Маandering by Train: What to Pack in Your “Go-Bag” and How to Endure the Journey Without Air Conditioning

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Ticket bought, suitcase packed, route planned. It seems you can just board the train and relax for a few hours, gazing out the window, reading a book, or scrolling through your phone. However, in hot weather, especially with the regular “arrivals” at trains, such a journey can be a test of endurance. Read on for tips on how to survive a train ride in +30°C heat and how to prepare for evacuation in the middle of a field or forest, in the material by Short & Sweet.

Evacuated from Carriages in the Middle of a Field

This year’s summer in Ukraine compels a fresh look at even a routine train trip. Firstly, the heat. “Ukrzaliznytsia” itself admits that not all carriages are equipped with air conditioning.

Secondly, shelling. In case of direct threat, the train may be stopped, and passengers evacuated. This might not happen at a station. People could be led out of carriages in the middle of a field, forest, or steppe.

Daryna, a contributor, shared her experiences with traveling by “Ukrzaliznytsia” on the social network “Threads.” The young woman was traveling from Dnipro to Lviv. Initially, she and other passengers had to wait a long time for the train itself, which arrived late. But this was just the beginning of the troubles.

“Everyone, tired but happy, boards the train, but then at 4 AM, an evacuation begins in a field somewhere on the way to Kryvyi Rih, which we weren’t even supposed to go to. Then another one, and another, and there were a total of 6, all outdoors… by 10 AM, we had only reached Pyatikhatky.”

The young woman finally reached Lviv the next day, having spent the night in Kyiv because she was extremely exhausted.

Daryna’s case, unfortunately, is not an isolated incident. Today, preparing for a train journey requires careful planning.

Daryna, a contributor, shared her experiences with traveling by Ukrzaliznytsia on the social network Threads. Screenshot from threads.com/@darina_alxns

Evacuation: What to Have at Hand

According to information from the Ministry of Development and “Ukrzaliznytsia,” the train continues its journey if there is no direct threat to a specific train. Evacuation is announced when there is a real danger near the route.

If the conductor announces an evacuation, then you can’t afford to be hesitant. You must follow the staff’s instructions. And have your “go-bag” ready. This should be a small, easily accessible bag containing documents, a minimal first-aid kit, water, and a phone. If there’s space, consider also packing:

wet and dry wipes;
a power bank and charging cable;
a snack that won’t spoil in the heat (incidentally, in such cases, conductors distribute “Iron Snacks” from “Ukrzaliznytsia”);
a small fan or a hand fan.

Official recommendations clearly state that during an evacuation, bulky items like suitcases must be left in the carriage. In cool weather, blankets are permitted to be taken from the carriages.

You should exit calmly, without pushing, only after the conductor’s command. If you are traveling with a child, explain in simple terms beforehand what to do if you have to leave the carriage. For example, hold hands and stay close to each other.

Heat: Check for Air Conditioning

Forecasters still predict hot days. Therefore, when purchasing a ticket on the “Ukrzaliznytsia” website, check if the carriage has air conditioning. It may seem obvious, but people often forget this detail.

“Ukrzaliznytsia” explains that a “snowflake” icon indicates that the carriage is equipped with an air conditioning system. If the symbol is crossed out, it means the carriage is not structurally equipped with air conditioning.

Without cooling, the carriage becomes unbearably hot. It’s a 40-60 ton metal structure that, under direct sunlight, heats up to +60°C or more within a few hours.

When the outdoor temperature exceeds +30°C, the cabin cooling is gradual. The system works best after the train reaches a speed of over 40 km/h. On sections with speed restrictions or during long stops, the effectiveness of air conditioning is mediocre, a “three-pointer.” So, even if there is air conditioning, do not expect the carriage to be a comfortable +20°C all the time.

People openly express their emotions on social networks. Photo: https://www.threads.com/@annua_jewelry/post/DboNZ5HDjPT

Water in Reserve

Forget the habit of “buying water from the conductor.” In hot weather, you need water from the very first minute of your journey. If the trip lasts up to 8 hours, estimate about 2 liters per person.

If the journey is long or there’s a risk of delays, increase the reserve.
The Ministry of Health advises drinking water regularly throughout the day and not waiting until thirst becomes intense. It’s better to take a few sips every 15-20 minutes. Coffee, alcohol, “Pepsi,” and energy drinks do not replace plain water.

Electrolytes for the First-Aid Kit

It’s also a good idea to have a sachet of rehydration solution or an electrolyte drink for a hot journey. However, electrolytes cannot replace drinking water.

Such a sachet of solution will be useful if you experience severe weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or profuse sweating due to the heat. These are already signs of heat exhaustion, which can escalate into heatstroke.

Small Fan, Power Bank, Hand Fan

These are must-haves for a summer train trip. A small USB fan or a battery-powered fan takes up very little space but can be a lifesaver in a stuffy compartment.

A power bank should also be in your luggage. It will help charge not only a mini-fan but also your phone.

If you don’t want to carry electronics on the train, you can buy a simple foldable hand fan. Funny? Until the first hour in a carriage without air conditioning. A fan “works” without batteries.

Clothing – An Extra Set

When traveling by “Ukrzaliznytsia,” choose a comfortable “look”: a cotton t-shirt or shirt, light trousers or shorts, comfortable slippers. In hot weather, it’s important for clothing to be light, loose, and preferably made of natural fabric.

It’s also better to have an extra set of spare clothes. Separately – a warm sweater or a long-sleeved shirt.

And remember a head covering. Because if you have to leave the carriage due to a dangerous situation, a cap, panama hat, or light hat will be useful outdoors.

And What About Food?

In hot weather, it’s best not to bring perishable food. Opt for nuts, dried fruits, bananas, apples, crackers, whole-grain bars, or other simple snacks. If you are traveling with a child, add water, light snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and something to help the child calm down during an evacuation or heatwave and to keep them occupied.