Mongolia is one of the rawest countries on Earth, and packing the right gear means you can explore this wild, wild country in comfort instead of thinking about what you should have brought!
Western Mongolia in particular is very remote and there are very few places to get proper gear out here.
Whether you decide to travel alone or on an expedition in the Altai Mountains, this Mongolia Packing List is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to have on you to make the most of your trip while staying safe, comfortable, and completely prepared.
Should you choose to book with us, you’ll receive an even more descriptive and detailed packing list in our trip info pack.
Packs and Baggage
Expedition Duffel Bag
Epic’s recommendation: North Face Duffel – Large
For a trip like this, your duffel bag needs to be able to keep all your gear and clothes safe and secure at camp and as they are transported by jeep and by camel – and this bag rises to the challenge.
A spacious, water-resistant, and versatile bag is a must for Mongolia.
Day Trekking Backpack with Rain Cover
Epic’s recommendation: Osprey Talon 22 Pack
Since most of your gear will be kept in your duffel, there’s no need to bring a huge backpack with you. A comfortable daypack that fits all your essentials inside is what you want.
It’s important that you use this backpack before coming to Mongolia to ensure that it’s comfortable to wear for hours at a time without giving you any weird chafing.
Bringing a rain cover for your backpack is crucial; weather in Mongolia’s wilderness can be unpredictable and heavy rains could saturate your cozy down sleeping bag (oh no!) – and make an otherwise manageable situation unpleasant indeed.
Mongolia Packing List: Essential Personal Gear
Sleeping Bag
Epic’s recommendation: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 0 Sleeping Bag
I mean – who does not love a lofty, soft, delicious sleeping bag to curl up in at the end of a long day?
Having a sleeping bag rated for sub-freezing temperatures in Mongolia is important – leave the summer-rated sleeping bags at home.This is not a piece of gear to overlook: no matter what sleeping bag you bring, make sure it’s rated for brutally cold temperatures (0 F / -17 C) as snow fall and freezing temps are possible any time of year.
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Epic’s recommendation: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad
Another vital piece of gear for keeping warm and comfortable at camp, a good sleeping pad is going to keep you off the cold, hard ground.
Not having a pad underneath you not only is uncomfortable, it also means you’ll be exposed to the ground which can get absolutely freezing at night, and that is where you lose most of your body heat.
Making sure that you sleep well on these expeditions is one of the most important things to take care of. Get your hands on a nice sleeping pad to ensure that you can get your proper rest.
Inflatable Camp Pillow
Epic’s recommendation: Nemo Fillo Pillow
This makes a world of difference in sleeping well at camp: an inflatable pillow is exactly what you need to keep your head and neck comfortable at night while not taking up too much space in your bag.
Bringing this with you only has upsides: it’s cheap, lightweight, and will help you get the rest you need.
Specialty Equipment
Headlamp
Epic’s recommendation: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
A headlamp is one of the most valuable pieces of gear on this list – or for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking in the dark before sunrise or just walking around camp after sunset, you’re going to need one of these.
This is an essential piece of equipment if you’re moving around in the dark. The best part about our headlamp recommendation is that it is rechargeable – eliminating the need to constantly buy fresh batteries.
Trekking Poles
Epic’s recommendation: Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Not necessary but still highly recommended, trekking poles give you that extra stability and balance you may need when crossing rough terrain.
On our trip, we’ll be hiking in some tricky spots and you’ll want to have something extra on hand to help you tackle the undulating terrain. A sturdy pair of trekking poles is the right tool for the job, and you’ll be grateful you brought them along.
Grayl Filter Bottle
Epic’s recommendation: 24oz GeoPress® Purifier
Having a source of drinkable water out in the wild is a very practical problem to solve. There is an easy solution.
A Grayl filter can take virtually any water source you might find in the wilderness and turn it into a source of healthy, drinkable water in a matter of seconds, all with very little effort. We have relied on Grayl for years to keep us hydrated and can’t recommend this bottle strongly enough.
Gaiters
Epic’s recommendation: Black Diamond GTX FrontPoint Gaiters
If you’re looking to have some extra protection for your lower legs against the elements (IE mud and water), you need to get gaiters. Keeping your legs and feet dry, and (relatively) clean goes a long way in making the trek a better experience.
The protection these offer can make a game-changing difference. Not a must-have, but something you should consider if you can spare the budget.
Spare Water Bottle
Epic’s recommendation: Nalgene Water Bottle – 32 fl. oz.
It’s always smart to have the ability to carry a few liters of water at any given time. In addition to your Grayl bottle, bring another normal water bottle with you that can increase your carrying capacity.
Boots and Footwear
Hiking Boots
Epic’s recommendation: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
When it comes to hiking – boots are god. If you’re feet are unhappy – so is the rest of you.
You will need a pair of boots that can handle water, keep your feet comfortable, and prevent blisters on Mongolia’s rough treks, so do not skimp out on buying a quality pair of boots.
If you’ve only got the budget to buy one high-end item apart from the sleeping bag, this is where you should spend your money.
And remember to break in your boots before arriving in Mongolia. If you don’t, blisters will show up and turn trekking into a less-than ideal suffer fest pretty quickly.
