Equipment List

Following is the equipment list you require for this trek:

• One pair of gaiters (gaiters keep socks and (protection against rain and/or sun) tops of your boots clean. Help stop leaches and grass cuts)
• Two long sleeve quick dry shirts
• Bandana (optional)
• One pairs of quick dry shorts (some people may prefer to walk in long trekking pants)
• 2 pair of thick socks (recommend woollen)
• One track suit pants or similar (evening)
• One long sleeved warm top (evening)
• One pair of bush walking boots (with good grip, ankle support and preferably waterproof, must be broken in)
• Two sets of underwear
• One pair of sneakers/sandals (for day's end)
• One poncho style rain jacket. The really cheap plastic ones are okay.
• One towel (the quick drying sports towel, you can buy from camping stores are ideal)
• One 80-90 litre large backpack
• One day pack (35 litres) must be good quality and have chest and hip straps.
• One medium weight sleeping bag (Plus 10 celcius)
• One thermarest (self inflating mattress) or one rubber sleeping mat
• Small pillow
• Pack Cover for when it rains
• Sunglasses
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Head torch or small torch & spare batteries
• Camel pack - this is a bladder which enables you to drink via a tube from your daypack (3 litre capacity for water)
• Spoon/cup/bowl/utensils
• Sarong (for the ladies)
• Small light weight stool (optional)
• Personal: Camera (spare battery)/film (extra memory card), note book,
• Toothbrush/paste, toilet paper, soap, shampoo etc
• Extra bag for leaving gear in Port Moresby while on the trek.

Clothing

During the day it can be quite hot and humid.  The nights can get quite cold.  It is recommended that you wear long sleeve shirts.  You should also bring a bandana to wear around your neck, a hat or peak cap, thick socks, walking boots and gaiters. At night you will want to change into a spare set of dry clothing. You must be prepared for rain, pack everything into plastic bags/zip lock bags or better still dry sacks to store spare clothing, sleeping bag etc within your pack.  This will ensure you always have something dry to put on.

Equipment

Back packing equipment for camping can be purchased, hired from us. If you are carrying your own pack and not taking a Personal Porter one of the most important items is a good backpack.  One that can be adjusted so approximately two-thirds of the weight will sit on your hips and one-third on your shoulders.  Ensure the belt is well padded to avoid chafing.  

Medical

You should have a medical check up prior to departure.  Check with your local doctor to see which vaccinations are recommended.  You should ensure your tetanus booster is current.  Malaria poses the most serious health risk.  Advise you Doctor you are going to PNG for 6 days or so and will be spending 4 of those on the Kokoda Track.  Your Doctor will brief you on the requirements for malarial precautions, which include. Avoiding mosquito bites by using ‘Rid’ repellent and by wearing suitable clothing. Taking anti-malarial drugs as prescribed sleeping under a mosquito net. 

First Aid

We carry a basic first aid kit for the group however there are items which you should bring to treat minor ailments or irritations. The major area of concern is your feet.  Ensure you have a comfortable pair of walking boots and good thick socks (bring a couple of pair of thin socks as they can be worn with the thick ones to prevent blisters). Each night you will have the opportunity to thoroughly wash and dry your feet.  It is then a good idea to give them a liberal covering of tinea or anti fungal powder to dry them out during the night.  Next morning it is advisable to give them a liberal coating of Vaseline. Blisters should not be a problem if you have good boots and have broken them in properly.  Even so it is a wise precaution to have a blister kit with you. The Spenko blister kit contains a soothing ‘second skin’ and is highly recommended.

We recommend you bring the following in your personal first-aid kit.

• Anti malarial tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
• Antiseptic – mercurochrome and antibiotic powder/tea tree antiseptic cream/oil – for cuts and scratches
• Kailin preparation (Pepto Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil – for stomach upsets
• Rehydration mixture – for dehydration, especially that caused by sever diarrhoea
• Vaseline – Please put Vaseline on your feet to help prevent blisters. Also used to prevent chaffing.
• Tropical Strength Aero guard or Rid Mosquito repellent (no aerosol cans please)
• Two Senko Blister Packs. Two rolls of broad elastic bandage and six safety pins.
• Panadol/neurofen etc Band aids
• One roll of elastoplasts One jar of staminade (put in zip lock bag)
• Sun block/lip balm One packet of glucose tablets
• Water purification tablets (enough for 6 litres/day

Important: Trekkers must purify their water

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