Kokoda Track Experience provides all the group equipment needed to ensure a safe, well-equipped expedition. This includes the following items, which you will not need to bring with you:
- One-person mosquito-proof tent with sewn-in floor and waterproof flysheet
- Ropes and tarpaulins
- Group cooking equipment
- Daily rations (does not include snacks – see below)
- Communications equipment (satellite phone, VHF radio)
- Group First Aid Kit
- Emergency equipment (locator beacon)
Porters
We recommend that you engage a personal porter to carry the majority of your gear – tent, clothes, mattress and food. Aside from the practical reasons for having a porter, we believe that one of your most memorable experiences when trekking is sharing your journey with a Papuan who may be a direct descendent of the original Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. You also support the PNG economy by providing employment for a local.
If you decide to have a porter, you must provide your own day pack to carry your personal stuff as well as rations for the day ahead. If you choose not to have a personal porter, you will be carrying all your equipment and we will provide you with a suitable backpack. Your tent weighs about 2.2 kilos, so make allowance for this when planning what to take – you will be the one carrying it all!
Porters will help you to erect your tent each day, unless you prefer to do it yourself. Cooking is a communal effort – usually, trekkers pair up and cook together as we provide 2-man ration packs.
Camping Equipment
Although it is tempting to prepare for every possible eventuality and to bring an exhaustive collection of equipment, remember that you have to carry it on your back. The equipment listed below represents a reasonable minimum standard that ensures you are adequately equipped without overloading yourself. You should bring each of these items with you:
- Day pack (30- to 40-litre capacity) if you opt to have a porter
- Waterproof pack cover
- Toilet paper
- Personal toiletries (see comments on our Preparation page)
- 2-piece aluminium “Dixie” set or plate and bowl (Dixies are available online or at most camping equipment stores)
- Cup, spoon and fork
- Camping knife or pocket knife with retractable blade
- Quality sleeping bag (nights in the hills can be cold)
- Insulating foam or light air mattress
- “Zip-Lock” (or similar) plastic bags to keep clothing and other items dry
- Plastic bags for garbage
- 2-litre water bottle or hydration bag (CamelBak or Caribee are premium brands)
Clothing
Again, bring a sensible minimum to avoid overloading yourself (or your porter). It’s essential to look after your feet, so ensure you have a comfortable, well-fitting pair of hiking boots and thick hiking socks. Blisters shouldn’t be a problem if you “wear in” your boots before your trip – you should do your training in the same boots that you will be wearing in PNG. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, bring a couple of blister kits with you.
Recommended clothing to take with you:
- 1 Pair of walking boots
- 1 Pair of sandals (we recommend walking sandals or sport sandals to act as spare walking shoes in case of problems with your boots)
- 1 Sweatband (to prevent sweat from running into your eyes)
- 1 Light track suit for night time use
- 2 Cotton polo shirts for hiking
- 2 Pairs above knee length shorts
- 2 Lycra gym shorts (cycle pants) for hiking & swimming
- 1 Sarong for female hikers for bathing
- 1 Lightweight poncho type rain jacket
- 2 Pairs of hiking socks (choose carefully to avoid blisters)
- Underwear (optional – lycra shorts usually suffice)
- Hat or cap
- 1 Hiker’s towel
Optional Equipment
These are items that many trekkers have found useful in the past. Please note that although you don’t have to bring a camera, if you decide not to, you’ll almost certainly wish you had.
- 1 Pullover
- Ankle covers (gaiters)
- Mosquito net
- Camera
- Handkerchiefs
- Snacks e.g. health food bars
If you are in any doubt about whether to take a particular piece of equipment on the Track or need general advice about what to buy, please call Lore and Tim on 0455 031 700 and we will be pleased to help.
