Packing lists for every season, adventure, and type of traveler. Browse my recommendations from waterproof gear to puffer jackets, sleeping bags and sleeping pads, to horseback riding and hiking boots, and more.
When it comes time to packing for a trip to Mongolia, most people don’t know where to start.
First of all, the weather in Mongolia is temperamental. One second you can have clear blue skies and the next thing you know a hailstorm of epic proportions rolls through. It’s all too common.
Second, since most of the things you’ll be doing in Mongolia are outside, you need to be prepared for it all.
I always recommend a solid set of base layers and top layers with good moisture wicking and the ability to withstand any activity. Waterproof shoes are a must. As well as always having a beanie or something to wrap around your ears handy.
Read through my recommended gear lists below, as well as the tried and trusted brands I put my stamp of approval on.If you have any gear you think I shouldn’t be living and traveling Mongolia without, I’d love to hear about it!
You may not realize it, but the bag you pack and carry with you in Mongolia is an important decision.
Once you leave the city, suitcases with wheels become practically useless and space (and weight) become of the essence. Make sure you bring a bag that’s easy to carry, you can easily access the contents of, and is durable enough to withstand some bumps and bruises (and weather). That means a duffle bag, or duffle suitcase hybrid, is the ideal bag for traveling with in Mongolia.
It’s still okay to bring a big, hardcase suitcase with wheels to Mongolia, in fact most people do. The trick, however, is to leave that bag in the city along with some clean clothes, and take a more manageable bag with you out to the countryside.
I recommend keeping your bag under 90 liters and putting any electronics you absolutely have to have with you (like a camera), inside a backpack that you always carry with you. Don’t leave backpacks unattended in the car for extended periods and never leave your valuables out in the open or easily accessible.
These are the bags I swear by, and that I’ve personally Mongolia-tested and approved.
Summer in Mongolia is the best time to visit. The days are warm, but not unbearable (unless you’re in the Gobi), and the nights are cool and breezy.
These are some of the clothes you’ll always find in my bag when I’m traveling in Mongolia.
Winter in Mongolia is a totally different beast from summer. Think of Mongolia like Siberia, with temperatures reaching as low as -50 C. Meaning, what you wear, and how you wear and layer it, is extremely important. Now is not the time to skimp on quality!
In Ulaanbaatar, winter temperatures usually stay around -25 C, which means at a minimum you need a very warm coat, snow-ready shoes, and a warm hat every time you step out the door. Good base layers are key and since you’re in Mongolia, take this opportunity to load up on cashmere. Since it comes from here, you can buy it for a fraction of the price you’ll find it for in the United States and Europe!
Tourists should always offer a small gift when they enter a family’s home in Mongolia. Here I explain a few gift ideas as well as things to know.
The 29 best books on Mongolia to read before you visit, from novels to travel guides, and more.
With temperatures that drop below -30°C (-22°F), there are a few things you need to know about traveling to Mongolia during the winter season. Plus, I share my packing essentials to help you stay warm, even when it seems impossible.
The essential Mongolia packing list for every type of travel. Basic essentials including rain gear and hiking boots to sleeping bags and more.
Riding Mongolia’s semi-wild steeds can be the adventure of a lifetime. Read this quick guide to horse riding in Mongolia for things to know, riding advice, and more before booking your big horse riding adventure.
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