Our equipment recommendations for trekking in the Caucasus
Basic Equipment
Waterproof duffle bag:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 110-120L duffle bag.
Daypack:
Your main gear will be carried by vehicle transfer .You will need to carry your own daypack. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
Sleeping bag:
You will need a 4-season or -20 Deg C sleeping bag and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags.
Trekking poles:
Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for going up and down steep Alpine passes! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles
Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water. Wide-mouthed nalgene bottles are required as they are less likely to freeze than bladders. A neoprene cover is advisable to help insulate the bottle at higher elevations
Head
Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover if you aren't going to be using a neck gaiter
Warm beanie style hat:
Go for a version of beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth. Thin enough to fit under your climbing helmet (on the peak climbs)
Neck gaiter or balaclava:
It can get chilly in the evenings. We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. The most versatile options are made by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear
Sunglasses:
Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice
Headlamp:
You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys and reading your book at night. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps
Hands and Feet
Lightweight gloves:
For daily use we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves
Socks:
3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for camp or if it's particularly cold. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks
Training shoes:
To wear around camp after a day's trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals
Trekking boots:
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell
Gaiters:
Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy or dusty conditions.
Upper Body
Thermal base layer:
2 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. No cotton. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
Fleece or Soft shell jacket:
A mid-weight polartec fleece jacket is ideal. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces
Hard shell outer jacket:
A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc'teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear
Insulated jacket:
A good quality and warm down or primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab, Arc'Teryx and Mountain Hardwear
Legs
Base layer:
'Lightweight' or 'silk weight' base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
Trekking trousers:
Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
Hard shell trousers:
To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Mountain Equipment, The North Face and Arc'teryx make good outer trousers
Odds and Sods
Sun and lip screen:
High SPF sunscreen and lip protection balm. SPF 40 or higher
Toothbrush and toothpaste:
Ideally travel size
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer:
Staying clean on any trek can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help
Personal medicines and medical kit:
We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
Pee bottle (optional):
Useful for late night toilet needs when it is freezing outside
Ear plugs:
For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad and you will need your beauty sleep
Personal snacks:
Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout
Dry bag:
Only required if your main duffle bag or rucksack is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help to keep your kit dry
Camera and spare batteries:
Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix.
Plug adapter:
A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the climb. See Alps Travel Guide for which adapter you need.