The weather in the Fann mountains of Tajikistan during summer and early autumn is typically hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Occasional thunderstorms may occur, bringing brief periods of rain and lightning. The clear skies and warm temperatures make this an ideal time for stage races. Therefore, based on our experience we suggest the following items as required.

Very little running and camping gear is available in Tajikistan, so bring everything that you need!
And please contact us if you have questions.

Mandatory Equipment List

This list follows the principle that safety comes first. These items are required for your safety, comfort, and the conditions of running at high altitudes (2200–4300m).

What You Must Have While Running

• Small first aid kit: For blisters, minor cuts, sprains, etc.
• Running tights or long pants: not required to be worn but you need to have with you.
• Windproof jacket: Lightweight and compact.
• Wicking T-shirt
• Sportswatch: any Garmin, Polar, Coros, Suunto, Apple Watch Ultra 
• Emergency bivy bag: Strongly recommended (better than a space blanket). Example here
• Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Cap or sun hat: A Buff can also be useful.
• Trail running shoes: Reliable grip
• Running vest/backpack: capable of carrying all required gear.
• Water bladder or bottles: minimum 1 liter in total. Wide-mouth bottles are easier to refill.
• Emergency whistle
• Sunglasses
• Energy bars/gels: Bring according to preference but organisers provide daily packed lunches including basics like bread, lunch meats, cheese, jam, peanut butter, nuts, dried fruits, sugary snacks, etc.
• Paper map (provided by race organizers)
• GPS tracker (provided by race organizers)

Required list for camp site

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from organizers)
• Mattress (can be rented from organizers)
• What is carried for you: Sleeping things, fresh clothes, toiletries, anything else you want to bring (respecting weight considerations). The weight limit is 10 kg for camp-to-camp transport (as much is done via donkeys).
• Also, please put your name on everything! 

Optional Equipment List

• Second pair of trail running shoes – good grip with a complete rubber sole, half size bigger than normal for toe movement, tried and tested. It’s a good practice to rotate shoes in multi-day race.
• Socks: 2 pairs minimum, or one pair per day for comfort.
• Thin fleece top
• Waterproof jacket: Very light and packable, just in case.
• Suncream: Sweat-proof, suitable for sports.
• Socks – two pairs can be enough, though a pair per day will be luxury. You can also buy acceptable socks cheaply here in Tajikistan.
• Shorts – may be slightly warm for tights on the first few stages.
• Running tights – may be slightly cool for shorts on the higher stages.
• Underwear
• Wicking t-shirt – ideally has a collar to protect your neck from the sun.
• Thin gloves – for early starts for those people who feel the cold easily. . 
• Windproof top – something light and small is ideal
• Waterproof jacket – the chances of rain are very low and heavy rain extremely low, but a cheap, very light (but waterproof) jacket, will keep you dry should it rain or snow.
• Sleeping bag liner: Cotton or silk, for use with blankets in tea houses.
• Earplugs: In case of snoring tentmates
• Sandals or flip-flops: For use after your run
• Quick-drying towel
• Wash kit: Include a facecloth or flannel
• Vaseline: To prevent chafing and blisters
• Duffel Bag – for transporting this gear.
• Sandals or flip-flops – for post run. Another clear pair of lightweight shoes is also fine.
• Quick drying towel (if you plan to wash)
• Wash kit – including flannel or facecloth for simple body cleaning.
• Reading book – optional, lightweight preferably!
• Camera’s battery / charger / battery pack. – There is not power available at every stop, so bring a charged spare battery and carry it with you.
• Hand sanitizer, alcohol gel – to minimise risk of catching colds / coughs / stomach problems etc.
• Other first aid / medication –
  • Medication for stomach problems
  • anti-histamine, eye-drops, pain killers etc
  • Cotton wool for cleaning cuts / wounds + iodine gel
  • Your personal medication
• Face cloth, or wet wipes – optional, generally useful for quick, easy personal hygiene
• Oral rehydration salts – salts to aid rehydration.
• Nalgene bottle – or similar (1 litre) for holding hot water, good for rehydrating in the evenings
• Vaseline – for prevention of chaffing and blisters
• Spare battery or ‘power bank’ for phone

Equipment carried from start to finish each day

As soon as possible after waking, you’ll need to pack your bags so that they can get moving to meet you at the finish. We’ve mentioned a limit of 10kg for this duffel bag. There is a 10kg limit due to the nature of transport – via small vehicles, tractors or donkeys.

Other tips

• Put your small bar of soap in a small plastic bag
• Bring some of your favorite tea-bags / infusions with you
• If you have an insulated cup / mug, this is nice for keeping drinks warm