I'm headed to Kyrgyzstan to hunt the Naryn River area for marco polo and ibex the end of October and beginning of November 2012. I would like some feedback from those who have been there on these specific questions:

1. What temperature rating would you recommend for a sleeping bag?

2. I'm rather enamored with the new Scarpa Koflach plastic boots. Do you think plastics would work with horse riding?

3. What kind of snow camo did you use? Tivek painter suites?

4. Any need for water purification systems?

5. Any need to bring food?

6. Any language issues or suggestions to resolve them?

Thanks for the feedback!

Brett

Brett,
I had trouble with my boots freezing to the metal stirups and the cold from the metal just seeping up into my boots. I had a pair of liners that didn't get packed that would have been worth their weight in gold. A face mask or scarf and really good gloves are a must. I would want a -20 bag to be sure and sleep comfortably. You haft to rest to hunt that hard. I took packets of the Gator Aid to mix with the bottled water. If you take Diamox(which I strongly recomend)you need to drink plenty because it can dehydrate you. I took packets of cheese and crackers,breakfast bars and jerky. Snickers bars also give a quick boost and are a nice snack. The other thing I found invaluable was an LED light that fastens to your cap or fits around your head. Getting ready before daylight it lets you keep both hands free and not stumble around in the dark
when loading the horses. The guides most likely will s[peak very little English but will make jestures and marks in the snow to convey their wishes. There was an interpreter in camp. I am not an expert but hope this helps you have a great hunt.

Hawkeye

Hey Brett

1) That time of year I'd recommend a -20 bag unless you are staying in a heated yurt.

2)The riding can be very tough and tricky. I'd want something a bit more forgiving that would give me contact with the horse.

3) I used a light over jacket and pants. There is a lot of golden grass where the animals are and a camo pattern that is primarily white with some gold is ideal. I used a Remington jacket and some pure white pants.

4) Depends where you are. We were in a very remote valley so we didn't.

5) Yes. I'd take five or six days of Mountain House, some power bars, and some breakfast bars.

6) Lots of sign language but I got a long fine. It doesn't hurt to learn a few basic words in Russian. Spaciba is thank you and piva is beer...that's about all you need...lol

If you have a few days at the end in Bishkek, be sure to get out and see the city....it's pretty cool. There's also a Canadian-owned golf course with a colourful owner that's worth the trip. It's a really friendly and safe country in my experience....take it all in.

Dear Brett

1. As low as you can go, but some times they light a fire inside the van and you go to bed stinking hot and wake up a 1.00am freezing.

2. Up to you I have 1 lined pair and leather pair. Tryed to work out what the day would bring and wear best pair.

3. Just a chemical white zip up suit. Cheep through them away take a few, they go over the top of every thing else.

4. Up high no issue, do not drink any lake water.

5. What ever you like to eat. But is a good chance to loose weight if you need to.

6. Have a day in the local market the day before. Get some local gear and give it away on the way home. They know how to charge for excess bagage when you leave. Do not wear westen style cloths around. Get some local ones and keep your mouth closed and they will not know who you are.

Drop me a line if you like.

mark.mclean@rocketmail.com

Regards Mark

quote:

Originally posted by BrettAKSCI:
I'm headed to Kyrgyzstan to hunt the Naryn River area for marco polo and ibex the end of October and beginning of November 2012. I would like some feedback from those who have been there on these specific questions:

1. What temperature rating would you recommend for a sleeping bag?

2. I'm rather enamored with the new Scarpa Koflach plastic boots. Do you think plastics would work with horse riding?

3. What kind of snow camo did you use? Tivek painter suites?

4. Any need for water purification systems?

5. Any need to bring food?

6. Any language issues or suggestions to resolve them?

Thanks for the feedback!

Brett

Brett,
I thought these were good questions. Can you answer them yourself now?

Here goes:

!. I took a 10 and was marginally comfortable one night in spike and fine the rest. It's a great bag and I believe they give very good temp ratings. I'm also use to cold and was aclimated going in to the hunt. I would likely recommend a 0 as a minimum for that time of year. A bag liner might extend the temp rating a bit and keep the "horse stink" off your nice down bag. If it's a later hunt in November or Winter/Spring hunt I would have a warm bag, but understand snow conditions may preclude you from spiking and you may spend your time in a souped up Russian army 6 wheel. I did for part of my hunt and fought heat exaustion at night......no need for super warm bag.....In an early season hunt? Who knows? Ask the outfitter and get an idea. An August or September hunt I would imagine a 20-30 degree bag would work, but again ask.

2. I still love the boots, but would give them a pass. I used La Sportiva Nepals (I believe/check my report) and stayed warm and safe. The lug is agressive and occassionally was difficult to get out of the stirrups. You will work the mountain and horses hard, so be prepared for adverse terrain.......and then riding a horse right up it! Pay attention and midigate risk by slipping your boots someone out of the stirrups in risky areas.

3. Some I bought from Sportsman's Wearhouse...looking now......can't find it. It was a very light weight 2 piece which had pant legs wide enough to go on and off over my boots. You could also go for something with a zip, but , but just make sure you can get them on and off OVER your boats. It also did a nice job protecting my insulated pants and coat when stalking or moving through rocks.

4. I would. I had an MSR pump. They will have bottled water, but the Kyrgyz don't do a good job of anticipating your water needs. You will have lots of Chai (tea) when out, but not typically water. I took a water bladder that worked with my pack. I had occasional trouble with it freezing. I would not recommend one for a later hunt, but instead use Nalgene bottles kept in your pack upside down to prevent freezing. The water bladder should work earlier in the year.

5. Your food for the hunt? No. Some extra snacks, bars, ext? Sure. Again the Kyrgyz are not always good at anticipating food needs, so don't be afraid to politely suggest you should take argali meat with you to ibex spike camp so you can eat sheep while you're there. It would seem common sense to you and I, but they may not consider it and bring you cheese, bologna, bread, butter, ext. Again be polite and suggest what you would like.

6. Of course. I don't speak Kyrgyz and I only speak a few Russian words. My hunting party was Jacques, Norbek, Gergal, and Irgiz. Irgiz and Gergal where assistant guides and spoke no english, some Russian, and their native tongue Kyrgyz. Norbek was the head guide and spoke Kyrgyz well, Russian well, and English passably. Jacques was my French guide and spoke English well, Russian passably, and a little bit of Kyrgyz. Between Norbek's English and Jacques' Russian with Norbek I was able to communicate the basics. They had a translator "Mike" who we elected to send with my cousin since Jacques had me covered. You may have one or may not. I don't know. What I would suggest is hunting with a western guide to alleviate communication problems when they really count.

Brett