I want more

I'll start with the route - the first impression from the description was so-so, it looked more like a children's route through the valleys, but the reality turned out to be much more complicated, more interesting and more beautiful than I initially expected. There is a lot to see and photograph (it’s a pity that the weather didn’t allow you to see everything), many beautiful landscapes of mountains, valleys and forest paths, numerous mountain rivers and streams (where you can also swim), alpine grasses, etc.

In terms of duration, the route of 6-7 days is very convenient because you have time to get involved and don’t have time to get tired, everything takes place in a fairly busy schedule and you don’t get bored. If the weather conditions are good, then the load is not great, although in some places you need to gain a lot of height and drop accordingly (up and down in the mountains, this is the case everywhere). Finally, I decided for myself what is more difficult: the ascent or the descent - the descent in the Carpathians strains the legs more, and even the steepest ascent up the mountain was easier than I expected.

Weather

The weather in the Carpathians is as changeable as a girl's mood:) If on the first day it was warm and dry, then on the second day it was pouring down on us, there was heavy fog, a strong wind was blowing - the weather was not very favorable to us, which is why we did not see one of the most beautiful parts of the route. Also keep in mind that rains are a regular occurrence in the mountains, the wind not only blows, but blows you off your feet, the roads are very washed away and often they turn into an impassable swamp. The temperature during the day and at night is very different (as you gain altitude, it also drops by several degrees), but I didn’t manage to freeze.

Camp kitchen, water

In the mountains there are problems with water and you need to know where the source is (and what condition it is in), but during all the time we did not use all the water we collected in a day (I have a 3-liter drinking system, I collected half). Our guide knew the route and sources very well, and there were no problems with water at all. I really liked the menu, it is very varied and has a lot of sweets (to quickly replenish energy). There were soups and cereals, sweets, sandwiches, I took some dried fruit with me - this was a useful reinforcement, but in fact, the instructor bought and prepared all this. All products were evenly distributed among all participants in the hike, keep this in mind when packing your backpack. Oh yes, we ate thoroughly 3 times a day + lots of snacks.

Free time

During our free time from the trek, we had a lot of fun around the fire. Due to the weather conditions, we teamed up with another group (instructors often practice this, it’s easier for them to control the whole group) with a similar route, and we had a great conversation and played show off and mafia. An evening around the fire with new friends is another reason why you need to go hiking. The atmosphere was great. Everyone was happy; as a bonus, in Ivano-Frankivsk the instructors took us to an excellent cafe and gave us a small tour of the city, for which we are especially grateful.

Equipment

Many guys rented equipment (this is a great option for those who don’t want to buy everything and who don’t need it), but I prepared for a very long time and purchased almost everything I needed. When it comes to rentals, I’ll say right away that you agree on everything in advance so that there are no surprises.

For myself, I realized that on a hike, the better the equipment, the more comfortable the hike is for you, but even with old or not very comfortable equipment you can go, but there will be a difference in comfort, and I made sure of this.

Backpack I had a 70L Osprey with a hydration system, so I didn't take any plastic bottles. This volume was enough for me personally for all my things and for my portion of food. Try to ensure that all your things are inside the backpack and there are no extra weights outside, this is very inconvenient and these things will get wet. If there is a raincarver it's a big +

Trekking poles – there’s nothing to do in the mountains without them, you can ask those who decided to go without them, they went with cut poles because it’s completely impossible otherwise.

Poncho is a must as the weather is changeable and you need to keep yourself and your belongings dry, especially your sleeping bag and mat. And forget about planks for 150 UAH, it will tear in a couple of minutes and you and your things will be wet.

Clothes should be suitable for both warm and cold weather and preferably water-repellent. Fleece is a must.

For those who like photography, take extra. battery and hide everything in a waterproof case (including money, documents, phone).

The lighter your equipment, the better, don’t take too much, only what you need.

We rented a car to get to the start and finish point, don’t even think about taking public transport, there are no roads there, there aren’t any there at all! Have pity on yourself.

Conclusion

I was pleased with the hike, I saw and walked a lot, new friends appeared, a lot of positive emotions. I want more. I recommend it to everyone))