Kokoda Trail equipment

Hi all,
I'm doing to Kokoda Trail in April this year and was hoping to get some advice on what things to take.

1. Clothing -
Should I take long pants or shorts for the daily hiking?
What about long sleeve or short sleeved shirt & should it have a collar?
Should I get one of those running styles shirts which keep the sweat off & dry quickly?
How many sets of clothes should I take?

2. Shoes -
Ovisouly I've got some boots but what about extra shoes for night time around camp sites and rivers crossings etc.
Should I take joggers, thongs or something likes those "crocs" that are out now which I think would be best for rivers?

3. What should I take in a fist aid kit?

For those who have done the trail, is there anything that you would take, wear or do differently if you did it again?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

1. wear shorts. you wont get cold trust me. take some track pants to wear at night. take 2 long sleave hiking shirts that you can role up ( role down at night to stop mozzies. how much you take depends if you are carrying all your own gear. but of course don't take much, like a usual trek.
   
   2. the crocs would be good for river crossings (although there is only a single river that is not bridged) and night time wear.
   
   3. your group will have a first aid kit, if you are going with an organised group, otherwise you will have to carry the usual stuff, get a pre-fitted out one from a hiking store.
   
   Have a read of my account from July 2005 of hiking the track independently for some further info. My Kokoda Campaign.

I actually read your blog before which was awesome. The truth is always much better than the "truth" from tour companies and
tourism websites. That is actually where I got the idea about non-cotton shirts because of your dad.
Your blog was really helpful but I didn't want to private message with so many questions!
Thanks heaps for your help, : )

it's arguably worth investing in that spendy quick-drying breathable clothing that costs a fortune at outdoor shops. being the tropics, stuff doesn't dry easily on Kokoda. bringing heavy cotton etc. is not a good idea.

the only thing i brought that i was grateful i remembered was anti inflammatories. you can't get picked up if you twist an ankle or anything and i had a mild recurring knee injury thing that required swallowing pills every day towards the end. if you have any issues i recommend having a quiet word to your doctor rather than relying on bravery.

the other good advice i got was from an outdoor shop assistant when i asked if i should upgrade my hiking boots. he told me not to bother. you need reliable equipment and clothing but don't spend $100s or $1000s as some of my group members did. the ground is soft. some people bought those kevlar walking sticks, while our guides fashioned them for the rest of us out of tree branches.

if you're going in an organised group they will take care of a lot of stuff, especially food and first aid (ask of course).