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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. I have done Kokoda a couple of times now and once just after cyclone Larry when it was a pig pen the whole way. Think not seeing your hike boots let alone these shoes. I mean the mud can be a foot deep most of the day, but you may be lucky and have fine weather and jogger type shoes will be fine.Try them well before hand and see how they perfom in the really rugged stuff carrying a pack.Then make an informed decision.
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 moment is a product from the building industry called Tyvek. it is a moisture barrier used in the housing inddustry. They are using it on the walls etc . It is a breathable fabric that allows air to get through but keeps out moisture. It is excellant for groundsheets and if you can get some off cuts it is the best stuff. Bunning do sell it but I think only in large rolls. Thats the catch . So if you kow a builder he might have some offcuts that would be suitable.
Enjoy Kokoda it is a great trip , keep your gear simple and the weight down. Use everything well in advance and cull any luxuries.
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 Planet, Wilderness equipment and MacPac are the rolls Royces for those reasons. They will last you forever and are designed to carry heavy loads over the roughest of terrains. That is why they are the gear of choice for serious expeditions into the harshest environments. You never see a Blackwolf on Mt Everest. you see alot of Macpacs and other high end brands.
Those who choose Kokoda obviously fall into a couple of categories; those who use a porter and those who don't. Those who are experienced and those who are novices, which we all were at one stage.If you use a porter then mostly any pack will do as long as it is waterproof and large enough to carry all your gear. if you go this route then the cheaper packs are a good option and if you continue trekking then you can always upgrade as the most valuable equipment are good boots and a good pack.
If you choose to carry your own gear then a comparison in store will quickly show which packs shine in the quality stakes. The dollars are obviously very different but if you don't carry your own then the choice is obvious. I hope this little bit helps.the most important thing is to get out there and enjoy the experience , it is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have.
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 starting with Wilderness Equipment, One Planet and Macpac and then down from there. These packs are simply "The Best" you can buy regardless of those who want to save a few bucks and try to justify the savings by buying a cheap copy of one of these brands. Some of the European stuff like Deuter are good and comfortable but not as rugged and long lived at the othes.
I have had WE packs everywhere from Mount Everest to Kokoda and back again and I carried them the whole way myself. They are bombproof and superbly comfortable.I am 53 and always believe that quality gear is essential. If you don't use it alot yourself your porter will thank you anyway. Best of luck.
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 stops you dragging the wet stuff inside the tent.
While Exped is a good overseas brand I have a couple of One Planet Caddis tents. These are of similar design and are made in Melbourne. They are slighly heavier but are far more bulletproof than the Exped. I have had mine all over the world and back and thet have never failed to keep me dry and warm. They would be my choice and they are local Aussie products.
Whatever you settle on you MUST practice with it and hose it down three or four times before you take it away as this settles the stitching in and helps waterproof the tent, also helps you to see if there are any leaks and you can fix them before you end up with a wet butt in the jungle.
Cheers and enjoy.
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 10 kms down the track you find they are no longer there.
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 shoes other than boots a folly. Good boots and camp shoes are all you need, we barefooted it across the Goldie on each of three occassions and no issues. There are no fools who throw bottles into there rivers in the hills. My advice on everything for up there, minimalistic and simple.Don't overcomplicate anything. It is a great experience.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 your life. Not to have that option is ridiculous.Leave other stuff behind but not the tent. Most of the shelters are basic and often full.
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 start the day with fresh socks great but chances are you wont be able to every day. Just be aware of the conditions and see if you can dry your used socks during the day this is better that using wet socks at the start of each day.
Been there three times and have never had a completely dry trip yet, it is the tropics afterall. Even if they are dry and smell a bit it is better that soaking wet and smelly. Best of luck it is a great adventure and will change your life.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 certainly don't need toilet seat covers.I have done Kokoda three times now and haven't seen a toilet that you could sit on yet.Practice using the Asain style squat toilets. that is what is up there.
I am not trying to be too harsh but realistic. Take the least anount of stuff you can. You will be grateful at th eend of it all. It is a magical experience don't overcomplicate it.
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 one to put your pack in at night. Hootchies are heavy and of limited use. Remeber you HAVE to keep the weight to a minimum.You should be able to get into a hut most nights so you might also want to consider just covering your packs with a disposable poncho as well , they are cheap and light and really when it rains up there nothing will keep you dry.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 purpose built quality packs or just hire one from Holiak Hire in NSW and Vic. Look at their website. They use mainly Adventure Design Packs which are One Planet commercial division. They are rugged waterproof and designed to be carried. The Black Wolf Snail that was mentioned is a travel pack of cheap quality. If you were to carry both over 20 klm a day you would soon know the difference.But as you are using a porter your call.
In respect to this trek it is a truly great trip but extremely hard if it rains as it has done for all of my trips up there. Best of luck and keep training. Stairs and Hills.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 First Class packs , not the cheaper varieties that are not waterproof, not comfortable and will hurt your back. The good packs cost a lot more but there is a reason for that and it is purely qualit and superior design. I wouldn't look at anything else and you don't have to worry about waterproofing these packs they are bombproof.
CheersHi,
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 them. I like using one and having the other hand free to grab onto trees etc. Best of luck.
