Kokoda Trail | phantom | Activity

phantom replied to the topic Vibram Fivefinger Footwear? in the forum Trek Preparation

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:18:15 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Ground Sheet For Tent in the forum General Discussions

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:11:54 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Backpack in the forum General Discussions

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:21:05 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Backpacks in the forum Trek Preparation

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:01:41 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Waterproofing Packs in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:42:06 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Packing The Back Pack in the forum Trek Preparation

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:51:23 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic River Crossing Footware in the forum Trek Preparation

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:44:35 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Tents Optional? in the forum General Discussions

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:16:07 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Creek Crossings - In Your Hiking Boots? in the forum General Discussions

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:10:10 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Toilet Seat Covers in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:00:56 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Toilet Seat Covers in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:00:56 +1000

phantom replied to the topic Waterproofing Packs in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:19:30 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Packs in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:11:30 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic I Need To Pee! in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:34:21 +1000

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

phantom replied to the topic Packs in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:29:48 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Trekking Poles in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:44:45 +1000

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]

phantom replied to the topic Recommended Tent And Rucksack in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 01:29:40 +1000

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.

phantom replied to the topic Trekking Poles in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 01:26:33 +1000

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.

phantom replied to the topic Backpack Question in the forum Trek Preparation

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 23:42:21 +1000

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.

phantom replied to the topic Acubra Hats in the forum Trek Preparation

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 23:40:19 +1000

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.

phantom replied to the topic Tent, Bivvy Or Other in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:32:38 +1000

Hi guys,Saw your post and as a'veteran' of the Kokoda and other wet and rugged places. Forget the hutchie and the bivy bag. Tents now are just about as light as any hutchie and bivies are only ever designed as overnight emergency shelters. In a bivy the main problem is that they are so small all of your gear has to stay outside and that means wet…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Recommendation For Poncho in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:29:45 +1000

Hi Guys,There is an Exped Poncho that triples up as a poncho, bivy bag and tarp. They are great but like all ponchos they don't breath and are hot to walk in despite the openness of them. You can use one of the cheapie ones for $2 or go for a 2 layer Goretex waterproof jacket like the Photon from Mountain designs that doubles as a windproof…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Boots in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:45:09 +1000

Hi guys,I like gaiters as they protect your lower legs from scratches etc, the overboot protectors are also ok but not as water proof etc. The track can be oozing mud or dusty just depends on the weather. Most of the time you will be ok with the lighter weight overboot protectors and just accept that they will only keep a limited amount of water…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Boots in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:57:19 +1000

Hi guys,That link is excellent, it would take me a thousand words to explain it. On any trek your feet are the most important things to look after. depending on the weather up in PNG at the time your feet may be wet all day. You MUST dry them off at the end of the day and put some powder, Prantal is good. If you don't you will get fungal…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Boots in the forum Trek Preparation

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:25:19 +1000

Hi,If I were you I would save my work boots for what they were made. They are not designed to go up and down hills all day in the mud slush and other stuff. You will find that they will give your toes a hammering and you will lose the nails. You must learn how to tie your hike boots as well to help prevent this.Go to a "specialty" hike shop, Not…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Preparing For Kokoda - The Average Joe in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:19:39 +1000

Hi, Just a note about boots and loosing toenails etc. When you are doing up the laces in your boots tie the lower half off and then the top section to lock your heel into the back of your boots. This stops your foot sliding forward alot on the downhill sections. Believe me I know there are lots of them.This is an old climbers trick that will save…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Prep For Ex Service Member in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 03:17:09 +1000

Hi, good to see you all fired up. I hve only just come back and in hindsight I needed to do alot more hill climbing work. The trip is brilliant but does require alot of preparation. If you are using a porter then it is much easier but still bloody hard.I carried my own and that was really satisfying for me. If you have old war wounds then that is…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Kokoda Track in the forum Trek Preparation

Tue, 16 May 2006 02:33:21 +1000

Hi, Couldn't agree more. You are mad if you trek alone or unaided. If you hurt yourself you have to get yourself out. One poor bloke was in there for 6 days waiting for a helicopter and he was with another tour company. The porters make the trip, they are fun, professional and amazing people. Don't miss this experience.

