Essential Packing List for Mountain Climbing

Kilimanjaro Packing & Equipment List


Preparing for your adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. Ensuring you have the right gear will not only enhance your comfort but also improve your safety as you navigate through diverse climates and terrains. From the lush rainforests at the base to the icy peaks at the summit, each stage of the climb demands specific equipment. Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Here’s your essential packing list to conquer Kilimanjaro! Want To Rent Some Gear? Click Here To Check Out Our Rental Prices

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bag rated 0°F - 15°F
Sleeping Mat : We provide one
Sleeping Bag Liner (for extra warmth or for rented sleeping bag)
Compression Socks for sleeping

Packs & Bags

Waterproof Duffel Bag 80-100 litres
Daypack 25-35 litres
Waterproof Pack Cover
Compression Sacks or 6-8 Waterproof Bags
(Optional) Packing Cubes to Organize your Duffel Bag Bag Lock for Duffel Bag

Footwear & Trekking Poles

Hiking Boots - Waterproof mid-weight
Running Shoes/Light Hikers (For wearing around camp)
Gaiters
5-6 Pairs Liner Socks (wool or synthetic, No cotton)
4-6 Pairs Thick Songs (No Cotton) -
Thermal Socks for Summit Night
Spare Laces for Hiking Boots Trekking Poles

Gloves

Thin Gloves (wool or synthetic, No Cotton)
Thick Waterproof Gloves or Mittens

Clothing : Lower Body

Underwear (No cotton)
‘Convertibles’ or Shorts
1-2 Light-Medium Weight Base Layer
Hiking Pants (No Cotton)
Winter Hiking Pants
Waterproof Shell Pants (recommended size zippers)

Clothing : Upper Body

Comfortable sports bra (ladies only)
Do 1-2 light-weight T-shirts (no cotton)
1-2 light weight long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
2-3 Light to mid-weight Base Layer
1-2 Fleece as insulation layer
Insulated shell jacket
Down jacket (approx 750-fill)
Waterproof shell jacket that fits over all your layers

Headwear

Brim hat or cap with neck protection
Warm hat with ear flaps
Neck gaiter or "Buff" (very versatile)
Sunglasses (rated 100% UV protection)
Head Torch (don't forget spare batteries)

Water & Snacks

2-3 liter hydration bladder (Platypus or Camelbak or similar)
1-2 One-liter wide-mouth water bottle (Nalgene or similar)
Electrolyte/Sports drink powdered formula for adding to your water
Snacks: Energy bars of your preference - plan for 2-4 per day
Water purification tablets or filter pen (we provide boiled/filtered water)

Personal Health & Comfort

Toiletries: toothbrush & paste, hairbrush/comb, foot powder, hand cream, deodorant, soap.
"Baby-wipes" and anti-bacterial, hand-sanitizer wipes
Any regular medication you are taking
Anti-bacterial hand-sanitizer gel such as Purell
Fingernail brush
Nail clippers tar plugs
Sunscreen SPF 40+
Small microfiber quick-dry towel
Pee-bottle for night time calls of nature
Small torch
Headtorch
Pocket knife (Swiss Army Knife or "Leatherman)
Spare contact lenses/glasses
Toilet paper (1-2 rolls. Take out the cardboard center for easier packing)
Camera/phone/iPod/Kindle
Spare batteries

Personal First-aid Kit

Blister plasters - different shapes and sizes
Antibiotic cream or ointment
Band-Aid/Elastoplast for minor cuts and scrapes
Ibuprofen/Paracetamol - over the counter pain relief
Skin healing ointment such as Aquaphor Immodium for diarrhea
Anti-nausea medication
Any prescription medications
Diamox (if using)

Ladies Only

During menstrual period, plan to change your tampon or pad 3-4 times daily Ziplock bags for used tampons/pads (these must be carried off the mountain)
Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer - clean hands regularly
"Baby wipes" or heavy-duty wipes
Pee funnel: if you've ever wanted to pee standing up, now's your chance!

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