Essential Equipment for Trekking and Hiking in Almaty Mountains

For weekend hikes: trekking sneakers (photo 1). For trekking: trekking boots (photo 2) are suitable. The main feature of mountain footwear is the rigid sole, often made from Vibram or similar materials, which provides good grip on scree and protects your feet from injury. It's also ideal if the boots have a high ankle support and the lacing, combined with a soft, voluminous tongue, ensures a snug fit around the foot. Most trekking boots have a rubberized, stiff toe cap.
Lifehack: When descending a hill, tighten the laces of your boots firmly to prevent your toes from pressing too much against the toe box.

A sleeping bag should be both warm and lightweight.

• Warmth: We recommend a comfort range from 0°C to -10°C.
• Weight: Aim for a sleeping bag weighing between 1500g and 1800g.

Temperature Ratings:
Comfort Temperature: The lowest temperature at which an average woman can sleep comfortably through the night without waking from the cold.
Limit Temperature: The lowest temperature at which an average man can sleep comfortably through the night without waking from the cold.
Extreme Temperature: The lowest temperature where the sleeping bag prevents hypothermia. This rating is for survival and typically provides up to six hours of very uncomfortable sleep without critical drops in body temperature.
Fill Types:

1. Down: Lightweight and very warm. The quality is measured by Fill Power (FP)—a rating of 500-800 is considered good, while anything lower indicates average quality.

• Pros: Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Cons: Susceptible to moisture, though many manufacturers apply water-repellent treatments. Regular sun drying and careful storage (uncompressed) are essential.

1. Synthetic: Includes options like holofiber, Thinsulate, and others designed for a good weight-to-warmth balance.

• Pros: Durable and less vulnerable to moisture than down.
• Cons: Heavier than down.
• Avoid cheap fillers like regular synthetic padding (sintepon), as they are less effective.

Shapes and Sizes:
Cocoon: Lighter, more compact, and better at retaining heat, though it has less room for movement.
Rectangular (Blanket): Roomier but bulkier and less heat-efficient.
Size: Always check the height specifications to ensure the sleeping bag matches your stature.
Investing in the right sleeping bag is crucial for a comfortable and safe trekking experience.

Trekking poles: Comfortable wrist straps and adjustable mechanisms are essential, so we recommend poles with a lever lock system (as shown in photo 2).
Sleeping pad: There are two main types: regular foam pads and inflatable ones. Inflatable pads come in various temperature ratings, so it's best to choose the warmest option available. Downsides of inflatable pads include being heavier, more expensive, prone to deflation, and requiring time for setup. Our recommendation is a foam pad: bulkier but more practical. They come in roll-up and foldable versions, with the latter being slightly more convenient, though not critically so.
Towel: Opt for a lightweight, sports-specific, quick-drying towel.
Headlamp: Lightweight (under 100g), bright (over 300 lumens) models are ideal. There are rechargeable options, which need periodic charging, and battery-powered ones, for which you should always carry spare batteries.
Spare footwear: If you're trekking in hiking boots, bring a second pair of lightweight shoes, such as sneakers or sandals, for use around camp. In multi-day hikes, stream crossings may require this spare footwear.