phantom replied to the topic Best Places To Buy? in the forum Trek Preparation

Tue, 16 May 2006 02:29:32 +1000

Hi,I have been a huge fan of the Meindls for a long time now and just finished the track in a pair of Makalus. They were superb. A little trick when trying to dry your boots at night, the porters try to do the right thing but sometimes they put them a bit close to the fire and they come off second best. Didn't happen to me as I wouldn't be able to…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Medication/injections in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 05 Feb 2006 01:23:18 +1000

Hi, Couldn't agree more. I had a lot of PNG boys at boarding school with me years ago and they ALL swore that you HAD to have the treatments. I am using Doxy as well, my neighbour is a chemist and he says you are crazy if you don't use it and the only possible side effect is with some people it makes their skin a bit blotchy or sensitive to…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Back Packs in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 05 Feb 2006 01:19:37 +1000

Hi John,Great o see you using the forum. I have used 75 ltr WE backpacks for years and am going back up to Kokoda( again) in April. I am not sure what else you would need in the daypack apart from camera, rain gear and some snacks etc but I have a WE Contour which is about 35 ltr- 40 ltr and it is massive. I used it on the Thorsburne trail for 4…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Overnight Temperature in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:32:40 +1000

Hi,Just wondering how cold it was at night compared to say Brisbane . I am going up in April 06. Thanks.

phantom replied to the topic Feet in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 05:27:06 +1000

Hi,Interesting to read about all the blisters and fun breaking in new boots. Scarpas seem to be like that at first but then they settle down. I have tried dozens of boots and have just bought my second pair of Meindls. They are quite simply brilliant.I bought the Makalus this time and had the Island Pros before. Both excellent and suited for…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Is Kokoda Harder Than Nepal in the forum Trek Preparation

Sat, 06 Aug 2005 22:33:08 +1000

Hi,I must agree, Nepal is harder, mainly because of the height and it goes on and on, longer than 9 days. I took three weeks and that was pushed a bit.The best part about Kokoda is the historical links to Australia and it is still a great trek.Nepal can be tricky with the cold weather but it has a lot more opportunities to stop and recover if you…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Backpacks in the forum Trek Preparation

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 02:37:25 +1000

Hi Dave,Good to see someone who appreciates quality packs. I was lucky and got one of the last WE packs still made in WA. I have seen the latest offerings and can only say , I can't see any change in them. I hope it remains the same.I know they are expensive but it's like good boots, you buy rubbish and you suffer for it and of all the items that…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Various Equipment Questions in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 06:18:58 +1000

Hi,Just thought I would add to your initial query about gear.Believe me I have tried all sorts over the last 30 odd years.Leather boots definately. Good brand no cheap rubbish. Good socks and wear them both in for weeks before you go. Use beeswax or dubbin.Take it with you and add every evening. use sparingly, if you use too much you can saturate…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Backpacks in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 06:09:49 +1000

Hi,Back again. have been away in the hills. The Wilderness Equipment packs vary in price from $300 to about $500 it just depends on which model you bu. They are very generous in their sizing, mine is rated at 75 ltr but is more like 85. Once again they are bomb proof. No cheap Chinese fittings either.I bought my latest one from Silk Road in…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Backpacks in the forum Trek Preparation

Tue, 24 May 2005 02:45:48 +1000

Hi,Saw your post and can offer some advice on packs. I have used Wilderness Equipment packs on and off for over 20 yrs and they are Bombproof. MacPac and One Planet are also fine. They are expensive but you can bet you will still have them in 15 yrs time and they will still be remarkably waterproof.Read some of the reviews on trailspace.com and…[Read more]

phantom replied to the topic Fitness Requirements in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 03:20:27 +1000

Hi, I am new to the forum but have hiked for a very long time in lots of remote places.In response to you wearing webbing, I assume you mean army style webbing. I wouldn't and I don't mean any disrespect to any service people but that style of carrying water etc really gets to you after a couple of days and is very uncomfortable. There are alot…[Read more]