Spring in the Altay Mountains, personal equipment

We will do quite a lot of walking, so the upper layer of clothing should protect us from all the surprises of nature. We can use any outdoor clothes that can be purchased at sports stores. There are fewer demands for trousers; it is likely that you won’t need them.

We will do a lot of walking through rough terrain: rocks, grass slopes, snow (sometimes even rather deep snow). The main requirement for footwear is an aggressive outsole. Sandals, sneakers, running shoes and fitness boots are not allowed. It is desirable that the shoes protect and hold the ankle. Any suitable trekking shoes or regular sneakers with aggressive and hard soles are ok. Trekking shoes look like this:

We recommend bringing a change of shoes for the evening. No strict requirements here, but you should take into account that grass can be wet and weather cold in the evenings. There is a small lifehack — you can take special autumn and winter boots with textile upper part and rubber sole like that. The footwear is warm, waterproof and extremely lightweight. And most importantly, it is cheap and usually found for sale on the markets.

A hat, panama hat, pith helmet, keffiyeh, bandana, or scarf — most importantly it should protect from the sun. When traveling to the Teply klyuch, a warm knitted cap will be useful.

It can be useful in cold weather, especially at night, when physical activity is almost minimal.

In case of a cold snap you can use any fleece trousers or usual woolen tights.

You should take a bag with the comfort temperature below -6°C and even lower. Please note that we indicate the comfort temperature, not the extreme one.

For comfort sleep in tents.

In the evening it is very convenient, especially during the late setting up of the camp, walking in the twilight, etc.

It is convenient during physical activity since it removes moisture from your body and is useful during sleep as another warming layer.

For comfort and warmth during sleep.

If your skin is sensitive to the sun any sports gloves will be useful. In Dzhumalinskiye springs (elevation 2,000 meters) the warm fleece gloves and sunglasses will help you because of the snow-reflected sunlight.

Personal belongings can be brought in any travel bag, even in a suitcase — anything you like. During daily walks (on the Great Silk way, for example, you can walk more than four hours), you can take a small backpack to store a jacket for rainy weather, a water bottle and a light snack.

Plastic or metal, but not porcelain or ceramic. A fork will be not as handy as a spoon. You can take a small folding knife, but do not forget to put in the luggage during the flight.

The plate like shown in the picture here has proved itself very useful, it can be purchased in all Sportmaster stores..

Toilet paper, napkins, toothbrush, etc.