Travel Advice Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List - All You Need To Climb Kilimanjaro 30th March, 2022

If you’re a regular adventurer, you may feel well equipped for climbing Kilimanjaro however for some, this could be your very first big adventure trip. The word ‘climbing’ only refers to the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro is almost 6,000m high, rather than there being any technical climbing involved. Trekking up Kilimanjaro is a more accurate description of the journey to the summit but sounds far too sedate for the experience of conquering this majestic mountain.

Kilimanjaro trips will take you through five different climate zones, each with their own unique microclimates, terrain and temperatures. Kilimanjaro weather is fairly predictable and understanding what to expect before you go will help you pack for the expected conditions forecast for the time of year you plan to visit.

No technical climbing gear is required for your Kilimanjaro trek. The most important items on your Kilimanjaro kit list will be a good, well-worn in, pair of walking boots suitable for climbing Kilimanjaro and some trekking poles. Whether you have used trekking poles before, or you are new to them, our blog on how to use trekking poles will help you pick the right ones for your trip. Alternatively, you can hire these before you start your trek.

Below you will find a packing list for Kilimanjaro including everything you need to climb Kilimanjaro from top to toe. Where possible we have included links to gear that we personally use and recommend.

Let’s start with clothes for climbing Kilimanjaro. As any trekker worth their salt will tell you, getting the right Kilimanjaro clothing is paramount to a successful climb. Clothing is of particular importance when climbing Kilimanjaro as the ascent passes through 5 climate zones. Whilst the base of Kilimanjaro has a breezy warm tropical climate, the summit is freezing. Layering is therefore critical during your Kilimanjaro hike. Not only this, but each layer must consist of a wickable fabric. Unlike other fabrics such as cotton, wickable fabric allows moisture to pass from one layer to the next. Our Kilimanjaro gear list below details what types of upper body layers you might need and how many of each.

An obvious place to start with the kit list for Kilimanjaro is thermals and base layers. As you get higher up Kilimanjaro, inevitably the weather gets colder. Here you will need a lightweight base (or skin) layer ideally merino wool, not cotton, as merino base layers help to regulate your core temperature and are highly moisture wicking fabrics. This means it pulls moisture away from your skin by absorbing it into the fibres which then evaporate through the exterior.

One pair of top and bottom base layers should be enough for any treks under a week, however, for any treks over 7 days (unless you’re planning on stinking the joint out) we would recommend at least 2 pairs. We recommend Smartwool lightweight base layers or Icebreaker oasis base layers.

Warm and comfortable walking trousers are crucial items of clothing for Kilimanjaro, where you will be trekking above 4,500m and the temperature drops dramatically. Key things to look for in walking trousers include a sun protective and water-resistant material, inner fleece material and a quick drying polyester outer layer for warmth. Convertible trousers from Craghopper work well as do good quality ski pants. See Smartwool or Icebreaker base layers.

For the colder sections of the trek your second layer should be a good quality fleece. Polartec is the best material and comes in 100s, 200s and 300s. These numbers refer to the weight of the fleece, with 300 being the thickest and intended for retaining heat. Fleeces that are 100 or 200 weight are not micro fleece but neither are they heavyweight and are better than 300 weight fleece for when you’re active. We would recommend the middle weight (200) as it is neither too light nor too heavy - ideal for Kilimanjaro. A fleece with a hood is also a bonus. Helly Hansen and The North Face offer good quality and affordable fleeces.

Having a wind and rainproof jacket is a key item in any gear list for Kilimanjaro for obvious reasons. However, the choices can be a little overwhelming. Insulated jackets essentially come in two categories - down or synthetic. Whilst down jackets are generally lighter and warmer, they are far more expensive and, depending on price, more susceptible to moisture. There is no right or wrong here, it comes down to personal preference, budget and versatility. We recommend The North Face Nuptse, Resolve or similar.

Warm and comfortable walking trousers are crucial items of clothing for Kilimanjaro, where you will be trekking above 4,500m and the temperature drops dramatically. Key things to look for in walking trousers include a sun protective and water-resistant material, inner fleece material and a quick drying polyester outer layer for warmth. Convertible trousers from Craghopper work well as do good quality ski pants. See Smartwool or Icebreaker base layers.

Good gloves are paramount as your hands will be completely exposed when gripping your trekking poles. In terms of the ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list items, protecting your extremities is essential to the enjoyment and comfort of your whole trip. We recommend taking two pairs of hand protection - one lightweight thermal pair of gloves with great wicking properties (avoid cotton) and one heavyweight, waterproof pair that provide the shell protection in the colder sections of the climb. We recommend Black Diamond Guide Gloves, Outdoor Research Gloves and Dakine Scout.

