Kilimanjaro Gear List
Looking for a Kilimanjaro packing list? Look no further.
Trekking Kilimanjaro can be daunting, and it is important that you have the correct gear to accommodate for every condition and situation you may find yourself in.
We recognise that many of our readers are planning to undertake specific multi-day treks, like Everest Base Camp, Aconcagua, or indeed climb any other high-altitude mountain. We have therefore also written a packing list for more technical climbs.
There are three important influences that will impact what you will need to pack for your Kilimanjaro trek.
Weather
It is important to be aware of the weather conditions during your Kilimanjaro trek, so you can pack according to the conditions you will encounter.
January-March is the dry season and a good time to trek. It tends to be colder that June-October and you will have a much higher chance of encountering snow.
April-May and November-December are not ideal times for trekking.
June-October is the second dry season of the year and encountering snow and rain will be rare.
The trek to the summit comes with vastly different conditions at each altitude level. In the rainforest level (800m-3000m) you will experience high humidity levels and mist.
The low alpine zone (3000m-4200m) is semi-arid and temperatures can drop to below zero at night.
The high alpine zone is an inhospitable region, during the day it is hot, and radiation is high whereas night time temperatures drop below zero.
The Glacial zone (5000m-5895m) is characterised by high altitude arctic conditions.
The solar radiation during the day is high and at night time the temperatures are below freezing. You can expect to encounter gale force winds and low oxygen levels.
Altitude
Weather in high altitude conditions can be unpredictable and volatile. You tend to feel colder at higher altitude conditions.
Conditions like frostnip and frostbite set in a lot quicker at high altitudes. The impact of the cold will be exacerbated by the low oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Length and Type of Trek
The Kilimanjaro trek is between 5-9 days, so you will need to pack enough gear to last you comfortably for that period.
Even though you will be using porters, it is important that your bag is light as they carry them on their heads.
Most porters specify that your duffel should not be heavier than 20kg and some even prefer 15kg.
Kilimanjaro Packing List
Clothing
Due to the diverse climates, you will encounter when trekking Kilimanjaro, ranging from tropical rainforest to freezing cold temperatures, it is important that you are able to layer up or down depending on the conditions.
Each layer should support the wicking process and fit snug, but not tight. Make sure to avoid cotton as it prevents the wicking process.
Basic sports underwear that breathes very well (i.e. not cotton).
You can either go for a specialist brand or just get a cheaper non-brand alternative. Sports underwear is also a good option. You will need 4-5 pairs and women should bring at least 2 sports bras.
Base Layer (Top)
Base Layer (Bottom)
Base Layer (Synthetic)
Your base layer is a snug layer that sits just above your breathable underwear. This layer will be important as you approach the summit.
You will only need one pair of a top and bottom base layer. You will not be using this layer every day, only when going above 3500m when the days and nights are the coldest.
Trekking Shirts (lightweight breathable)
You will want your trekking shirts to be breathable, lightweight, and quick drying. You will be sweating a lot, so you will want a shirt that dries quickly.
We recommend bringing 4 short sleeve shirts and 2 long sleeve shirts. Once again, avoid cotton shirts.
Trekking Trousers (converted into shorts)
You will need 1-2 pairs of trekking trousers, although 1 pair should be fine. If you like wearing shorts you can bring 1 pair of trekking shorts or trekking trousers that can convert to shorts.
It is important that these trousers are durable and water-resistant.
The second layer, which sits above your base layer is for the colder stretches of the trek. You will need one midweight fleece jacket or parka top.
You should look for synthetic mid-weight Polartec fleece materials. They typically come in 100s, 200s and 300s.
Third Layer (Insulated Jacket)
This core jacket needs to be windproof, waterproof, and warm. You have two options with core jackets: down and synthetic.
Down jackets are lighter and generally warmer but can be more expensive, they also do not perform well in wet conditions.
There are three considerations you need to make when choosing a jacket:
Weight and warmth: Down jackets provide the greatest weight-to-warmth ratio. You will want a mid-weight jacket (500g-700g) for your Kilimanjaro trek. The heaviest jackets tend to be the warmest but are more cumbersome.
Waterproofing: Down jackets, although warmer do not perform well in wetter conditions and tend to lose their insulation properties when wet. Synthetic jackets perform much better in wetter conditions. Look for Pertex Shield fabric for down jackets and nylon for synthetic jackets.
Versatility: You want a jacket that can perform well in all types of conditions outside of Kilimanjaro as well.
High altitude treks can get very cold, particularly at night so warm trekking trousers are an absolute necessity. Your trousers need to be water-resistant, sun-protective, have a fleece inner material and be made of quick-drying polyester.
Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
It is recommended that you get a hard-shell jacket and some rain protective gear to protect you from the elements. The jacket should be light, easily packable, and durable. This is the jacket that needs to withstand any wind and rain you may encounter on your trek.
Hiking Equipment
You want to have a good hat to protect your face from sunburn and keep your neck cool as you hike. Make sure the hat is made from breathable material and fits comfortably in your daypack.
In addition to a good sun hat, we highly recommend bringing a neck warmer. These are great for protecting your face and neck from the elements and keeping dust and particulates out of your lungs.
You can bring a lightweight version and a semi-fleeced version for higher up on the mountain.
A beanie is essential for summit night. You want a beanie with a snug fit that is suitable for snowy conditions.
You will need a headlamp for night hiking, so you can keep your hands free. You will need it on summit night as you usually start making your way towards the summit at midnight.
You want a very bright headlamp, the brighter the better. You also want a headlamp with a long battery life. Make sure your headlamp is lightweight as well.
The UV intensity at high altitudes is extremely high and can be damaging to your eyes. The snow cover reflects and intensifies the light. Julbo is the undisputed leader in high altitude sunglasses. You cannot go wrong with this brand.
Inner gloves need to provide a good thermal lining and be lightweight. They must also have wicking properties and cannot be made from cotton.
It is important that you have a good pair of outer gloves, especially on summit night. They need to be warm, waterproof, and durable. Cold hands can be debilitation and painful, so it is essential that you keep them warm.
Trekking puts serious strain on your major leg joints and knees. You will be trekking for around 7 days for 5-8 hours each day on uneven terrain. Trekking poles help alleviate some of the impact on your joints.
Footwear
Trekking boots are easily the most important item you will need on your trek. Look out for fit and quality.
The fit should be snug but not tight. While wearing thick socks slide your foot into your boot until your toes reach the end of the boot and then slide your index finger down the back. It should slide in with little resistance.
The Quality of your boots is also important. High/medium tops provide more ankle support. The sole should have a high rubber content and deep lugs for good traction. You want boots that are a medium/heavy weight and of course, they should be waterproof. You want your lacing system to involve D-strings and speed hooks for quick and efficient lacing.
Make sure to wear in your trekking boots extensively before you set off on your trek.
When you get to your camp the first thing you will want to do is take off your trekking boots. But you will need a pair of shoes to wear as you roam around your camp. A pair of trainers or walking shoes are a great way for you to comfortably explore the area around your camp.
Good trekking socks are an absolute must. You want socks with good wicking properties to avoid moisture and blisters. You should bring 5 pairs of wool socks on your Kilimanjaro trek.
Thermal socks are needed for summit night. They are often made with Ragg wool material, and some people like to get polypropylene liners to assist with the wicking process.
Gaiters are made from waterproof material and extend up from your boots to your calf. They keep unwanted materials out of your boots and prevent mud and water from entering your shoes.
Rucksacks and Duffel Bags
You will need 2 types of bags for your Kilimanjaro trek; a duffel bag and a daypack.
The duffel bag is what will hold all your gear including your sleeping bag. This bag will be carried by porters. They carry the bags on the head, so it is important that your duffel is not too heavy. In general, you want to limit the weight of your duffel to 20kg when fully loaded.
Characteristics of your duffel bag:
· Greater than 80l capacity.
· Waterproof laminate material.
· Pack gear into separate plastic bags or packing units to provide extra protection.
· Strong zipper system.
· A hand and shoulder strap to provide extra versatility.
In addition to your duffel, you will also carry your own day pack. This bag is to keep all your important, personal, or breakable items. You want this bag to be as lightweight and.
You want your bag to have compression straps to reduce strain on your back and side pockets for easy access to your water bottle and other useful stuff.
Sleeping Gear
A warm sleeping bag is critical on the mountain as temperatures at night can get below freezing. Without the right sleeping bag, you are going to be cold, uncomfortable and give up more easily. To help you decide we have laid out the key characteristics of a great sleeping bag below.
Down vs. Synthetic
Whether to get down or synthetic is a common question. Whilst down sleeping bags are generally warmer and more comfortable, they are also more expensive. Therefore, you need to weigh up warmth against cost.
The cost consideration is very much dependent on your own personal budget. We always recommend to people who are planning on trekking or climbing regularly to purchase a down sleeping bag. If the climb is a one-off, then maybe buying synthetic is the right option.
If you are planning on climbing high-altitude mountains you presumably like to trek and climb a fair bit. We therefore suggest going for a down, especially as it gets super cold on the higher reaches.
