Physical fitness levels
Your Preparation
Adventure Out will supply a training plan to help you prepare for your trek. The trek is not designed to test fitness or how fast the journey can be travelled, but with the desire to allow people with an interest in Australia’s past, a unique experience into the military history, accompanied with travel documentary of the scenery and ecology, plus an exposure to a very different culture and lifestyle.
This is not a survival course. You do not have to be an outdoor type or a fitness instructor to take part, but you will need to be in good health with a high level of endurance fitness (endurance versus strength). We strongly recommend that you follow some form of training plan to minimise the possibility of injury and reduce the recovery period. Although we will not be walking more than 10-12km each day, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the walk.
The biggest challenge of this walk will be coping with the heat in wet tropical conditions, but short of spending a couple of weeks acclimatising in PNG beforehand, there is not a lot you can do to prepare yourself for these conditions beforehand. If you prepare well and are fit, you will have one less physical discomfort to cope with on the walk.
Immunisations and medication recommended.
Consult your GP for specific advice.
Immunisations
Current information for immunisation against
Typhoid Recommended
Hepatitis A Recommended
Malaria Recommended mosquito borne disease
Hepatitis B Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Recommended mosquito borne disease
NHMRC Routine Vaccines Recommended
A combination Typhoid/Hepatitis A vaccine (Vivaxim) is available. This should be given at least 14 days (preferably one month) prior to risk of exposure. We also recommend ensuring Tetanus immunisations are current. Check with your local or travel doctor specialist.
Suitable footwear and clothing
Clothing
Because it rains on a regular basis it is a good idea to have a waterproof poncho, a rain jacket is an option to consider; ponchos are more functional for humid weather conditions. Also consider wrapping your spare clothing waterproof bag, and then store inside your backpack within a second waterproof bag. This will ensure you always have something dry to put on each evening.
For protection against chafing wear a pair of lycra gym shorts or “Skins” as underwear.
Footwear
Hiking boots ¾ – full length with a synthetic upper component for quick drying (e.g. Scarpa, Merrell, Zamberlan…) Boots should be worn-in to prevent blisters.
Remember spare boot laces!!!
Prepare to open yourself up to more than the physical challenge. Prepare to open your heart through this adventure!