What to pack forKazakhstan
in January
21° / 1°F
6 days of rain or snow this month. Sunset around 4:35pm.Typical January, from ten years of weather
6 days
of rain or snow this month
4:35pm
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 72 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Passport valid past your dates
Kazakhstan wants 3 months left on a passport past January. Check the expiry date now.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in Kazakhstan, with no SIM counter to find.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Download offline maps
Download the offline map before you lose signal.
Trail app
Download your trails before you lose signal.
Some cash in local currency
Cards fail more often than you'd think. Carry KZT for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for Kazakhstan. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
International driving permit
Rental desks here ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your license. AAA issues them same day.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
What to wear
Merino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 was $120 at REIShop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$84.95 at REIShop at REI
Terramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 was $45 at REIShop at REI
Arc'teryx Women's Lana Merino Wool Crew Base Layer Top$63.93 was $90 at REIShop at REIInsulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 1°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSimond Men's Xplore Hooded Down Jacket$119 at DecathlonShop at Decathlon
Hybrid WINDSTOPPER Lightweight Puffy Jacket - Men's$196 was $280 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Repleto Down Long Jacket - Women's$100 was $200 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Fuego Hooded Down Jacket - Women's$118 was $295 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiHeavy insulated parka
Highs below freezing. A puffy alone won't do it.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Helly Hansen Winter Bliss Down Parka - Women's$213 was $425 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka - Women's$335 was $479 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Calidez Down Parka - Men's$200 was $400 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Calidez Down Parka - Women's$160 was $400 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiGloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
Craft ADV Lumen Fleece Gloves$29.73 was $39.99 at REIShop at REI
Quechua Adult MT500 Backpacking Silk Liner Gloves$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Simond Adult MT500 Warm Touchscreen Gloves$25 was $34.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Teca Fleece Gloves$15 was $30 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiWarm hat (beanie)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Insulated winter boots
Don't have one? Check these out.
Quechua Men's NH500 Warm Waterproof Snow Boots$75 was $109 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Helly Hansen Women's Beloved 2.0 Insulated Winter Boots$67.73 was $150 at REIShop at REI
Quechua Women's SH100 Warm Waterproof Mid Snow Boots$25 was $49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
The North Face Women's Shellista IV Luxe Waterproof Snow Boots$95.73 was $179 at REIShop at REIWaterproof insulated gloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Gloves$68.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
Sealskinz Men's Kelling Waterproof Insulated Gloves$54.77 was $100 at REIShop at REI
Boulder Gear Board Insulated Gloves$41.73 was $55 at REIShop at REI
The North Face Montana Ski Glove - Men's$45.50 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMerino base layer bottoms
For the mornings and the nights.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Men's Intraknit AS Merino Base Layer Bottoms$125 at REIShop at REI
Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom - Women's$100 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
tasc Performance Men's Elevation Merino Base Layer Bottoms$44.73 was $79 at REIShop at REI
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Base Layer Bottoms$95.73 was $120 at REIShop at REIREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Thermal socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Quechua SH500 Merino Wool Winter Mid Socks$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Woolrich Men's Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks$12.73 was $16 at REIShop at REI
Quechua SH500 Mid 2-Pair Winter Hiking Warm Socks$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Women's Revolution$32.95 at SockwellShop at SockwellNeck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REI
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Buff x National Parks Coolnet UV Neck Gaiter Great Smoky$24.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comModest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Water and food
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95 at REIShop at REI
HydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REI
Go Series Water Filter 1L Bottle$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comHiking
Trekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
Leki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 was $200 at REIShop at REI
Leki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 was $220 at REIShop at REI
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 was $270 at REIShop at REI
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 was $180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
Power and phone
Headlamp
Dark by 4:35pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Plug adapter, Type C or F
Kazakhstan uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGlobal Travel AdapterSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Global Travel Adapter Forget-Me-Not$38.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Global Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Global Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekPower bank 10k–20k mAh
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Peak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REI
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Charger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoney and documents
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Soho Wallet - Women's$12.50 was $25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Passport Wallet$94.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignBags
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Daypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador SEG 45See price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comChecked suitcase
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Checked luggage / rolling duffel
Don't have one? Check these out.
Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85$221 was $295 at REIShop at REI
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 90L Wheeled Duffel Bag Midnight$349 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel 45 L Rolling Wheeled Luggage$300 at REIShop at REI
Cargo Hauler 90L Duffel Bag (Discontinued)$149 was $199 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekBugs and health
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Tropical Mango$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Costa Caleta Net 580G Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$174 was $248 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWorking on the road
Noise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonyShop at Sony
Skullcandy Sesh ANC Active Headphones$70.93 was $95 at REIShop at REI
Skullcandy Icon ANC Headphones$74.93 was $99.95 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIShop at REISleep
Packable blanket
Lows around 1°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickOriginal Puffy Blanket - Seascape$99.95 at rumplShop at rumpl
Rumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket Seascape$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOriginal Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Rumpl Original Puffy Printed 1-Person Blanket Seascape Ridge Mountains$99.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNice to have
You could skip every one of these
What to wear
Gaiters
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Language app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Money and documents
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REIShop at REI
TSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Travel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Bags
Compression sacks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Compression Stuff Sack$37.46 was $49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 8L Compression Sack Atoll$39.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack$23.95 at REIShop at REI
Sea To Summit Lightweight 8L Compression Sack Spicy$34.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Motion sickness tablets / bands
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleep
Travel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
Hand warmers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Isto Hand Warmer - Women's$35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zippo HeatBank 6+ Pro Hand Warmer and Power Bank$34.93 was $50.95 at REIShop at REI
Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank$34.93 was $50.95 at REIShop at REI
Ignik Hand Warmers - Multipack$17.95 at REIShop at REIThe basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
What to wear
Everyday pants
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickWild Rye Emmett Overalls$123 at Wild RyeShop at Wild Rye
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Pants$45 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiThe basics
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REI
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REI
JBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIShop at REI
JBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIShop at REI
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Toiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTravel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Solar String Color + Phone Charger$68.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIShop at REIUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIShop at REISocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleepwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pendleton Pajama Set - Women's$74.63 was $99.50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas - Men's$89.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comReusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.