What to pack forKazakhstan
in October
46° / 27°F
6 days of rain this month. Sunset around 5:00pm.Typical October, from ten years of weather
6 days
of rain this month
5:00pm
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 73 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 October. 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
Waterproof insulated gloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
Fleece or midlayer
The layer you'll wear more than any other.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bacano Fleece Jacket - Women's$87.50 was $175 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Tempa Fleece Hooded Jacket - Women's$75 was $125 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Baseline Midlayer Fleece Jacket - Unisex$109 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Quechua Men's NH500 Warm Hiking Fleece Jacket$55 was $79.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaInsulated winter boots
Don't have one? Check these out.
Forsake Rosie Winter Boot - Women's$69.98 was $140 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Men's SH100 Warm Waterproof Snow Boots$25 was $49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaMerino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 27°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
Fuego Hooded Down Jacket - Women's$118 was $295 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Repleto Down Jacket - Women's$74 was $185 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiGloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
Teca Fleece Gloves$13.50 was $30 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
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
Forclaz Adult MT500 Touchscreen Stretch Backpacking Gloves$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaWarm hat (beanie)
Modest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Merino base layer bottoms
For the mornings and the nights.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Intraknit All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom - Men's$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom - Women's$100 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comThermal 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
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
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.comWater 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.
REI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Hiking
Trekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
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
Money and documents
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soho Wallet - Women's$12.50 was $25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Silk Undercover Money Belt$17.02 was $30.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Everyday Billfold Wallet$69.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak DesignAirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Headlamp
Dark by 5:00pm. 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 Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPower bank 10k–20k mAh
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Don't have one? Check these out.
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.comVPN
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.
Bugs and health
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Travel first aid kit
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
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Seedless Watermelon$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 Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Costa Caleta Net 580G Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$174 was $248 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Bennet Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$59.60 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBags
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.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set Juniper$54.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at SamsoniteShop at Samsonite
Compression Packing Cube$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Checked luggage / rolling duffel
Don't have one? Check these out.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 90L Wheeled Duffel Bag Midnight$349 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
No Matter What 90L Duffel Bag (Discontinued)$96.75 was $129 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekWorking 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 SonySleep
Packable blanket
Lows around 27°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
Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Rumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket Seascape$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Rumpl Original Puffy Fade 1-Person Blanket Blue Ridge Fade$100 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.
Money and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
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.
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
SuperFlex USB-C Cable, Dual Right Angle - 4in$25 at MomentShop at MomentBugs and health
Motion sickness tablets / bands
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Cap
Don't have one? Check these out.
Trucker Mesh Cap + Screenprint$29.40 was $49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Advocate Trucker Hi Pro Cap$21.60 was $36 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Advocate Trucker Lo Pro Cap$20.97 was $34.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBags
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
Pack-It Compression Sack Set$25 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
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.
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.comThe 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
GOREWEAR Everyday Track Pant - Women's$72 was $120 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comThe basics
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.
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.comMedications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Charger Evo Single Compound Grips$10.12 was $10.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comUnderwear
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.comSocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.











































