What to pack forRussia
in May
61° / 43°F
13 days of rain this month. Sunset around 8:25pm.Typical May, from ten years of weather
13 days
of rain this month
8:25pm
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 63 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Apply for your Tourist visa
Russia requires a Tourist visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
Passport valid past your dates
Russia wants 6 months left on a passport past May. 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 Russia, 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.
Trail app
Download your trails before you lose signal.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A for Russia. 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
Warm hat (beanie)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 43°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$148 was $295 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Repleto Down Jacket - Women's$74 was $185 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiMerino 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 Women's 3.0 Merino Flex Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$54.73 was $80 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 REIRain shell (hardshell jacket)
13 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Storm Splitter Rain Shell$135 at Howler BrothersShop at Howler Brothers
Quechua Women's NH500 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$50 was $69.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Fineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comModest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Neck 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
Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter$25 at REIShop at REIWater 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
LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REI
HydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIShop at REIREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Money and documents
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Plug adapter, Type C or F
Russia 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
Don't have one? Check these out.
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIShop at REI
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIShop at REI
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIShop at REI
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIShop at REIBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
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
Peak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REI
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.
Sun and heat
Sunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Oval Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$171 was $244 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBugs and health
Travel first aid kit
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$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 - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 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 GloberiderSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Go Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REI
Osprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
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.comSleep
Eye mask + earplugs
Sun is up until 8:25pm. You'll want the mask.
Packable blanket
Lows around 43°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 Fade 1-Person Blanket Blue Ridge Fade$100 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 Icon ANC Headphones$74.93 was $99.95 at REIShop at REI
Skullcandy Sesh ANC Active Headphones$70.93 was $95 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIShop at REINice to have
You could skip every one of these
What to wear
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REIPackable down vest
Don't have one? Check these out.
Helly Hansen Men's Village Puffy Down Vest$140 was $240 at REIShop at REI
Free Country Men's Breakthrough Puffer Insulated Vest$59.97 was $85 at REIShop at REI
Forclaz Women's MT100 Down Puffer Vest$55 was $79.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Fuego Down Vest - Women's$74 was $185 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiMoney and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIShop at REI
SuperFlex USB-C Cable, Dual Right Angle - 4in$25 at MomentShop at MomentLanguage app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Lip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Bags
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleep
Travel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
The 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
Ambato Everyday Pant - Men's$57 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Pant - Men's$75 was $125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comThe basics
Sewing kit / safety pins
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REI
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 at REIShop at REISmall lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Copy of passport
Pen (customs forms)
Reusable shopping bag
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.comSocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Underwear
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
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaChargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Travel-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
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REIToiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.