Equipment Advice

 General Equipment Advice
provided by our Equipment Partner

CLOTHING

Base Layer Clothing / Underwear - This technical clothing will pull perspiration away from your body and therefore reduces chafing and chills from sweating.  Try compression garments like Skins which are highly recommended or thermal clothing (e.g. Merino Wool long sleeve top and long pants) which are light, warm and don't weigh much.

Quick Dry, Moisture Wicking Shirt - It is important to avoid wearing cotton based clothing as cotton absorbs moisture and holds onto it which can easily lead to heat loss or hypothermia in cool or windy conditions.  The temperature can easily drop to single figures during the night in the Hinterland during July.  There is an old saying in the outdoor industry "Cotton Kills".  A point to note:  Women have become hypothermic from wearing a cotton based crop top sports bra even though they have had all the correct mositure wicking layers on top.

Shorts / Trousers - Quick dry shorts / trousers will help to stop chafing.  Also consider lightweight waterproof pants with ankle side zips.  With waterproof pants it is very important to preempt any foul weather.  In most cases by the time you put on a pair of waterproof over-pants, it is often too late and you are already wet. 

Jackets - A lightweight, waterproof, windproof jacket (not water-resistant or spray-jacket), with a hood is an essential item you should have in your pack at all times, especially during the night.  Not only will itkeep you dry but if you need to stop between checkpoints they are great to quickly slip on to protect you from the wind chill.

Warm Clothing - Be prepared, the nights can be freezing!  Your support crew needs to be aware of this as well.  They should be ready with multiple changes of clothes for you.  A warm fleece or jacket and pants are important to keep you and your muscles warm when you stop and the major checkpoints. 

FEET

Socks - Feet can be unrecognisable at the end of the Kokoda Challenge.  Blisters, chafing, cuts and bruises and of course 'pruning' from the constant mositure.  Sock technology has advanced dramatically in the last 10-20yrs.  A technical sock like Smartwool or Wigwam Ultimax may cost a little more, however the benefits to your feet cannot be overstated.  Traditional thick, wool / woolmix 'hiking' socks are bad for your feet and do not breathe like the above mentioned.  Sock Liners are another great invention that can help prevent blisters, but they are not necessarily for everyone.  

Trail Running Shooes or Boots - A quality pair of trail shoes, trail runners or a lightweight pair of mid cut hiking boots are advisable.  When trying on footwear remember to wear the same socks that you will wear on the challenge.  Your feet will be slightly bigger after you have been walking around on them for a number of hours, so keep this in mind if you are shopping for new shoes first thing in the morning.

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 ACCESSORIES

Comfortable daypack (8-20ltr) - Keep it light and don't skimp on quailty.  Should you choose or be chosen to carry a pack, make sure it is of a decent quality i.e. a basic pack you got in a showbag at the Ekka will NOT suffice over this kind of distance.  If buying a new one look for soemthing with an air mesback, a padded hip belt, a sternum strap and preferably a rain cover.
It is also advisable to look for one that already has a bladder included.  Bladders can also be bought separately, however unless your current pack is bladder compatible, retro-fitting one can be difficult. 

Have a separate bottle / bladder with a diluted sports drink for electrolyte and carbohydrate replacement.  All of the '____ade" drinks that we see in the fridges at servos and supermarkets do little for us on a daily basis, but when you are genuinely working hard, e.g. Kokoda Challenge, these sorts of drinks actually come into their own.

Hiking Poles - These are really great when going up and down hills especially near the end.  Walking poles reduce the strain on your joints, especially your knees and allow you to use the muscles of your upper body to help you move forward as well as stabilise you when fatigued.  The majority available nowadays will have some sort of shock absorbing capabilities.  It is unecessary to spend a fortune on these, however a couple of long sticks out of the bush are not advisable. 

Head Torch - Consider a lightweight compact LED model, waterproof would be ideal as well, but not essential.  Ensure you have at least two sets of spare batteries (one in your pack and the other with your support crew).  If you are using a bulb style head torch carry a spare bulb also.

Lightweight Trek Towel - This can be handy for drying off after creek crossings when you need to put your shoes and socks back on.

Map - Important for training to show the course and all the checkpoints.  Store / carry in a clear protective wet weather pouch.

Compass or GPS - Ensure you have the skills to use them.  Theses would be used more on training sessions as the Kokoda Challenge is very well marked on the weekend of the event and it is therefore unlikely that you would have a serious need for these items.

Water-tight Dry Bags - Water-tight Dry Bags with a folding seal top are invaluable for keeping clothes, phone, electronics, food or personal items dry.  They also work well for putting your wet gear in.  A simple garbage bag or shopping bag is unlikely to suffice in these conditions.

                 
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FOOD

High Energy Snacks - Eat chocolate, dried fruit, glucose tables / energy gels and high energy bars.  Remember to test out all the food in training.  Your body will become distressed and will not digest foods as easily.  Further into the event a lot of people find themselves craving salty snacks and those higher in fat.

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FIRST AID

First Aid Kit - Keep this light and carry only the essentials you feel you will need on the trail. Store in a waterproof dry bag.   Ensure team members carry a basic supply of items and your support crew carry a more comprehensive kit both for training and the event.  It is important that everyone has a basic understanding of first aid and how to treat different ailments, if you need to keep a first aid book in the support crew vehicle.

Whistle - A whistle is also a good investment to attract attention if lost or injured. 
Six short blasts is the international signal for distress. 

Emergency Bag or Blanket - the silver 'space blanket' type is recommended.