To climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll need a comprehensive packing list that includes specialized gear, clothing, and essential supplies
Packing your Kilimanjaro kit is one of the most important steps on the way to a successful climb. The Web is full of travel recommendations, however, most of them inevitably fail to explain why a certain piece of equipment is a must-have, while others may be left at home.
We have compiled our packing guide so that even a complete novice could use it as a reference, though some recommendations might be obvious to seasoned mountain climbers.
Sleeping Gear:
- Sleeping Bag rated 0°F, -15°F
- Sleeping mat: We provide one
- Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth or a rented sleeping bag)
- Compression sack for a sleeping bag
Packs & Bags:
- Waterproof duffel bag 80-100 liters
- Daypack 25-35 liters
- Waterproof pack cover
- Compression sacks or 6-8 waterproof bags
- (Optional) Packing cubes to organize your duffel bag
- A bag lock for the duffel bag
Footwear & Trekking Poles
- Hiking boots – waterproof mid-weight
- Running shoes/light hikers (for wearing around camp)
- Gaiters
- 5-6 pairs of liner socks (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
- 4-6 pairs of thick socks (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)
- 1 “Convertibles” or shorts
- 1-2 light-medium weight Base layer
- Hiking pants (no cotton)
- Winter hiking pants
- Waterproof shell pants (recommend size zippers)
Clothing: Upper Body
- Comfortable sports bra (ladies only)
- 1-2 light-weight T-shirts (no cotton)
- 1-2 lightweight long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
- 2-3 Light to mid-weight Base Layer
- 1-2 Fleece as the 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)
- Headtorch (don’t forget spare batteries)
Water & Snacks
- 2–3-liter hydration bladder (Platypus, Camelback, 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
- Ear plugs
- Sunscreen SPF 40+
- Small microfiber quick-dry towel
- Pee-bottle for nighttime 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
- Imodium for diarrhea
- Anti-nausea medication
- Any prescription medications
- Diamox (if using)
Ladies Only:
- During your 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!