Ecotourism and Protected Area Management

Russia Personal Equipment List (these are just guidelines!)

In addition to everyday clothing to wear in town, you have the added challenge of packing for our multi-day backcountry trek. I try to double up. PACK LIGHT FOR TRAVEL--the Russians are accustom to travelers who wear the same shirt/pants for several days so don’t worry—you’ll be able to wash them in your hotel room. I recommend a nice top or two and "tidy, neat, casual dress" pants for our meetings with administrators and school personnel (jeans are OK but I find them heavy). It will be summer and generally warm with some cool evenings. Everything should fit easily into a single backpack. Our friends in Russia will supply group camping gear such as cook stoves, pots, pans, first aid kits, and food. Prepare to bring your own sleeping bag, backpack, boots (low top are fine), backcountry clothing and other personal items. We’ll figure out tents at an organizational meeting later. It's not necessary to purchase a lot of high-tech gear to be safe and comfortable, but if you have trouble finding anything, please call for assistance (520) 523-0701. We will probably have hot days in town and sunny days in the field (temps in the 70’s – 80’s). Precipitation will be low to moderate (afternoon showers) and evening temperatures can drop down into the 40’s. Some of the warmer clothing will be necessary if our group travels into the colder, high altitude alpine region in the South.

AIR TRAVEL-- NO valuables should be in your main bag for air travel. Secure the bag in a cover or reduce/eliminate outside straps. Retain some clothing as carry-on in case your baggage is "lost." We hope to have A SMALL storage area at base camp so you will not have to carry everything into the field.

2-3 INSULATING LAYERS FOR THE UPPER BODY. These items should fit over each other so they can be comfortably worn at once. Avoid cotton for your insulation. Synthetics and wool wick moisture away from the body and provide insulation even when wet. Combinations work well:

UNDERWEAR TOP: Long sleeve, medium weight artificial fabrics--polypropylene, Capilene, silk, Thermax, wool or wool blends are good. VEST: A synthetic, wool, or pile vest makes a versatile third layer. Vests provide greater warmth when fitted under another insulating layer.

Pile or Wool top: Must be at least 75% wool. A lightweight top is a good layer. JACKET OR SWEATER: Polyester pile, Synchilla, polypropylene, or Capilene are all fine.

ADDITIONAL UPPER BODY CLOTHING (NOT COUNTED AS INSULATING LAYERS):

COTTON SHIRT: Bring 2 long or short sleeved, light-weight cotton shirts or a t-shirt to wear during warm weather and at meetings. RAIN WEAR: A parka or cagoule that's waterproof, lightweight, and roomy.
OR I use an umbrella (really I do).

SUN/RAIN HAT: To keep off the sun and rain! Wide-brimmed. Baseball caps are good.
WOOL OR PILE HAT: A warm ski hat is fine. WIND SHIRT: A nylon wind shell (not waterproof) for the upper body. It should fit comfortably over an insulating layer.

Bring an insulating layer for your lower body/legs.Pile pants are generally warmer than medium to heavy weight long underwear. Cotton pants are OK to bring for hiking but are not considered insulation.

LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS: Polypro-pylene, Capilene, Thermax, silk, wool, or blends. HIKING SHORTS: Bring one pair of light weight nylon or cotton (quick drying) hiking shorts.

THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LOWER BODY CLOTHING IS ALSO RECOMMENDED:

WIND PANTS: Nylon (not waterproof) pants should fit comfortably over your lower body layers. COTTON PANTS: Pants should be rugged and lightweight to protect you from sun, brush and bugs, and light enough to be cool. You can wear these pants for meetings.

THE FOLLOWING FOOTWEAR WILL ALSO BE NEEDED:

HIKING BOOTS: You must bring your own hiking boots. Lightweight & inexpensive boots such as Hi-Tec are okay. Bring camp sneakers as well if your boots are heavy. SOCKS: 2 pair heavy wool, polypropylene or other synthetic blend socks. 2 pair of lightweight liner socks (silk or synthetic fabrics). A brand called Thor-lo is great.

GAITERS: Optional, but good in wet brush. These are leggings worn over the top of the boot to prevent dirt and sand from causing discomfort or blisters. SANDALS: Bring a pair of sandals or light weight sneakers for rafting and wearing around camp. Be sure that sandals have a heel strap to keep them on. No flip-flops!

3. BACKPACK AND SLEEPING GEAR

SLEEPING BAG: We prefer synthetic-filled sleeping bags but "down" is acceptable. Bring a three season bag with at least a 30 degree rating.

SLEEPING PAD: Should be closed-cell foam and 3/8" thick. Thermarests are fine, bring a repair kit. TENT: You will probably share with a classmate. The final decision will be made later.

