For those after finer details here you go, nothing is definitive everything is roughly placed together at the moment .
Just roughly put together so here we go.

I would just like to introduce myself and what Outdoor experiences I have.
My name is Ash, im from North Island New Zealand, im Maori and currently ( as of writing ) studying a diploma in Screen production, documentary/backpack film making and as of next year i will be studying at the University Of Waikato a Bachelors Degree majoring in Screen Production and with Te Reo Maori as a minor.
My main Outdoor activities are 4 seasons Tramping here in New Zealand, Bushcraft ( Firemaking, Shelter Building, Plant ID, Primitive Trapping, although i am no expert as a true expert dies and is immortalised by their commitment to Bushcraft, i am versed enough to help myself and few others with small things like the aforementioned ) and of course Trail Running ( Thou im not fit fit fit, i am extremely for a cigarette smoker ) I have significant off trail experience as most of my Bushcraft is done in the middle of nowhere of conservation/backcountry lands . I have been know to be a water locator amongst my back country compatriots.
I own my own small cottage ' Ultralight ' Tramping / Backcountry backpacking Tarp manufacturing business i started here in my hometown in the Waikato this year, at the moment testing and conceptualising different models of Tarps ( We call them Flys here ) utilising inexpensive Ultralight sil/nylon or Sil/Poly fabrics. I put the '' in because from the Ultralight or minimalist backpackers they would deem them as so, I just wanted gear designed and made with love, attention and passion of great outdoor brands of old, being light as possible without being ultra expensive for the end user in mind.
I tramped or Thru Hiked the Te Araroa Trail, NZ'S long Distance trail completing the 3000+ KMS in under 96 days this year in March with a traditional but lightweight setup for 3 season and camera gear, i was and still am actively shooting a documentary about the TE ARAROA Trail from a local perspective and Point of View based narrative, how the Hiker sees it in real life. I am just starting to learn Russian as of Jan next year. At least to conversational level for the expedition.
My future ambitions Outdoors wise is to voyage beyond more in anticipation of answering a question which as of writing i have made a short film for my UNI about , Why are Outdoor Recreationists Wanderers? Where exactly Russia being one of them.
It was Everest but given it is a bit crowded up there, i wanted to do something with purpose, that drives excites and terrifies my outdoor goals and fears all into one, as fundamental to the essence of my existence. Hence this conversation.
Details about this trip so far is:
as mentioned up to a year expedition, four seasons.

Distance between 6000 KMS to 9000 Kms. All of Russia. Current route starts east to west . Just a thought not finite.

Route, there is a rough image taken from google earth i am refining the route down, i have done some research with some Russian friends and they have said this route is the warmer option as well as the most economical route given the towns that we pass through. I have added in some river walking to change the scenery for now. [​IMG]
Other options for this expedition apart from Trekking/Tramping/Backpacking the whole way are some ideas me and my mate had initially thought of when we decided to do some thing epic with purpose, Sledding, Dogsledding, Land surfing ( Kites that are paired with a snowboard and riding currents of air along plains to take you in the heading of your direction ) or Pack Rafting some rivers or kayak ( where do able ) Not finite but it diversifies options where efficient and able to be done. Where feasible.
As i mentioned i will and am actively seeking sponsorship to help fund the trip for ALL Expedition members. Possible gear sponsorship's but mainly financial.
Gear: I would hope that everyone who is coming has their own gear, fit for purpose, for 3 seasons at a minimum.

It is not essential to have own gear but it it is easier for all of us if we do. And we can focus on more financial sponsorship rather then gear.
Talents i asked for: Well because it is Russia it would be nice not essential to have someone with more fluency in Russian then i would be able to learn.
Winter Tramping experience, as said not essential but nice.
Backcountry navigation: nice but not essential, thou would be handy having a dedicated navigator or route planner
Bushcraft skills: Nice but not essential, extended backcountry knowledge of resources around you at most of the time is a key Bushcraft skill most backpackers likely to have anyway, which plants that may be of edible or medicinal benefit, wood for fires or shelters, animals for hunting possibly, water, tinder for fires, etc.
I hope this answers some of your questions.


Just an update to interested parties, in the midst of contacting several potential sponsors . Im getting my own company to sponsor some gear such as bivvy bags and tarps if need be ( tax write off! )
Im contacting my Maaori Iwii trusts for sponsorship opportunities next friday.
Started changing some route options to be more feasible for resupply.

Crimea to Vanino via Moscow, Volga River and Kalymykia - Causcaus Escarpment

Murmansk to Vanino via Moscow Older ALTERNATIVE


Edited by RDBushman (12/17/19 02:39 AM)
Edit Reason: Wrong links