Backpack Options

[Brian]

Just for interest you may notice in the photo that Brendan is pointing at the ground very typical of most porters warning me that it was very slippery, we had 7 days rain out of 9, and suggesting that I should follow in his foot steps. I say typical of most porters who really try to take care and watch over you, most take pride in their work. Brendan especially.

[peterh13]

I was just going back over all our pics, and none of the porters used the waist straps. I always had mine done up and found it the best way to go. Its different strokes for different blokes.

[Mrs Moo]

I tried to convince my porter that he would be much more comfortable if he used the waist straps, but he didn't want to. Considering that they take the weight of the pack off your shoulders and onto your hips, I can't understand why they don't use them ...

[Lorna]

Elv8, as you're using a porter for your main pack, i'd concentrate more on the day pack you'll carry yourself. ( As an aside, I hired my main pack, about $40 I think, from my trekking company.)

I looked for a women's specific daypack for myself, and settled on the Camelbak 'Trinity'. The advertising reads....Hoofing three liters of water, plus food, extra layers, and your camera can be uncomfortable in a pack made for a lumberjack. The CamelBak Women’s Trinity Hydration Pack lets you carry these things in compact, made-for-your-body fashion. The Trinity has a shorter torso length, curved harness straps, and a higher sternum strap (compared to unisex packs). The angled design and sturdy waist-belt secure your load while the fleece-lined external pocket holds your shades. A three-liter reservoir keeps your water cool for hours and an antimicrobial element keeps unidentified stuff from growing on the inside walls.

It was brilliant... very, very comfortable and just the right amount of space for all that I needed to carry.

[phantom]

Morning all. The backpack debate continues, which is a good thing for all. There has been a proliferation of new cheap packs on the market over the past 3 or 4 years and for their price they are good value. like anything though cheap is only achieved by reducing quality of build and cheaper materials and labour. The Rolls Royce packs such as One Planet, Wilderness equipment and MacPac are the rolls Royces for those reasons. They will last you forever and are designed to carry heavy loads over the roughest of terrains. That is why they are the gear of choice for serious expeditions into the harshest environments. You never see a Blackwolf on Mt Everest. you see alot of Macpacs and other high end brands.

Those who choose Kokoda obviously fall into a couple of categories; those who use a porter and those who don't. Those who are experienced and those who are novices, which we all were at one stage.If you use a porter then mostly any pack will do as long as it is waterproof and large enough to carry all your gear. if you go this route then the cheaper packs are a good option and if you continue trekking then you can always upgrade as the most valuable equipment are good boots and a good pack.

If you choose to carry your own gear then a comparison in store will quickly show which packs shine in the quality stakes. The dollars are obviously very different but if you don't carry your own then the choice is obvious. I hope this little bit helps.the most important thing is to get out there and enjoy the experience , it is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have.

[peterh13]

You know what would make this site kick along a bit better ?? everyone should have a go at doing a product review with relevant treking gear. And then everyone can put their 2 cents worth in.

[Fluppy]

You know what would make this site kick along a bit better ?? everyone should have a go at doing a product review with relevant treking gear. And then everyone can put their 2 cents worth in.

Agreed. That's a brilliant idea

[peterh13]

It should probably be done in the Trek Preperation section of the forum.

[Lorna]

Great idea Peter. i'll put one together on my day hydration pack for women.... in the Trek Preparation section.

[peterh13]

great,,,

[Saloo8]

Just weighing in on the pack issue. I have been procrastinating over my pack for 12 months! I move between spending more money on an updated pack or going with the one I have but am not sure if it is up for the task.

Then recently I came across a hire store in Moorabbin in Victoria that hires out all sorts of gear, including packs for every occasion! I was very annoyed that I had to drive all the way to Moorabbin to purchase something from the Snowgum store but was excited to discover a whole strip of outdoors stores (my fav kind of shopping!), including OUTSPORTS. I spoke with a lady instore who is very knowledgeable about gear and especially packs and her advice was that hiring can save a lot of heartache which may come after seeing your pack thrown about by a porter. Plus the hire cost includes all post-hire cleaning, so all you do is pick it up and drop it off.
I can't seem to find a web address for them but I did grab a brochure that lists all hire gear and costs. A pack will cost $1.50/day plus a base fee of $23.00. Bloody cheap if you ask me! The also have tents, sleeping bags, poles etc..

The phone number is 03 95325337 or email at hire@outsports.com.au

I haven't booked a pack yet (I still have 4 months ahead of me before I hit the track) but plan to do so, so I will give a review on the experience when I return from PNG!

[peterh13]

Hi.
Theres been a few people on this site who've hired backpacks.If you dont plan on trekking or hiking as a hobby or a past time then its a very good idea.