On a Kilimanjaro climb you go from the humidity of a rainforest into a world of snow and glaciers in a matter of days! So you need a variety of gear and clothing to complete this journey safely.
Kilimanjaro packing list – equipment
The main items of gear to pack for a Kilimanjaro adventure are:
- 80- or 100-litre duffel bag for your overnight items (carried by a porter)
- 30- or 40-litre day backpack for your daytime items (carried by you)
- Winter sleeping bag (must fit into your duffel bag)*
- Sleeping mat (also must fit into your duffel bag)
- Water bottle and hydration pack
- Trekking poles (optional, but advisable)
- Headlamp for summit night
* At Amazing Kilimanjaro we loan our clients a winter sleeping bag at no extra charge!
Our client took this evening pic from Mweka Camp
Kilimanjaro packing list – clothing
As to clothing, we recommend packing:
- Gaiters (optional, but advisable when there’s snow on the summit)
- Waterproof or water-resistant hiking boots that are worn in
- Hiking socks, including winter hiking socks
- Winter gloves and inner gloves
- Sunhat and warm beanie or balaclava
- Windproof, hooded winter jacket (like a down jacket)
- Rain gear like a poncho and waterproof pullover trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Trekking trousers and sweat-wicking shirts
- A pair of shorts (optional, for the rainforest section)
- Thermal leggings and long-sleeved tops
- Underwear, including thermal underwear
Everyone covers up as much as they can near the summit
Kilimanjaro packing list – toiletries and meds
Some of the important little items to bring along are:
- Biodegradable wet wipes (there are no showers on the mountain!)
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm (the UV rays are intense at high altitude)
- Moisturising cream and lip balm (your skin and lips take a beating near the summit)
- Altitude meds like Diamox (you’ll need to visit your GP to obtain these)