Clothes
“Long, loose and cotton” is the basic rule as you need protection against the sun and because we travel with Bedouin. Leggings, lycra shorts and vest tops are not appropriate at any time except on the beach. Swimming costumes may be worn at the beach, mountain pools or hot springs.

Summer
Natural fibres are best in the heat. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are often the most comfortable and help protect against sunburn. Warm sweater and trousers for the evening.

Winter
During winter the days are generally warm but the nights can be very cold especially around St. Catherine’s and the high mountain area. It is best to come prepared. During the day, long-sleeved cotton shirts and trousers with, possibly, a sweater. In the evening, warm under-layers, trousers, sweater(s), windproof fleece/jacket, hat and gloves. The secret to “cold dressing” is to wear several layers and to remember to change your innermost layer before the temperature drops, and certainly before sleeping. For sleeping, a jogging suit is an option. Rain is unlikely but not impossible. 

Camel trekking
Long trousers are a must for men and women.

Mountain & Desert trekking
Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable although again we recommend long-sleeved cotton shirts and long trousers.

St. Catherine’s Monastery
Modest dress is required to enter the Monastery. Knees and shoulders must be covered.

Footwear / Day
Tough shoes or trainers are adequate, light walking boots ideal. Snow in winter on Mount Sinai is a possibility. Socks should be thick enough to cushion your feet.

Footwear / Evening
Lighter footwear for the evening may be useful, as going barefoot is not possible at any time.

Swimming accessories
Rubber shoes or old tennis shoes are recommended to protect your feet against corals and spiky sea life.

Note: For those staying in hotels while on the coast, snorkels, masks, fins and booties are available for hire. For those not staying in hotels, snorkels add to enjoyment and also shoes.

Luggage main piece
Either a soft roll bag or a backpack is suitable. During the day this will be loaded onto the roof of the jeep/back of the camel and will only be accessible in the evening.

Day pack
A small rucksack for daytime use. It needs to be strong with comfortable straps and large enough to carry water bottle, sun cream, camera, spare layer of clothing etc…

Medical kit
Many people bring their own basic medical kit (aspirin, plasters, insect repellent, diarrhoea tablets etc…) Dehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte rather than salt tablets) are recommended for those trekking during the summer months. If you need to take any medication from your kit, please mention it to your leader. If you are taking regular medication, please remember to bring sufficient amounts plus spares and to carry them in your hand luggage on the plane.

Sleeping Bag
Night temperatures vary considerably in the desert depending on the area and the seasons.

Summer (May-Sept): You will need a warm, good quality 3 season sleeping bag. Inner cotton/sheet bag optional.
Winter (Oct.-April): A warm, good quality 3 season sleeping bag. Inner cotton/sheet bag recommended/essential depending on the area.  

Sleeping Mat
Either a traditional roll mat or a new style Therm-a-rest (inflatable, compact and comfortable but because of desert thorns it is best to lay them on top of another mat for protection.)

Survival Bag
We also recommend an emergency bivvi bag (like a large orange bin bag, from camping stores) to protect your sleeping bag and possessions from showers and sand. 

Sun cream
High factor sun cream (20 Factor or above), sun- block and lip protection cream are essential. Non-waterproof creams are best as they are less sticky and do not leave you covered with sand.

Sunglasses
Recommended for everyone. As the sunlight and reflected glare are very powerful, good quality glasses which fully cover the whole eye area are recommended. Contact lens wearers might want to bring a spare pair of glasses as lens changing can be difficult with all the sand. 

Toiletries
Toiletries are available in Dahab should you need to stock up after your arrival. A wet flannel, baby wipes or Wet-ones are a good idea as they help keep you refreshed during the day. Don’t forget toilet paper and small plastic bags.

Torch
A good hand or head torch with spare batteries.

Walkmans
Silence is part of the desert and therefore we ask you not to bring a radio/cassette without headphones. The sand often causes problems with Walkmans.

Water purification
Good clean drinking water is provided on most trips, but for those trekking in the mountains it may be necessary to carry your own and replenish from local wells. In these situations, it is strongly recommended that you purify the water. Chlorine (e.g. Puritabs or Micropur) are usually sufficient, but Iodine or silver-based chemicals are stronger. These all have their own distinctive tastes and it is very much down to personal preference. Please experiment it before you leave home!

Water bottle
(1.5 litres) Your water bottle needs to be watertight (most are not) and non-breakable. Reliable brands include Sigg, Nalgen and Platypus. When mountain or desert trekking it is advisable to use more than one bottle so that you can always be purifying one whilst using the other

Other: Matches/Lighter (burning toilet paper)...