Kyrgyzstan Kit List - Summer

The list below provides a guide on what kit you should bring with you on expedition. It is your responsibility to ensure this kit is fit for purpose: serviceable, suitable for the environment and an appropriate fit. We encourage you to bring muted colours.

Temperatures can drop to around 5°C at night, with day-time temperatures reaching as high as 30°C during the hottest periods. Climate change has meant temperatures are trending upwards, but they have also been increasingly unpredictable so be prepared for snow flurries as well as very warm temperatures.

There will be an opportunity to purchase further kit in Bishkek before the expedition begins if you are missing something, but please do not rely on this as expedition supplies are not well stocked and tend to be far more expensive.

Please note that the majority of your luggage will be transported in saddle bags on your horse. You should therefore aim to travel as light as possible. Hard cases cannot be accommodated so please bring a duffle style-bag.

Below we have included some brand recommendations and further details for each item. However, feel free to contact us for any questions regarding kit.

You may choose to rent some of your items. In that case, we tend to recommend Expedition Kit Hire.

Required Kit

  • Generally we expect temperatures to fall to around 5°C at night, but it’s a good idea to be conservative where possible.

    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 £50 for the duration of the expedition. This is to be paid in-country in Kyrgyz SOM.

    If your sleeping bag is rated to around 5°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 1°C or above.

    We use Sea to Summit Thermal Reactor Liner, but in the summer months you can generally get away with something cheaper.

  • Your sleeping mat should have an R rating of at least 3 (4 if you are a cold sleeper). 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 summer months as we could experience sudden downpours. These should hold your sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, basic clothing and any electrical items.

  • 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’ll 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 quick drying would be best for the summer time.

  • 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 the summer months 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 for summer.

    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 the summer months, 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.

Recommended Kit

  • Encounters can be at some distance. We do not provide binoculars, scopes or camera equipment to individual guests.

    We use several high-end scopes, which will be predominantly used by our expert spotters. However, owing to our small group sizes, guests will have ample opportunity to use them, but note they are a resource shared among the group.

    Most guests will bring binoculars and camera equipment only, and use the shared scopes when available.

  • We get a mix of photography levels on our expeditions. Some people just bring their phone and take photos through our scoping equipment, some people want to capture wildlife on more professional setups. If you’re thinking about what camera equipment you’d like to bring, you can consider the below:

    • Main camera body. This can be mirrorless, compact or hybrid. Your lens choice tends to be more important than the main camera body. Full frame, APS-C or Micro Four Thirds are all fine.

    • Lens: for landscapes something along the lines of a 16-35mm or 24-70mm work nicely

    • Lens: for wildlife something at least 100-500mm as mountain wildlife can often be at least a few kilometres away. It is highly recommended you combine this with a 2x or 1.5x teleconverter.

    • Lens: for astrophotography a fast (f./2.8) wide angle lens is an excellent choice.

    • Spare batteries and a charger. These can be charged on our solar power system at our main snow leopard camp, but we will not have a method of charging during the horse trekking phase of the expedition.

    • Memory cards to ensure you can safely store your content. Sandisk are a well known and quality brand.

    • A good sturdy tripod that supports your camera and the largest lens you will be using. Remember you could be photographing at great distances where even a breeze can cause your image to destabilise.

    • Filters are useful (such as NDs, polarisers, and UV filters). These will help you better handle strong sun and UV exposure at altitude.

    • A cleaning kit such as a blower, microfiber cloths and a lens pen to keep everything clean.

    • A good camera bag that offers some protection to your equipment as well as easy access. Examples include Lowepro and Shimoda.

    • Rain protection / wrap in case we are filming in adverse weather.

    We’re happy to make further recommendations depending on your experience level and what you aim to achieve. You don’t need the best top-end equipment to take great shots. And remember, the best camera of all is the one in your hand!

  • It is a good idea to bring slip on boots or sliders for around camp in the evening.

  • Alternatively you can bring a pillow case and stuff it with clothes you are not wearing.

  • Credit cards are widely accepted at ATM terminals in Bishkek.

    USD is generally easiest to exchange if you’d prefer to bring cash.

  • You will have access to a charging station only at our main snow leopard basecamp and not on the horse trekking component of the expedition.

    It is therefore advisable to bring a good battery pack with you to charge phones, camera batteries and so on.

  • For a dip in the alpine stream!

Return to the expedition here.