

Hi, For what its worth, roll you Thermarest inside your pack aso that it leaves a large hole in the middle and then pack inside of that. It give everything else a bit of cushioning and you don't have stuff hanging on the outside of your pack. Your water bottles etc are vital so don't risk losing them by having them swinging in the breeze and then…[Read more]

Hi Anthea,I agree with Geoff and Brian, the Brownie and Goldie are the only two 'major' river crossings. Last trip for me the Brownie was not an issue but it came up very quickly when it rained. It all depends on the season they are having and what size groups are before you. The large groups taken by some companies chop up the track and make…[Read more]

Hi,Just saw Ste's post and must say this is as Geof says is against the basic rule of hiking.You may have been lucky but the basics of life are food water and shelter. Not to take a tent in Geoffs words is folly, mine is a bit harsher, stupidity.A reasonalbe tent like the Mantis weighs about 2 kgs. If you are wet, tired and hurt the tent will save…[Read more]

Hi,It all depends on how deep the creeks are. My first time was after a cyclone and we were wet for 9 days. Not even able to dry clothes out at night.Chances are your feet will be wet most of the day and after two days your boots will be soaked as well. The most important thing is at the end of the day dry your feet and look after them. If you can…[Read more]

Hi,Saw your post and must say. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING. There are No TOILETS as such on Kokoda. This is a remote, isolated and beautiful country that does not have toilets as we are used to. Stop packing this sort of stuff that just adds weight and makes it too hard. Go and practice on a few overnight weekend hikes and see what you need. You…[Read more]

Hi,Saw your post and must say. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING. There are No TOILETS as such on Kokoda. This is a remote, isolated and beautiful country that does not have toilets as we are used to. Stop packing this sort of stuff that just adds weight and makes it too hard. Go and practice on a few overnight weekend hikes and see what you need. You…[Read more]

Hi Fluppy,Lots of fun with tents and packs. What sort of tent have you got?.Most of the time up there you can get away with an extra garbage bag or go to the vets and get a large body bag fopr about $2. They are extra thick and strong. Put your clothes etc in them inside you pack. They will keep everything dry inside your pack and keep a spare…[Read more]

Hi Fluppy,Been out in the hills again. I was thinking about your inquiry while I was away and one of the other answers confirms my thoughts. Don't touch a travel pack for this type of trek. They are not designed for hiking even if you aren't carrying it. They are not designed to sit close to you back whilst going up and down hills.Stick with the…[Read more]

Take three steps into the bush and pee, no one will see you it is that thick and after two days no one will care. best of luck

Hi,I noticed your post and having hiked on Kokoda few times and just back from Mt.Everest I can tell you don't buy the Black Wolf pack as it is a travel pack not a hiking/ backpack. The extra pockets and gizmos just add weight and extra things to break.Go and look at the One Planet, Wilderness Equipment or MacPac websites and you will see some…[Read more]

Hi,Take a look at the Leki Super Makalu or the Black Diamonds. They are expensive but occassionally come up on e bay. They are top end and won't break on you at a vital moment like some of the cheap ones. Thorsburne Trail on Hinchinbrook is fantastic but not any where near as rugged as Kokoda. The hardest thing with two poles is getting used to…[Read more]

Hi,The Mantis is a good entry level tent and will do fine. Backpacks are my pet and I wouldn;t get anything less than a Wilderness Equipment, One Planet or a MacPac. Remember its your back and these brands are well worth the extra two hundred bucks over the Black Wolf Bugaboo and they are waterproof without needing a pack cover the Black Wolf isn't.

Hi,Just my two cents worth. The KTL sticks will get you by no problems. They are much better than not having one but I believe that the proper poles are worth their weight in gold, especially going down hills. They save your knees like you wouldn't believe. I have hiked all over the world and didn't use them, fool me.

Hey,Go to the local vet and pick up a large body bag for $2.50 as a pack liner. Much better value and they are better anyway. A bit gruesome I know but they are great.

Hi,You dont need an Akubra in PNG. They will be more hinderance than anything. Columbia do a very light weight hat and cap. Much better proposition.