Kokoda Packing
Once you have decided to take on the Kokoda Track, the next thing you need to know is what to take. Below is a comprehensive list of what to bring.
This list has been put together using the knowledge of hundreds of treks. You of course can bring along more or less though we find this list to be the most suitable for most trekkers.
Personal Gear
You will carry your own personal backpack all of the way so only bring the bare essentials. You should pack your personal gear into a medium size (70 - 80 litre) lightweight pack (preferably waterproof with an internal frame). We encourage you to visit your local outdoor equipment specialist to purchase a proper and comfortable backpack. If you do not wish to purchase one, Expedition PNG by No Roads Expeditions can hire one to you for $40 per trip. The pack will be presented to you in Port Moresby the day before the expedition.
You may find it helpful to pack your personal items in garbage bags or zip lock plastic bags to protect them from the wet, especially your camera, toilet rolls and confectionary. If you wish to lighten your load we can provide a personal porter for $600.
-1 pair of light weight quick dry long pants
-2 pair light weight quick dry shorts (long pants and shorts can be substituted with 2 pairs of zip off pants.)
-2 quick dry t-shirts
-1 long sleeve cotton t-shirt (for sleeping in)
-4 pair underwear
-1 light weight thermal jacket
-Light hiking boots or firm runners
-Pair of thongs or Crocs to wear around camp and in villages
-4 pairs of cotton/wool blend hiking socks
-Inflatable mattress
-2 seasons sleeping bag rated at 0C degrees
-Hat with wide brim to keep sun and rain off your face
-Waterproof torch or headlamp with spare batteries
-Rain poncho (something light weight)
-Quick-dry sports towel/chamois
-Two rolls of your favorite toilet paper
-A one-litre water bottle or camel back to carry with you
-Personal first aid kit. Your personal first aid kit will contain Band-Aids, blister dressings, topical cream for bites and grazes, antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches,
paracetamol, Deep Heat or other muscle liniment and the all-important insect repellent. Another first aid kit will be carried by the guide.
-Gaiters (optional)
-Personal toiletries - Tooth brush and paste, sports deodorant, lip balm, etc. We provide liquid soap which can be used in our bush shower, not in creeks and rivers.
-Any extra lollies on top of the ones supplied in Snack Packs
-Water purification tablets
-Walking pole/stick (one or two it is up to you)
-Bathers
-Sunscreen
-Tropical strength insect repellent
-Sunglasses
-Beanie (if you feel the cold)
-A book or something to write in
-Small pillow
-Camera etc
-Pair of spare shoe laces (just in case)
*If you have something you are particularly prone to e.g ear infections or sinus problems, bring what you need with you.
Sleeping gear. To sleep ON, No Roads will supply foam sleep mats. These are really only adequate to protect your own thin inflatable mattress. To sleep IN we suggest you bring a two season sleeping bag rated at Zero Degrees Celsius
Trek wear. No Roads Expeditions have developed an excellent range of trek clothes that have been tested in some of the most rugged and remote regions on earth. To see these click here.
Most experienced trekkers recommend wearing shorts because they are comfortable and there is one point where you will wade knee-deep through running creeks. Leeches are not really a problem any more.
Optional Equipment
- Camera, film, camera batteries, lens cleaner & paper.
- A small supply of favorite snacks
Note: If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you additional information at any time.
Supplied Equipment
-Two person tent
-Thermal foam sleeping mat
-Clothes line and pegs
-All eating and drinking equipment
-Rope line to assist river crossings
-Snack packs
Snack Packs
You will be given prior to your expedition a Snack Pack that will contain:
-7 Soups
-7 Muesli Bars
-Lollies
-8 days of Gatorade
Please bring these packs on the Track as the soups are eaten at lunch time or at dinner.
Luggage Allowance
Approx. 12 Kg per person
For trekking expeditions, porters will carry up to 25kg (this is the Internationally accepted limit though they normally carry between 15kg and 18kg).
