Preparing for the Kokoda Track is all about packing smart and ensuring you have the right gear to tackle the challenges ahead. Having the correct equipment will not only enhance your comfort and safety but also make your trek more enjoyable and stress-free.
Below you’ll find a detailed list of recommended items to bring, from clothing and footwear to essential personal supplies. Whether it’s navigating rugged terrain or staying comfortable in the tropical climate, our gear recommendations will help you make the most of your Kokoda adventure. Let us guide you through the essentials, so you’re fully prepared for this unforgettable journey.
Backpack items
- 1 x 70 litre backpack and waterproof cover
- 1 x 30-40 litre day pack and waterproof cover — backpack (only if you have a personal porter)
- 1 x lightweight sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner
- 1 x lightweight sleeping matt / bed roll
- 1 x small lightweight trek pillow
- 1 x cutlery set including coffee mug / plate / bowl and cutlery set (write your name on each item)
- 1 x head lamp and sufficient batteries
- 1 x 2 litre water reservoir (camelback)
- 1 x 1 litre water bottle (for hydrolyte mix and purifying)
- 1 x lightweight towel or sarong
Suggested spare clothes (inside 70 litre backpack)
- 1 x shorts / hiking trousers / tights
- 1 x shirt
- 3 x pairs socks
- 3 x pairs underwear / bra / crop top
- 1 x pair of camp shoes (adventure sandals / crocs / thongs)
- 1 x swimming costume (optional — or swim in your clothes — they get washed and its less weight to carry)
- sufficient stuff sacks / dry bags / zip lock bags.
- snap hook / caribean hooks for attaching camp shoes to outside your pack
Suggested clothing for night (inside 70 litre backpack)
- 1 x lightweight long leg pants / compression tights
- 1 x lightweight long sleeve shirt
- 1 x lightweight rain jacket (for in camp)
- 1 x beanie/gloves
Clothing for wearing/walking
- 1 x shorts / hiking trousers / tights
- 1 x shirt
- 1 x pair socks
- 1 x pair underwear / bra / crop top
- 1 x pair of hiking boots
- 1 x pair gaiters
- sunglasses
- 1 x sun hat
- trekking poles
Medical / first aid
- 1 x packet pain relief / panadol / nurofen
- 1 x packet laxatives
- 1 x packet antihistamine (telfast)
- 1 x foot care / blister pack (tape, second skin blister bandages)
- 1 x tweezers
- 1 x foot powder
- 1 x general antiseptic cream (betadine)
- 1 x tube bepanthem cream or similar cream for anti-chaff/water barrier cream
- sufficient water purification tablets / water filtration system (all water must be filtered)
- 1 x packet salt tablets.
- electrolyte tablets
- 1 x packet imodium
- 1 x packet gastro stop
- 1 x packet anti-inflammatory (nurofen)
- 1 x packet of ural (urinary tract infections are possible due to salt disturbance)
- personal supply of waterproof band aids / strapping tape / stop itch / mosquito repellent / bandages / compression bandage
- personal supply of antibacterial hand sanitiser
- glucose jellybeans or glucose tablets
- assorted bandages for skin breaks, infection and other trauma related injuries
- personal prescription medication such as malaria, antibiotics
- Note: There are bees on the track, if you require an EpiPen, you should carry it on your person
Toiletries
- 1 x small soap
- 1 x small toothbrush
- 1 x small toothpaste
- 1 x small sunblock
- 1 x small hairbrush
- 1 x small shampoo/conditioner
- sufficient supply of toilet paper or wet wipes for duration of trek
- 1 x small deodorant (roll on is easier to carry)
- female hygiene products (note sanitary pads are useless when undertaking river crossings)
- Note — use a zip lock bag for toiletry items rather than heavy or bulky toiletry bags
Additional items (as you see fit)
- lollies, muesli bars or assorted snacks- keep weight to minimum what you take you carry
- money (300 kina in small denominations whilst on track)- not including hotel expenses
- camera / phone / GoPro etc
- spare batteries / power packs/charge cables – note solar power banks have proven unreliable
- diary and pen for those who journal
- small pocket-knife, duct tape, super glue, cable ties for on trek repairs
- zip lock bags / dry bags for valuables
Most of all bring a positive attitude, a sense of adventure and leave your troubles behind.