As this is primarily a DIY Kokoda tour, I need to go that extra mile in regards to planning and equipment.
Whilst we will be hiring a carrier/guide at either Popondetta or Kokoda, we need to ensure we are reasonably self sufficient.
Key items of equipment
GPS
Time to update. Our old camping GPS was getting old in the tooth. Apart from local navigation, the key reason to take a quality GPS along is to record the 'track'. The GPS takes a snapshot every (say) 100 metres and records the details to memory/storage card. These snapshots include information such as time, date, lat, long, altitude etc. These files can be uploaded later into Google Maps and other programs to show when we hiked. There are examples of these uploads elsewhere on this blog (see 1000 steps for example).
After quite a bit of research, I narrowed my choice down to the Garmin GPSMAP 60 series or the Oregon series. I ended up with the GPSMAP 60. Couple of reasons for this
1) It has one of the most sensitive receivers on the market. This is very helpful under the foliage canopy to ensure a continuous track record.
2) It is waterproof. Useful incase of accidental dunking on one of the many river crossings.
3) Has altimeter plus electronic compass for navigation purposes.
4) Better form factor for hiking than the Oregon series.
The only downside is that you cannot load your own maps (easily) into the 60 series. With my old GPS (PDA type), I could scan in a map and use programs such as Ozexplorer to reference the map etc. The 60 uses polygon maps so this is not possible. The good news is that there are quite a few free maps online. These can be uploaded to the 60 reasonably easily. I now have my GPS pre-programmed with all of the key points of interest (villages, track, aircraft wrecks etc). Will upload these maps in another post.
The 60 should run for 28 hours on one set of AA Alkalines. Based on my testing to date, this appears about right. As per the image above, I am taking 14 battery backups, which should give me spare capacity in-case we need to walk at nights with backlight on (normal daytime running has backlight off). Adds quite a lot of weight to the pack, but worth it from a safety perspective.
The GPS was purchased from Johnny Appleseed in Melbourne. Quite a premium over buying from overseas.
Note that there is no difference in where you buy as the GPS comes with the same global basemap. The reason I ended up going with JA is that they went out of there way to help me with a Aust Topo map.
EPIRB
Being a private pilot, I am very aware of the life saving capabilities of an EPIRB. I am taking a McMurdo Fast Find 210. This was originally purchased direct from the USA ($US300). Note that Australian residents should technically only buy EPIRBS configured for sale in Australia, as only these units can be registered here. To highlight the massive overpricing here in Australia for these units, the McMurdo 211 ($A700) unit is functionally identical to the 210. The key difference is the Unique Identity Number (UIN). From this page you can decode the UIN number (Australia is 503). You will not be able to register a non Aust UIN number with the AMSA.
Camera
The camera is a critical part of any big trip. I expect some big memory moments, so I need a camera to catch these. Time to update from my old Fuji camera. With weight being a big factor, I have decided I need to leave my Canon Widescreen video camera at home. Target camera is a compact camera with good video capabilities. After reviewing many products, I ended up buying the Canon IXUS 951S. This camera has a great performance versus weight ratio. Key features for me are
- Widescreen Pics (upto 10MP)
- Simple and fast point and shoot
- Great Video quality
Note that it is not a waterproof camera so need to be careful with river crossings. To this end, have purchased some waterproof 'bags' from Aussie disposals to carry the gear.
As per the picture, have also bought two spare batteries (online) for the camera. Also, two additional 2GB cards plus a 4GB card.
Will top up the batteries charge wise before we leave tomorrow am.
Headlamp
Whilst we don't expect to be walking much at night, makes sense to take good headlamps. Our old ones are quite good, but not fully waterproof. Ended up buying a 1meter underwater unit from Aussie disposals. Brand is Princeton Tec .They make very good units, with about 100 hours continuous use from 3 AAA batteries.
Leatherman Tool
Don't leave home without one. This is the Wave model.
Not cheap at about $A150, avoid the cheap immitation units.
Not much out in the field that one of these babies cant handle
Maps
Not exactly technology I know, but I dont like heading anywhere without maps of the area. There are 4 keys maps of the Kokoda trail area. These are
- Kokoda (8480)
- Port Moresby (8379)
- Efogi (8479)
- Pompondetta (8580)
I purchased them online from The Map Shop. They cost around $10 each plus shipping.
Probably the best map of the Kokoda Track actually comes for 'free' with Bill James's excellent book - Field Guide to the Kokoda track. This map is superb in many counts. The key reason is that it is waterproof so that you can carry it in your pocket as you hike. The second is that it combines the map with an elevation map so that you get an accurate picture of where you are and what is coming up (if you really want to know ;-)
Finally, it combines historical information into the map.
