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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Eastern Turkey, Turkey

Layering Guidance for Climbing

Layering clothing functions well for the varied conditions on Mount Ararat, especially for the climb.

Essential Layers

Warmth Layers & Headwear

These layers are for extreme cold. Protect your head from both cold and sun.

Cold Weather Gear

  • Heavy Down Jacket: Minimum 700-800 fill power for summit push and cold evenings.
  • Headwear: Warm wool or fleece hat, Sun hat or cap, balaclava/neck gaiter.
  • Gloves: Layered system with thin liners, warm fleece, and waterproof outer mitts.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Waterproof, sturdy, and well-broken-in mountaineering boots are necessary. They offer excellent ankle support and should be B3 rated for crampon use.

Camp Shoes

Lightweight shoes or Sandals are beneficial for use around base camp. They allow your feet to rest and air out after wearing heavy boots all day.

Socks

Multiple pairs of wool or synthetic Hiking socks of varying thicknesses are essential. Avoid cotton socks.

Essential Documents

Document Checklist

Keeping your documents organized and secure is important for a smooth journey.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Original passport and printout of e-Visa.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Physical and digital copies, including emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): For regional exploration if renting a car.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Copies of records and medical history.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, hotel, tour operator confirmations.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family, friends, embassy/consulate, local emergency numbers.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts, though limited in rural Eastern Turkey.
  • Keep photocopies or digital images of your passport, visa, and important documents separate from the originals.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

While you might seek to disconnect on the mountain, some technology is useful for travel and safety.

Device Essentials

Photography & Apps

Bring a camera for landscapes and wildlife. Protect all gear from dust and moisture.

Recommended Gear & Apps

  • Camera Equipment: Durable camera, extra batteries (cold depletes them), Tripod, Waterproof bag.
  • Navigation Apps: Maps.me or Organic Maps for offline navigation.
  • Translation Apps: Google Translate (offline Turkish pack). WhatsApp is widely used.

Data Backup & Security

Backup Solutions

Utilize cloud storage or an External hard drive for photos and critical documents. Back up your phone regularly.

Security Items

A Money belt for passport and cash, a Small padlock for luggage or lockers, and an RFID-blocking wallet for credit cards.

VPN Services

Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi. Also, Airalo for eSIMs.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit is a smart addition to your packing list.

Kit Contents

Sun & Water Protection

Protect against sun exposure and ensure water safety.

Environmental Protections

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Sickness Remedies

  • Discuss Diamox (Acetazolamide) with your doctor for prevention.
  • Maintain adequate hydration.
  • Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.

Personal Hygiene Essentials

  • Small Travel-sized toiletries.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are notably useful on the mountain.
  • Difficult to find locally: High-quality mountaineering gear may be limited or expensive.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Climbing Essentials

The Mount Ararat climb calls for specialized gear. Ensure you have the right equipment for safety and comfort.

  • Mountaineering Axe: For safety on icy slopes.
  • Crampons: For the final ascent, compatible with boots.
  • Helmet: Highly recommended for rockfall/icefall protection.
  • Gaiters: Prevent snow/debris in boots.

Navigation & Lighting

Be prepared for navigation in all conditions.

  • Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for stability and knee strain reduction. Adjustable poles are ideal.
  • Headlamp: With spare batteries, essential for early morning and night navigation.
  • Sleeping Bag: Rated to at least -15°C (5°F) for mountain camps.
  • Sleeping Pad: Insulated and comfortable for warmth and rest.

Bags & Rentals

Ensure you have appropriate carrying capacity and consider rental options.

  • Backpack: 60-80 liter capacity for personal gear.
  • Daypack: 20-30 liter for summit push essentials.
  • Rentals: Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, sleeping bag often rentable locally.
  • Personal Gear: Base layers, shell clothing, gloves, hats, and a comfortable backpack are best brought from home.

Rent vs Buy Decision Matrix

Items to Buy Bring from Home

  • Base Layers: Ensure proper fit and performance.
  • Shell Clothing: For reliable weather protection.
  • Gloves and Hats: Personal comfort and warmth.
  • Comfortable Backpack: Familiarity and proper fit.

Items to Rent Locally

  • Mountaineering Boots: Inspect quality and fit carefully.
  • Crampons: Check compatibility with your boots.
  • Ice Axe: For use on icy slopes.
  • Sleeping Bag: Check warmth rating for mountain camps.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items enhance your comfort, security, and general travel experience.

Items

Hiking & Climbing Gear

High-quality specialized climbing equipment is better brought from home.

Essential Gear

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Minimizes plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for market purchases.

Travel Utensils

Reduces reliance on single-use plastics.

Culturally Appropriate Gifts

A nice gesture for guides and porters.

Destination-Specific Items

Noteworthy Items

  • Binoculars for wildlife or distant views.
  • A small notebook and pen for journaling or notes.
  • A book or e-reader for downtime at camps.

Considerations

  • No specific items unique to Mount Ararat beyond standard mountaineering gear.
  • The "Noah's Ark" site nearby is mainly a viewing experience and does not call for specialized equipment.
  • Opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography are abundant.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack lighter for air travel and consider laundry services in Doğubayazıt for longer stays. Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and compress items. Label all your gear, especially if renting or part of a group expedition, to avoid mix-ups.