Camp Shoes
Epic’s recommendation: REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Slip-Ons
Having a pair of cozy camp shoes to change into at the end of the day is going to make you a lot more comfortable when you’re relaxing by the fire, and your feet will appreciate the break from being confined to hiking boots.
Sandals/Tevas/Keens
Epic’s recommendation: KEEN Targhee III Sandals
A nice balance between hiking boots and full-blown sandals, these are great to relax in while keeping warm, and also can take on some light hiking.
Other Personal Gear
Dry Bags – Optional
Epic’s recommendation: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack – Set of 3
You will need to keep your belongings dry and protected from the elements, so bringing a few dry bags is always a good idea. This gives you that extra protection and peace of mind when you’re worried about your gear.
Polarized Sunglasses
Epic’s recommendation: Knockaround Fast Lanes Polarized Sunglasses
An essential piece of gear for keeping yourself protected from harsh sunlight reflecting off of the snow and glaciers, polarized sunglasses are a must.
Personal First Aid Kit
Epic’s recommendation: HART Outdoor Day Hike First-Aid Kit
We will have medical supplies with us on the trip, but it’s still important to bring your own personal first aid kit to take that extra step in being prepared and self-sufficient. Blister care, ibuprofen, plasters/bandaids, anti-biotic cream, etc should all be in a dry ziplock bag.
Power bank
Epic’s recommendation: BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
If you’re planning on using any sort of electronics on this trip whether it’s a camera, your phone, or something else, a 20000 amp power bank will keep you rolling. Some of our staff also use lightweight solar panels – which tend to work great, if there is sun shining when you happen to be at camp.
Chargers/Phone Cable
An essential piece of gear for keeping yourself protected from harsh sunlight, polarized sunglasses are a must
Snacks
Pack chocolate, bars, energy gels, gummies, jerky, and all of the other food that will keep you fueled on the go during busy travel and hiking days.
Toiletries
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Biodegradable Soap
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Clothing Layer Systems
Rain Shell Pants
Epic’s recommendation: Arc’teryx Beta AR Pants
Rain pants are a solid answer for taking on the unpredictable weather of the mountains and keeping dry while staying lightweight.
Nobody loves being wet – and being soaked-to-the-bone wet just sucks. Pack a good pant shell and you’ll be happy you did.
Rain Jacket
Epic’s recommendation: Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
Like the rain shell pants mentioned above – the jacket is an essential piece of equipment you need to keep your upper body from getting wet. On our last Mongolia trip – there really wasn’t a day that passed in which the rain jacket wasn’t thrown on for at least 30 minutes. Make sure that you can easily take it on and off while riding a horse.
Fleece – Optional
Epic’s recommendation: REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket
Great for slipping into at the end of the day and relaxing at camp with or acting as another layer or warmth on the trail.
Base Layer Tops and Bottoms
Epic’s recommendation: Merinos Base Layer Top and Merinos Base Layer Bottom
Having thin, base layers with thermal protection makes a huge impact on staying warm on the trail and at camp. If you don’t know by now, you should be aware that Mongolia gets cold and having the proper layers in your bag is the only way to be comfy out here.
Sun Hat and Beanie
Epic’s recommendation: Warm Beanie and Sun Hat
This combination enables you to take on all kinds of weather and keep your head protected and dry while you’re at it.
A good sun hat will help in both rainy and sunny weather, and a beanie is perfect for cooler temperatures.
Buff and Bandana
Epic’s recommendation: Buff Merinos
An easy piece of gear to overlook but not something to forget, a buff is going to keep your neck warm and protected from cold winds.
Mid-Weight Gloves
Epic’s recommendation: The North Face Gloves
You’ll need some good mid-weight gloves to keep your hands warm in Mongolia’s climate.
Trekking Shirts
Epic’s recommendation: REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Top
We strongly recommend getting trekking shirts that are made of synthetic material. Avoid bringing cotton shirts.
Trekking Pants
Epic’s recommendation: KUHL Renegade Rock Pants
Trekking pants can absolutely make or break your trip. Make sure you invest in a good pair so you can stay comfortable, durable, and allow for good movement. Shorts are also possible – but we have found the Mongolia weather to variable to wear shorts consistently.
Synthetic Multisport Pants
Epic’s recommendation: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants – Men’s
A slightly thicker, insulated pant gives you just that extra bit of comfort to handle wind and colder temps.
Merinos Trekking Socks
Epic’s recommendation: Darn Tough Hiker Socks
Merino is best, cotton is not.
You’ll need a handful of quality pairs of hiking socks. Buying a few pairs might add up at $20/pair, but it’s more than worth the investment and you’ll be thankful you spent the cash for good socks. Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty as well.
Self explanatory. Bring a few pairs of both cotton and synthetic underwear.
Down Jacket
Epic’s recommendation: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
A warm down jacket is something you will wear everyday of this trip. Get something midweight or on the heavier side as Mongolia is not an ultralight down jacket sort of place.
And that’s it for our Mongolia packing list. Now you are equipped with everything you need to comfortably explore Mongolia.
We should emphasize again that Mongolia gets cold and the mountain temperatures should not be underestimated. Pack the right gear and you will be ready for the adventure of your life without having to worry about being under prepared.
If you have any gear-related questions, feel free to drop a comment below!
See you guys in Mongolia!