Warmth
Temperatures higher up the mountain can reach in excess of -20 degrees Celsius, therefore, you need a sleeping bag that can keep you warm in these temperatures. We recommend your sleeping bag has a minimum rating of -30 degrees Celsius.
Remember, warmer is always better than colder!
Shape and Design
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the best on the market. By fitting to the contours of your body they keep your body temperature higher.
Whilst there is a standard size for most adults, if you are particularly tall or short, be sure to check with the manufacturer before buying. You will want your sleeping bag to fit snugly, otherwise warmth will escape.
Also look out for a two-way zipping system which improves insulation and a hood of some sort – possibly draw string or similar.
Essential, as the landscape of mountains is very rocky. We recommend either a standard sleeping matt or better still, a fully inflatable sleeping pad. Good ones are light and fold down extremely small. We recommend the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad. This pad gives you 6cm of padding and folds down to the size of a standard water bottle.
You may also want to bring an inflatable pillow and sleeping bag liner, however, these are optional. Remember, the more things you bring – the more things you carry. A sleeping bag liner will increase your sleeping bag’s warmth, so consider it when you feel that you need extra warmth. For a pillow, I suggest your stuff your sleeping bag’s carry bag/stuff sack with some clothes and use that as a pillow.
Other Gear
When trekking anywhere it is recommended that you drink at least 2 – 3 litres of purified water per day. On the trek in you will be sweating a lot and keeping up your fluids is critical. Keeping up fluids also helps keep up energy levels and starves off the symptoms of altitude sickness which is a real issue.
Carrying 3 litres of water can be difficult, it is therefore recommended you try to drink at least 500ml before leaving camp each morning. If you take a water bottle and a hydration bladder, you will be able to fill up both before setting off. When you reach camp, it is also recommended that you drink another 500 ml of water.
You will need all your basic toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser and toilet paper. Bring a small bag dry bag to store these in.
Sunscreen and Lip screen
It often gets extremely hot on the trek in, and you will want some 30+ factor sunscreen. Buy a small tube. On the upper reaches, you will also need some lip screen as your lips will dry and blister in the cold snow conditions otherwise.
You will want to catch every great moment along your climb. Make sure your camera is small and compact, has a good battery life and takes HD pictures/videos. We recommend the Olympus Tough TG-6 or Panasonic LUMIX DC-FT7EB-A camera for photos and GoPro for video. All these cameras are compact and take great video and photos. We find that GoPro is difficult to operate with gloves on, so keep that in mind. Remember to bring spare batteries!
Although your guide will no doubt have one, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are climbing alone then you will need one of these. Imodium, Diamox (altitude sickness), and a variety of standard over-the-counter painkillers. If you have any personal prescriptions, then bring these as well. You may also want to bring some blister plasters and tape.
Perfect for cleaning yourself after a sweaty day climbing or trekking. Your guides will probably provide you with a water bowl and towel, however, baby wipes are easier to use.
It is seriously cold near the top. If you feel the cold, then definitely bring 3 sets of each. Toe Warmers are different to hand warmers in that they are formulated to work in lower levels of oxygen, such as the inside of a boot. Toe warmers will also not last as long.
You will be climbing a long way each day for a considerable amount of time. Keeping up your energy and strength is vital. We always recommend taking a few snacks and energy bars each day to keep you going.
Because it is so cold near the summit, you will not want to leave your tent at night to go to the toilet. Men will therefore need a 1 pee bottle (1L) and women will need 1 pee funnel. We recommend women practise before leaving!
You might be sharing a tent with another person and if you are a light sleeper or struggle to sleep with unfamiliar noises, then bringing some ear plugs is a good idea. On top of this, porters will be up earlier than you as a rule and may wake you if you are a light sleeper.
Dry bags are the best to ensure that your clothing and gear will stay dry during a downpour. To protect your valuables such as your wallet and camera, we recommend you keep it in a dry bag. Buy 1 or 2 drug bags to protect your daypack and duffel in case of rain. They can fit comfortably into your duffel. They can also double as a separator between clean and dirty clothes if need be.
Your pack will be exposed to the elements during your climb on the mountain. Exposure to dust is quite common. To protect your valuables such as your wallet and camera, we recommend taking a couple of zip lock bags.
Also, don’t forget that Tanzania is a malaria area, and you will want to take malaria tablets before and after your trek.
Trekking towel (optional)
A trekking towel is great to dry your face, hair, and hands after rainy days. Get the microfibre towels which are quick-drying, lightweight, and pack up small. It can also double as a scarf if need be.
Feel free to ask us any questions about training to climb Kilimanjaro in the comments below.
Click the link for a complete Kilimanjaro equipment packing list.
