Hi,

Lots of 'depends' with this question,

If you and your son are intending on taking up hiking as a regular addiction
then the old story goes...you get what you pay for...

If this is a one off thing then I would look to see if you can hire gear,
either from the kokoda tour company or elsewhere.

Hiking gear, good quality stuff, is quite expensive, although it doesn't
have to be either (that last part was because I know there will lots of
others to argue that).

What ever you get make sure its comfortable, light and reliable.

Don't take anything new with you, particularly shoes and pack, make sure
they are well used before you can see if they will take the punishment,
shoes also need wearing in, and your pack depending on brand will have some
adjustments to make it fit right.

In terms of brands to use, well I would go to your local hiking/camping
store and see what they have there.

I like Osprey for packs, nice and light, very comfortable but also very
expensive, (around $500.00)

Shoes there are so many out there you will really need try them on, however
for where you are going boots seem to the preference.

Summary: light, comfortable, durable.

If you see something you like check out www.backpackgeartest.org to see if
someone has done a review of it,

Lots of websites to check out, if you need some more info just yell out,

Cheers

-----Original Message-----
From: aushiker@... [mailto:aushiker@...] On
Behalf Of nevdrews
Sent: Saturday, 15 March 2008 5:49 PM
To: aushiker@...
Subject: [Aushiker] KoKoda

Hi
I have just stumbled upon this group while searching for a similar
group in Queensland. My name is Neville. I'm interested in anyone who
can give me advice on the type and brand name of equipment that you
would recommend for the Kokoda Trail. My son who is 16 years of age
will be doing the trip in late June.

Any comments would be appreciarted


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