What to pack for the transsibirian

There aren’t many trains where you can spend as much time as in the Transsibirian Train and even if you can disembark many times, you should be prepared. Here’s a list with things I would pack if I would take the train soon. I only choose things that a traveller doesn’t already have in his backpack.

1. Water
   Of course there’s hot water for free in many cars, but I hate it to wait until it’s cold. So I bought a 5-liter-bottle. Those are very cheap and can be stored in the compartment.
2. Drinking Vessel
   Whether it’s tea or packet soup, a “container” is needed.
3. Something to read
   There’s a lot to see out of the window and many people to meet on the train, but there definitely will be some boring time.
4. Russian-App for Smartphone or dictionary
   English could be useful, but the conductors barely understand English. Russians also react more friendly if you try to speak Russian.
5. washcloth and towel
   There’s no shower in 2nd class, so the only way is using the sink in the bathroom. Regarding that a washcloth is super helpful. You get a towel in the train, but as you all know you should always carry a towel.
6. (Not too much) food.
   The restaurants car isn’t too expensive, but it’s much more interesting to taste the food sold by many Russian women next to the rail during the stops. This unfortunately is only limited to the summer months.
7. Toilet paper or tissues
   There usually is toilet paper in the train, but sometimes it hasn’t been refilled yet.
8. Comfy clothing
   Many people wear comfy cloths on the train. I would recommend changing after boarding the train.

Don’t Panic!