Kokoda Track

Hi,

I will be walking the track in May 2006, and i am still unsure whether to hire a porter (for approx 500AUD), or carry my own pack.

Has anyone done the trek with their own bag? If so what size was it? I am thinking of carrying perhaps a 45L bag, as i am notoriously a light packer.

I think that doing the trek without hiring a porter will give me a better appreciation of the track itself, however i dont want to get there and realise that i should have taken a porter?

Cheers
Duncan

I am guessing you are going in a guided group and not hiking by yourself? and there is the extra option of buying a guide for around $400. Personally I would carry my own pack. In fact I did this in July 2005. It is hard work, but if you are fit it is not that more difficult. And besides I found out through my independantly hire guide that the porters only get about 400kina ($130) for their efforts. The trekking company skims the profits you pay .. i guess they may call this a negioation fee. i think it is a rip off.

there is a story about my attemp on my old blog - PNGLife. look down the right hand side for favourite stories.

if you get knackered anywhere along the track you can always pick up a porter in any of the villages you stop at...