Preparing For Your Trek

Training

It is highly recommended, if not compulsory, for you to have some trainings which include long walks, uphills and downhills - the steeper the better. During your training, try to bring some load / backpack perhaps after the first 1-2 weeks of initial training. You should train in the shoes that you will wear for the trek to get your feet most comfortable with it. Allow for 1-3 months of training ahead of time. Care should be taken when walking along the roads.

What You Need:

Clothing:

• 1 pair walking boots, 1 pair of joggers, and 1 pair of thongs
• 1 pair ankle covers to keep mud off socks and ankles
• 1 pair sweatband to prevent sweat in your eyes
• 1 pair track suit pants for night time use
• 1 pair pullover for warmth in high country
• 2 cotton tee shirts with collars
• 3 pair knee length shorts
• 1 pair swimmers for swimming in the rivers
• 1 sarong for women when washing
• 1 poncho type rain jacket
• 5 pair socks
• 4 pairs underwear
• 1 hat or cap for sun or rain
• 1 towel
• Handkerchiefs (optional)

Equipment:

• First aid kit which contains antibiotics, anti – diarrhea medicine, anti – malaria tablets, aspirin, anti – inflammatory tablets, Panadeine forte, antiseptic, sticking plaster, elastic bandages, Staminade drink, sunscreen ointment, insect repellent
• Oral Electrolyte - it is highly recommended to bring enough of these to be taken daily, before you get dehydrated. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea or sweating. In emergency this can be substituted with drinking boiled water plus a bit of salt and one teaspoon of sugar.
• Backpack
• 1 or 2 man tent
• Tarpaulin to lay tent on in case of rain
• Torch and spare batteries, head torch if you prefer. They sell some nifty LED based torches which only needs 1 AAA battery, very bright and lasts long
• Candles
• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen ointment
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• Toiletries
• Plate, bowl, cup, cutlery - if you'd like to be compact, just bring spoon and fork, as knives are not normally needed.
• Sleeping Bag
• Foam or air mattress
• Zip-lock plastic bags for packing wet or dry clothes, camera, etc.
• Plastic garbage bags
• Water bottle (or water bag / "kidney")
• Mosquito Net

Pocket Money

It is a good idea to carry some pocket money during the trek, perhaps around 100-150 Kina - in small notes of K5's and 10's. The local villagers often offer you to buy their fruit and produce which you might like to have for lunch or dinner during the trek.

Personal Favorite Snacks

If you have favorite snacks you'd like to have during the trek, such as snack or fruit bars, please bring them along. You may do some shopping at the supermarket in Port Moresby prior to your trek, if you arrive 1-2 days ahead of the schedule. Please note that as part of your trek package, you will also be provided with some snacks as well as meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Travel Insurance:

Prospective trekkers should have a medical checkup to verify that their health is satisfactory for this strenuous walk and provide proof of their own travel and medical insurance cover.