Kyrgyzstan Kit List - September

Generally we expect temperatures to fall to around 0°C at night, but it’s a good idea to be conservative.

3rd party rental options are available in-country for those up to 190cm in height. The cost for rental varies year-on-year but will be around £40 for the duration of the expedition. This is to be paid in-country in Kyrgyz SOM.

If your sleeping bag is rated to around 0°C, you can pair it with a thermal sleeping bag liner for peace of mind.

Strongly encouraged for peace of mind, particularly if you’re a cold sleeper or your sleeping bag’s comfort rating is above -5°C.

We use Sea to Summit Thermal Reactor Liner, but in the shoulder season month of September you can get away with something much cheaper and simpler.

Your sleeping mat should have an R rating of 3. You can learn more about R ratings here.

We use the Thermarest NeoAir XTherm NXT. They are a little more costly but are very light weight and with an R rating of 7.3 can be used in all environments, both at home and abroad.

There are many cheaper alternatives on the market however, particularly in the 3-4 R rating value.

Essential for the shoulder months as we could experience sudden downpours. These should be big enough to hold items you want with you during the day, such as spare clothing and electronics.

We tend to use Bridgedale socks as they tend to last a long time, but any robust socks will do.

Underwear should ideally be wicking.

For example a pair of shorts, 2 t-shirts and at least one long-sleeve top will be sufficient.

Remember you may be on horseback for long periods so ‘shorter’ shorts would generally be uncomfortable.

There are many brands out there. We tend to use Revolution Race, but we recommend visiting an outdoor shop to try on different options.

Something fairly quick drying would be best.

There are many options available on the market. Something mid-weight will be sufficient.

There are many options available on the market so choose something that fits comfortably. This will primarily be used at night to keep chills off.

Something that is windproof and waterproof is essential in September when we can experience sudden and extreme downpours.

We use Revolution Race for both our outer top and bottom. They are affordable and have good performance in a variety of environments.

However, there are many cheaper options available, particularly for windproof trousers, although we don’t consider these essential. Rainproof jackets are however.

It is a good idea to test whatever you have with all your other layers for a comfortable fit.

These should have water resistant properties - it’s a good idea to wear these in before departure.

Sunglasses should be a minimum of Cat3 (which tends to be the standard across most sunglasses, even those found in cheaper stores such as Primark).

Ideally these should offer some wrap around coverage.

We use Julbo Legacy, although there are many cheaper options available.

There are many options and combinations available. During September, we’re only likely to need these during very early morning spotting sessions and occasionally while horse riding. Something thin and dexterous will be best.

A sunhat is essential though.

You will use this bag day-to-day to transport extra layers, personal camera equipment and anything else you’re likely to want to access quickly during the day.

For example, painkillers, wound dressings, blister plasters, tweezers, assorted plasters, zinc oxide tape, antiseptic spray/wound wash, antiseptic cream, support bandages, any regular medication you require.

For example, toothbrush, toothpaste, antibacterial hand gel, sunscreen (factor 50), small towel, sanitary products as needed, contact lenses as needed.

Please ensure your products, such as soap, are fully biodegradable.

We strongly recommend you bring thick moisturiser for your face, and lip balm (ideally SPF rated). This will prevent your skin from drying out and cracking in the high UV, dry environment.