Backpacks
Waterproof cover that covers all of the pack.
Pack selection is important. It will be worn all day so it must be comfortable. Gear within it will be pulled in and out many times a day. A good backpack will reduce the chance of injury, good pockets and access zips will reduce frustration when you are tired and cannot find something, and after hours of walking in the rain, hopefully your gear will be dry!
If you are carrying your own backpack or hired a personal porter, the backpack you take should be a bushwalking type, not a soft youth hostel traveller type. Please contact us if any clarification is required on this very important aspect. If you do choose to have a personal porter the pack that you bring to PNG will be given to him at the beginning of the trek. You will need to leave a space about the size of a large loaf of bread in the pack for the personal porter to put his personal gear.
If you have a personal porter you will need to carry a daypack so you can carry water, valuables, snacks and your personal medical kit. We must emphasize that the weight of your large backpack, whether carried by you or a personal porter should not exceed approximately 12kg fully loaded. If it weighs more then you are probably carrying too much and we suggest that you discuss what you are taking with your expedition guide or the No Roads office.
Remember that you do not have to carry a tent, main meal food or cooking equipment! Your wonderful porter team will carry this equipment. Our porters can carry up to 25kg (this is the Internationally accepted limit though they normally carry between 15kg and 18kg). No Roads prefers to hire more porters instead of loading them with more weight.
It is also vital that all packs (day pack and backpack) have a purpose built waterproof cover (sheets of plastic or large plastic bags are unsuitable) and that all items inside the pack are stored in heavy duty plastic bags or “dry bags”, available from camping outlets. Most new backpacks and day packs come with built‐in waterproof covers.
Backpack Selection Considerations
Day Pack Selection Considerations
For people who have hired a personal porter:
Fitting your Backpack to You
It might seem strange to fit a backpack but it is definitely something that is very important. Most backpacks have adjustable hip belts, shoulder harness, and stabiliser straps but even then, the basic shape of the hip belt and shoulder harness could not be compatible with your body. In particular, women might want to look for backpacks that are developed for the female body. Spend some time with the sales assistant to ensure you properly fit your backpack to your body. Test it in the store with some heavy objects inside it.
If you are carrying your own backpack or hired a personal porter, the backpack you take should be a bushwalking type, not a soft youth hostel traveller type. Please contact us if any clarification is required on this very important aspect. If you do choose to have a personal porter the pack that you bring to PNG will be given to him at the beginning of the trek. You will need to leave a space about the size of a large loaf of bread in the pack for the personal porter to put his personal gear.
If you have a personal porter you will need to carry a daypack so you can carry water, valuables, snacks and your personal medical kit. We must emphasize that the weight of your large backpack, whether carried by you or a personal porter should not exceed approximately 12kg fully loaded. If it weighs more then you are probably carrying too much and we suggest that you discuss what you are taking with your expedition guide or the No Roads office.
Remember that you do not have to carry a tent, main meal food or cooking equipment! Your wonderful porter team will carry this equipment. Our porters can carry up to 25kg (this is the Internationally accepted limit though they normally carry between 15kg and 18kg). No Roads prefers to hire more porters instead of loading them with more weight.
It is also vital that all packs (day pack and backpack) have a purpose built waterproof cover (sheets of plastic or large plastic bags are unsuitable) and that all items inside the pack are stored in heavy duty plastic bags or “dry bags”, available from camping outlets. Most new backpacks and day packs come with built‐in waterproof covers.
Backpack Selection Considerations
- 60 to 80 litre capacity
- Internal frame made from lightweight materials
- Adjustable torso / shoulder strap height
- Padded shoulder harness with adjustable stabiliser straps
- Chest/sternum strap
- Padded adjustable hip belt
- Inner and outer pockets - at least one to hold a water bottle
- Hydration system - either special pocket for a water bladder and/or a hole to facilitate the drinking tube
- Waterproof cover
Day Pack Selection Considerations
For people who have hired a personal porter:
- 20 to 30 litre capacity
- Internal frame made from lightweight materials
- Padded shoulder harness with adjustable stabiliser straps
- Chest/sternum strap
- Padded adjustable hip belt
- Inner and outer pockets
- Hydration system - either special pocket for a water bladder and/or a hole to facilitate the drinking tube
- Waterproof cover
Fitting your Backpack to You
It might seem strange to fit a backpack but it is definitely something that is very important. Most backpacks have adjustable hip belts, shoulder harness, and stabiliser straps but even then, the basic shape of the hip belt and shoulder harness could not be compatible with your body. In particular, women might want to look for backpacks that are developed for the female body. Spend some time with the sales assistant to ensure you properly fit your backpack to your body. Test it in the store with some heavy objects inside it.
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Hiking Style of Backpack
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Day Pack (required for people with Personal Porters)
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Backpack Hire from No Roads
Many trekkers bring their own personal backpack with all their gear to trek along the track. If you don't have one and do not wish to purchase one, you can always hire one from No Roads Expeditions for $40 per trip. The 70–80 litre backpack will be presented to you in Port Moresby the day before the expedition. Packs hired from No Roads will come with a waterproof cover.
Please contact us at our office to hire a backpack before you leave.
Please contact us at our office to hire a backpack before you leave.
Adjusting your Backpack for Best Fit
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Walking with a poorly fitted backpack, or one that is not adjusted correctly can lead to injury and make your trek unnecessarily uncomfortable.
If you haven't bought your backpack yet make sure you ask the sales assistant to spend some time explaining how to adjust all the straps and fit the pack to your height correctly before leaving the store. Most newer backpacks have some guidance material attached to the pack. Also, the manufacturer's website on the Internet often has information that may help. The short video on the right has some general hints and tips for adjusting your backpack to fit you correctly. |
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How to Pack your Backpack
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Once your backpack is fitting nicely on your back and the straps are all adjusted properly, turn your attention to how your backpack is actually packed with all your gear so the frustration of stopping on the Track and needing the one item that is buried at the bottom of your pack is reduced.
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