What to Pack in Your Daypack for Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Daypack Checklist

At 5,895m above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the seven summits of the world (the highest mountains on each continent). With over 30,000 visitors every year, this iconic mountain tops the bucket lists of trekkers around the world and it offers a unique one-of-a-kind experience that is thoroughly enjoyable for all.

As the route to the summit ascends through 5 different ecological climates, even experienced trekkers may be a little stuck when it comes to what gear you need to climb Kilimanjaro. To put it simply, each trekker on Kilimanjaro will have two bags – a duffle bag and a daypack. Your duffle bag will be carried by your porters whereas your daypack will be caried by yourself.

To help you gather everything you need for your trip to Kilimanjaro, we’ve put together a list of essentials for your Kilimanjaro daypack as well as some optional extras you might want when you’re on the mountain. For more information on the other bits of gear you’ll need for Kilimanjaro, check out our complete Kilimanjaro packing list.

Let’s get you ready for the trek!

What size daypack do you need for Kilimanjaro?

Most of your trekking gear for Kilimanjaro will be held in your duffle bag (80-100 litres) which should weigh no more than 15kg and will be carried by your porters. As you’ll be carrying your daypack yourself, it’s important to keep it small and lightweight (30-40 litres). Your daypack will contain everything you need for the day’s hiking, so it’s vital to limit the contents of your daypack to essentials you may need throughout the duration of the hike.

As well as size and capacity you should look for a daypack made from a durable material like rip-stop nylon or polyester. A durable daypack can resist wear and tear, thereby protecting your essentials against harsh weather conditions. The best daypack for Kilimanjaro is one with lots of compartments for easy access and an ergonomic design that can increase your comfort during the climb.

What should you put in your daypack for Kilimanjaro?

The general rule is to only carry what you can reasonably be expected to need. For example, you don’t need to carry cold weather gear in the rainforest, and you won’t need to carry a sun hat on summit night. Each day on Kilimanjaro, our guides will let you know the weather conditions to expect and advise you of any specific items you’ll need to keep you safe and comfortable during the trek.

Here’s a list we’ve put together including everything you need to pack in your Kilimanjaro backpack as well as some optional extras:

Essentials

Warm hat – a knitted or fleece hat is a must, particularly for the cold summit night on Kilimanjaro.
Sun hat – vital for keeping your head cool and protecting your face from sunburn.
Soft shell jacket or fleece – you will need a good quality fleece or soft-shell jacket as your second layer for the colder sections of the climb.
Waterproof jacket – essential for protecting you against any wind or rain while on the mountain.
Gloves – you will need a pair of lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves and a pair of heavy weight, insulated, water resistant gloves
Waterproof trousers – though it’s true that you may spend days on the mountain without seeing any rain, when it does, you’ll be glad you carried a pair of waterproof trousers.
Water – you need to stay well hydrated and should drink between 2-3 litres of water per day. At Kandoo Adventures, we ask everyone to carry 3 litres of water every day either in a water bottle or hydration bladder like the Platypus Hydration Bladder.
Suncream and UV protection – at higher altitudes the sun’s rays are intensified and even on a cloudy day they can penetrate through and burn you. To avoid sunburn, you should apply SPF 30 or higher to your nose, face and ears at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
Snacks – as you’ll be burning an extra 2,000 or more calories a day, it’s important to carry plenty of small snacks with you to eat between meals. Chocolate, nuts and seeds, biscuits, savoury snacks and boiled sweets are a good choice but avoid anything with honey or syrup as they are likely to freeze solid above 5,000m.
Hand sanitiser – since washing hands might not be an option on the mountain.
Personal medication and basic first aid kit – we suggest taking paracetamol for headaches, Imodium for diarrhoea and an appropriate antihistamine for vomiting or nausea. We would also strongly recommend bringing some plasters and insect repellent.
Phone, battery pack and charger – so your phone doesn’t run out of juice while on the trail.
Rain cover – to save your personal items getting wet, you’ll need to bring a rain cover for your daypack.

Other stuff

Buff or neck gaiter – not only will they protect your neck from the freezing wind, but also from the blistering sun and they are incredibly useful in dusty weather as it can be wrapped around your nose and mouth for protection.
Trekking poles – optional, but recommended for the summit.
Camera and spare batteries – with its incredible scenery and views, bringing a camera is a must on any Kilimanjaro packing list (the smaller the better).
Pee bottle – a practical solution if you get caught short and need a wee between camps. Check out Shewee and Peebol on Amazon.
Toilet paper – it’s a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper and some hygienic wet wipes to clean up with if the need to go to the toilet between camps arises (make sure to pack some disposable plastic bags to collect any waste and dispose of this at your next camp stop.)

How should I pack my daypack for Kilimanjaro?

To pack your Kilimanjaro daypack efficiently, we recommend using assorted plastic bags, dry bags or stuff sacks to separate items methodically, based on categories. For example, small bottles like prescriptions, suncream, lip balm and hand sanitiser can be placed together in a zip-lock bag and snacks can be packed together in another.

Clothing accessories such as hats, gloves and neck gaiters can be put into a stuff sack so you can easily locate them if the weather requires it. When packing, consider comfort and convenience, ensuring the weight is balanced. Heavier items, like water bottles, should be placed close to the midpoint of your backpack to keep your centre of gravity in line with your spine.

Lastly, be consistent as to where you store your items so that you can easily find your items when needed. Start by laying out everything in front of you so you can load your bag in an organised way. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your backpack and think about the things you will need to access frequently, placing these at the top of the bag.

The best daypacks for your Kilimanjaro trek:

You need to think carefully and write down all the items that you might need in your daypack during your Kilimanjaro trek and choose a backpack accordingly. If you’re a seasoned hiker you may already have a favourite backpack that is suited to trekking Kilimanjaro, but if you’re new to adventure trekking, you’ll need to find a suitable daypack for Kilimanjaro. When choosing a Kilimanjaro daypack, look out for backpacks that are lightweight, have side pockets, are comfortable and adjustable and have a rain cover. Here we’ve listed our 3 recommendations for the best daypacks for climbing Kilimanjaro:

Kandoo Adventures group on the Lemosho Route

Hopefully, you’ll now know why a daypack is essential for climbing Kilimanjaro and what you need to pack in a daypack for Kilimanjaro. In summary, your daypack will contain everything you need for a day of hiking and by following our Kilimanjaro packing list, you can ensure you are well prepared. When choosing the best daypack for Kilimanjaro remember comfort is key, so it’s best to try out a couple backpacks in person before you make the purchase.

Climb Kilimanjaro with Kandoo Adventures