Individual and group equipment checklist

IMPORTANT NOTE: IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER ALGERIA WITH BINOCULARS; THEY ARE SYSTEMATICALLY CONFISCATED

1. Travel Documents

• Valid passport
• Algeria entry visa
• Flight ticket
• Your insurance contract
• Blood type card, if possible.

2. Bags

• Your equipment must fit in a large travel bag with side opening (zip closure) that is secured to the roof of vehicles or onto pack camels during the journey. The full bag must not exceed 15kg (mandatory). It is preferable to have just one large bag rather than two small ones.
• A small backpack for clothing and materials needed during the day (sweater, water bottle, rain gear, sunscreen for lips and skin, individual and/or shared snacks).
• Attention: on camel treks, plan for a carabiner so you can attach your bag to your saddle camel.

3. Sleeping gear and clothing

During the periods covered by these trips, except for Easter, intense heat is not a concern. Therefore, it is essential at all times to protect yourself against cold, heat, and rain.

• Very warm sleeping bag + a light sheet to protect you from possible sand wind.
• Down jacket or fleece jacket (evenings around the fire)
• Thick sweater
• Windbreaker or lightweight jacket
• Rain cape or poncho that is truly waterproof (consider the possibility of having to walk in the rain). All seasons.
• 2 pairs of light canvas trousers, wide enough not to restrict movement.
• Long-sleeved shirts (to prevent sunburn) and T-shirts
• Tracksuit or jogging pants that can serve as pajamas.
• Underwear and handkerchiefs
• Gloves (against sunburn and cold mornings).
• Cap, scarf, or sun hat (canvas or straw). Head wrap or turban for protection against sun, wind, and sand.
• Several pairs of socks.
• For trips to Tamanrasset: Travel clothing planned for the return journey can be left at the guesthouse in Tamanrasset.

4. Footwear

Essential: test your shoes before departure!

• A pair of lightweight trekking-style shoes to support your ankle and avoid small spiky grasses that catch on socks or jogging-style shoes if you prefer.
• Sandals are pleasant for walking.
• Some are sturdy and allow even long hikes (TEVA-type). They are very comfortable during rest stops.

5. Miscellaneous

• Sunglasses with filtering lenses and side protection.
• 2 water bottles of 1 litre each or 1 of 1.5 litres.
• Pocket knife (no other utensils), to be placed in checked luggage during air travel.
• Compact and lightweight toiletries, including a small basin for washing when it is possible to find water in the wadis or in the « abankor ». The water we carry is not intended for washing.
• Refreshing wipes moistened (baby wipe type for personal hygiene).
• Toilet paper and a box of matches or lighter (to burn it).
• Headlamp (spare batteries and bulbs).
• 2 large « garbage » bags to protect your belongings in your bag (sand wind or rain).
• Walking stick(s) for those who wish.

6. Personal First Aid Kit

We have a very complete emergency first aid kit, but still provide yourself with these few items:

• Antibiotic ointment, elastic band-aid 6cm, compresses, aspirin, eye drops, anti-diarrheal medication (metronidazole and imodium), antiseptic solution, water purification tablets.
• Antibacterial gel.
• To treat or prevent blisters, consider blister plasters like « compeed ».

7. Group Equipment Provided by the Organizer

• Tents (2/3/4 person and/or communal) set up in case of rain or strong sand wind.
• Tarps to shelter equipment.
• Comfortable foam mattresses with protective covers and ground mats.
• Emergency first aid kit.
• Kitchen equipment and utensils (cutlery included).
• Jerry cans or waterskins for water transport.
• Waterproof storage bags for transporting food and group equipment.
• Ropes (specially designed Hommes et Montagnes brand) to secure bags on camels.