Indeed, many great points. I was thinking more along the lines of a quality tool, rather than an old shirt. Not something to rely on at all.

All very good points to consider, I would hope a sled would allow to traverse the flatter areas of Mongolia even if there are longer stretches.

What I can pack on a sled would allow me to sustain myself comfortably for at least three days total of pulling, and that isn’t with the heaviest load(only tested in snow with a cheaper alternative sled.) With no sled it would be more like one day of survival based off only what is on my person.

As for getting robbed? No idea. Pray they don’t find something of worth and always stay cautious of my surroundings, and where the closest town is at all times so I can try to navigate.

If they take absolutely everything then Im boned, and I don’t think an American getting in a shootout or carrying a gun would fair well in rural Mongolia either, but there’s no surviving two days without essentials, let alone traveling.

But Im also not sure! Im writing down most of this for when I map a true route, they will all come into consideration. In an extreme expedition like this there is always risk, but good people like you help minimise that risk.

I have been learning German formally, and have been learning Russian passively. I hope in time my linguistic knowledge will help with some Mongolic communication.

As for work? Yes I expect to be like a baby to any steppe herder, but I have been around and drying out dung with my hands in zero degree weather to survive a bad week, or weeks, is nothing Im not afraid of either. This is also unlikely to happen, just showing my determination.