BACKPACK: Approximately 4-5000 cubic inches, internal (preferred) or external frame. To pack all of your personal and group equipment into. Make sure it is comfortable. STUFF SACKS: Bring whatever stuff sack you normally use to transport your sleeping bag and a few extras to organize your gear.

FLASHLIGHT OR HEAD LAMP: A head lamp is more convenient. Be sure to bring extra batteries and a spare bulb.
BINOCULARS: A great option for low impact wildlife watching.
SPF 15 or HIGHER SUNSCREEN & LIP BALM
SUNGLASSES: This is not an optional item, at high altitude, ultraviolet eye protection is a MUST.
TOILET ARTICLES: Bring enough for your needs but don't overdo it (i.e. small towel). Add part of a roll of TOILET PAPER, baby wipes and personal hygiene products (bring extra because we’ll be in remote areas).
PILE/WOOL GLOVES: 1 pair
POCKET KNIFE or MULTI-TOOL COMPASS (optional)
CAMERA: If desired INSECT REPELLENT BANDANA
PORTABLE OFFICE: Notebook, pen, etc.
WATER FILTER: If you have one, bring a water filter. You don’t need to buy one.
IODINE & DROPPER: For purifying water.
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT*: mole skin (for blisters), bandages, anti-bacterial cream, anti-diarrhea medication, laxative, Pepto-Bismol, pain reliever, etc. Also be sure to bring any necessary prescription medications and information.
PASSPORT & PHOTOCOPY of PASSPORT AND YOUR VISA: In case you lose the original. Put them in a different places.
ZIPLOCK TYPE BAGS: Great for carrying out waste from the field or storing paperwork.
PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS: For keeping backpack and other items such as sleeping bag dry.
SMALL UMBRELLA: For trekking in heavy rain.
SPENDING MONEY: To cover airport departure tax, souvenirs, and lunches in town.
FLAT FLEXIBLE BATH TUB STOPPER: Hotels often don’t have them. Also useful for laundry.

* NOTE ON MEDICATIONS: While we are in the field, prescription medications for diarrhea and other common travel ailments may be unavailable. We recommend that you consult with your physician and bring your own supply of antimicrobial drugs such as doxycycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim™, Septra™) which may shorten the length of illness. Also review the information provided by the Center for Disease Control on Traveler’s Diarrhea at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/foodwatr.htm

UNDERWEAR TOP: Long sleeve, medium weight artificial fabrics--polypropylene, Capilene, silk, Thermax, wool or wool blends are good.	VEST: A synthetic, wool, or pile vest makes a versatile third layer. Vests provide greater warmth when fitted under another insulating layer.
Pile or Wool top: Must be at least 75% wool. A lightweight top is a good layer.	JACKET OR SWEATER: Polyester pile, Synchilla, polypropylene, or Capilene are all fine.

COTTON SHIRT: Bring 2 long or short sleeved, light-weight cotton shirts or a t-shirt to wear during warm weather and at meetings.	RAIN WEAR: A parka or cagoule that's waterproof, lightweight, and roomy. OR I use an umbrella (really I do).
SUN/RAIN HAT: To keep off the sun and rain! Wide-brimmed. Baseball caps are good. WOOL OR PILE HAT: A warm ski hat is fine.	WIND SHIRT: A nylon wind shell (not waterproof) for the upper body. It should fit comfortably over an insulating layer.

HIKING BOOTS: You must bring your own hiking boots. Lightweight & inexpensive boots such as Hi-Tec are okay. Bring camp sneakers as well if your boots are heavy.	*SOCKS: 2 pair heavy wool, polypropylene or other synthetic blend socks. 2 pair of lightweight liner socks (silk or synthetic fabrics). A brand called Thor-lo* is great.**
GAITERS: Optional, but good in wet brush. These are leggings worn over the top of the boot to prevent dirt and sand from causing discomfort or blisters.	SANDALS: Bring a pair of sandals or light weight sneakers for rafting and wearing around camp. Be sure that sandals have a heel strap to keep them on. No flip-flops!

SLEEPING BAG: We prefer synthetic-filled sleeping bags but "down" is acceptable. Bring a three season bag with at least a 30 degree rating.
SLEEPING PAD: Should be closed-cell foam and 3/8" thick. Thermarests are fine, bring a repair kit.	TENT: You will probably share with a classmate. The final decision will be made later.
BACKPACK: Approximately 4-5000 cubic inches, internal (preferred) or external frame. To pack all of your personal and group equipment into. Make sure it is comfortable.	STUFF SACKS: Bring whatever stuff sack you normally use to transport your sleeping bag and a few extras to organize your gear.