Packing list

Packing list for Siberia

This packing list will help to ensure you have everything you need for your adventure trip to Siberia. Even if you are an experienced traveler, it’s always helpful to follow a checklist. And of course, a trip to Russia and Siberia has its peculiarities. The weather in Altai is highly variable, so you need to be prepared.

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If you forgot something, there will be a chance to buy basic things in local shops. But be ready that choice can be limited and you can not find your favorite brands.

Bags

• Main bag

We recommend one soft-sided sports type bag (duffel bag) or frameless backpack. They are less bulky and easy to handle. We truly appreciate bags that are manageably sized. Suitcases for our tours are not appreciated. Keep in mind that weight limit in all domestic Russian airlines is usually 23 kg, but check your airlines regulations to be sure.

• Daypack
  In addition to your main bag, you will need a small daypack for excursions. This daypack should have enough room to carry water, snacks, warm and waterproof clothes, binoculars and anything else you would take on a day hike. If you take your photo backpack you can use it of course.

• Money belt
  A money belt is an excellent, convenient and safe way to carry your important travel documents, cash and cards.

Clothes

Usually, the temperature in our trips varies from +15 to +25 °C during the days and from +10 to +15 °C in the nights. But very hot (above 30 °C) or rainy days also occur. There is some possibility that in the night the temperature can even drop below zero. We spend most part of our trips at an altitude between 1600-2200 meters a.s.l. , so sunshine can be rather different than you are used to. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! Clothing which can be layered is ideal.

We recommend clothes made from synthetic fabrics (fibers like nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or polar fleece) because they dry quickly and generally take up less space in your luggage.

Please note that there are almost no laundry facilities available during our trips. So better to take the number of clothes you need for all days of the trip. You should also have a spare set of clothes (including pants and jacket) in case to change it if you get wet.

• T-shirts

• Long sleeves shirt

• Tank top – for very hot days

• Fleece jacket/ sweater/ vest (better to have several which you can layer)

• Warm (dawn) coat or jacket  – for chilly nights

• Shorts or convertible pants that can be turned to shorts

• Pants, two to three; one pair made of quick-drying, synthetic material,

• Easy to wear pants like training pants or similar, also to sleep in during cold nights

• Warm trousers (skiing) – optional, but in our camping tours during high altitude nights they can be very useful

• Water- and windproof wear (jacket and pants)

• Socks  – woolen and synthetic or cotton

• Underwear

• Sun-shielding cap or hat

• Fleece or wool hat

• Gloves

• Swimming suit (optional)

Footwear

• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking and trekking. They should have good ankle support and grip, be warn in and waterproof
• Sport sandals (like Teva)

Toiletries​

• Towel – light, absorbent and easy to dry
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Soap, shower gel
• Shampoo, conditioner (better travel-sized)
• Mirror (optional)
• Hair brush/comb, hair ties (if needed)
• Deodorant (not aerosol)/ Deo wipes
• Shaving cream and razors (if needed)
• Wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• Sunscreen/sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Lip balm (SPF 30 or higher)
• Moisturizing cream (sun and wind usually make the skin dry)
• Insect repellant
• Small First aid kit and any prescription medication you are taking ( we have our own First aid kit in case necessary)

Tech gears​

• Camera

• Spare batteries

• Memory cards

• Chargers

• Cables

• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries

• Phone

• Tripod (optional)

• Laptop (optional)

• Binoculars (optional)

• Travel alarm clock/watches (optional)

Other personal items

• Sunglasses

• Spare glasses or contact lenses (if needed)

• Sewing kit

• Water bottle

• Plastic bags (Ziplock)

• Pocketknife

• Writing materials

• Sleep aids (eyeshades, earplugs) (optional)

• Hiking sticks (optional)

• Inflatable pillow (for camping tours only)

• Sleeping bag up to -10 C (for camping tours only). If you don’t have your own or don’t want to travel with it we can provide you one for an additional fee of 20 euros.

We will provide you with a metal plate and cup, fork and spoon. If you prefer your own, you can bring it of course.

Documents

• Passport and photocopy of the first page

• Visa

• Cash or/and credit cards

• Flight confirmation

• Health insurance

• Travel insurance

• List of important phone numbers

We hope this packing list will help to prepare for a great trip with us. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].