Transylvania Kit List

General Items

Main bag – You will need a rucksack or holdall (suitcases especially wheely ones are not appropriate), 50 litre minimum capacity.

Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.

Sleeping bag – A warm sleeping bag is recommended – whilst it is usually hot in the day it can get down to less than 10 degrees at night.

Roll mat or thermarest – Necessary for both warmth and comfort. Roll mats can be purchased cheaply, whereas Thermarests are more of an investment.

Waterproof jacket – Rain can be frequent so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended – they are hot and may get snagged and torn

Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 3 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.

Strong head torch – Night-time opportunistic walks require the strong headlamps. Please note that the small headlamp models are no good for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and amphibians, etc, but are excellent back-up torches. Don’t forget spare batteries!

Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.

Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents.

Insect repellent – For any projects where you will be handling or in close proximity to animals (in particular amphibians) you will need a non DEET based repellent. However for other times DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.

Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended.

Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them.

Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.

Romanian phrase book or dictionary

Binoculars – These are really useful to see much of the wildlife, particularly the birds. 8 X 40 are the best to bring.

Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera.

Notebook and pencils – Essential for all projects.

Clothing

Bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty! Synthetic (wicking) fabric is the best as it is quick drying, but cotton is kinder to the skin. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt(s) here!

Hiking boots – Should be comfortable, quick drying, and have ankle support.
Gaiters or Wellies/Rubber Boots – These are optional but can come in handy for early morning surveys as the dew will make the the long grass very wet.
Flip flops/sandals – 1 pair
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 2 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs
T-shirts – 5
Fleece top – 1
Long sleeved shirt – 2
Socks – Enough for 1 week. Hiking socks worn over cotton socks can be better for long treks.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks.
Sunglasses – A good pair are useful to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water.
Hat or bandana – 1 – useful to protect you from the sun.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!

Medical kit

Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies you MUST carry your own personal medical kit.

Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamine/hydrocortisone cream
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Rehydration salts
Plasters/band aids
Alcohol wipes
Sea/travel sickness tablets
Prescribed medications – It is vital that you bring any medications that you have been prescribed by your doctor.