Taking your boots off after a long trek is a great feeling, however, you still need to get around the camp and, if you’re anything like us, go for a little explore. Therefore, some basic training/hiking shoes are the best way to do this. Make sure they're still good quality and lightweight - you can't go wrong. See Merrell, Columbia, Keen or Scarpa.

Just like shoes, socks are very important items of clothing for Kilimanjaro. Once again, avoid cotton or cotton blended socks as they don’t allow the feet to breathe. We would suggest taking at least 5 pairs of Merino Wool trekking socks along with high wicking thermal socks for those colder sections of the trek - especially at night. We recommend Point6, Smartwool, and Bridgedale.

An absolute must for the cold summit night on Kilimanjaro, a lined and fleeced beanie will keep your head and ears all snugly and warm.

Often overlooked when preparing a packing list for Kilimanjaro, neck gaiters and scarves are great multi-purpose pieces of clothing that should be on your Kilimanjaro gear list. 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. Make sure it is lightweight, quick-drying, breathable and absorbent.

Keeping your head cool during the hotter moments of trekking is vital, as is protecting your face from sun burn. Therefore, we recommend a wide brimmed hat, preferably with a neck cover and made of a breathable material.

Now, on this Mt Kilimanjaro packing list, we move onto the essential equipment. As you'll be carrying your daypack, it’s important to keep it small and lightweight (25-30 litres). Your daypack will be used to carry water and personal items such as sunscreen and snacks etc. For more information on what you’ll need to pack in your daypack for Kilimanjaro, read our blog.

Look for daypacks with compression straps to reduce stress on your back, rain covers and side mesh pockets for easy access. Osprey and The North Face make great daypacks. For the safety conscious you may want to check out this Anti-Theft Backpack And Bag Protector.

As it holds all of your trekking gear, this is one of the most important pieces on our Kilimanjaro kit list! Because your duffel bag will be carried by porters, make sure it weighs no more than 15kg and has a soft bottom (approx. 80-100 litres). This weight restriction includes your sleeping bag, whether you bring one with you or you rent one from us. Make sure your bag is waterproof, has a strong zipper system and hand and shoulder strapping system for extra versatility. We recommend North Face or Helly Hansen waterproof duffels.

One of the top priorities on your kit list for Kilimanjaro should be a sleeping bag. Regardless of season, a warm sleeping bag is critical when climbing Kilimanjaro as no matter the time of year, it’s always freezing at the top.

In terms of which is the best sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro out of the two types of sleeping bags (down and synthetic), down is warmer, lighter and more comfortable, however, that comes at a higher price. We highly recommend down, especially if you are considering trekking further in the future. Look for a mummy shaped sleeping bag with at least 4 season or -20 degree Celsius rating (remember the warmer the better). Remember you can rent a sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro to save space in your checked luggage, especially if you’re not likely to use it again.

We provide a comfortable foam mattress, but you may like the additional comfort and warmth of a Thermarest sleeping mat. These can be bought on Amazon.

No Kilimanjaro gear list would be complete without trekking poles. With an average trek length on Kilimanjaro of 7 days, your legs and joints are put under a lot of stress. The best way to reduce this is by using a good set of trekking poles. Things to look for - weight (heavier is better for longer treks, adjustability (look for fully adjusting), material (lightweight aluminium or carbon fibre is best) and grip (we would suggest rubber or foam for Kilimanjaro). We recommend trekking poles from Black Diamond. You can also rent trekking poles from us in Tanzania, just ask our friendly team when booking. For more information on how to use trekking poles, check out our blog.

You need to stay well hydrated and should drink between 2-3 litres per day. We ask everyone to carry 3 litres of water every day. We recommend Camelbak Water Bottles or Platypus Hydration Bags. The drinking pipe on a hydration pack will start to freeze above 5,000m, so even if you rely on a water bladder for the rest of the climb you will need a water bottle as a back up for summit night.

• Don't underestimate the power of the sun in Africa, get the best sunscreen you can (high SPF factor and sweat resistant) and start using it on day 1.
  

Any vaccinations needed will need to be administered well enough in advance to ensure they are effective. You will also need to make sure you have a valid passport and visa. Visas for Tanzania can be applied for on entry, but to avoid lengthy queues and delays, we’d suggest applying online in advance.

Check out our Kilimanjaro recommended equipment list here for specific items you can order online in advance.

Your bag for Kilimanjaro should weigh no more than 15kg, including your sleeping bag, as porters should not carry more than 20kg, including their own personal packs. It is a good idea to start packing your bag well in advance so that you can make sure you can be within the weight limits at the start of your Kilimanjaro trek.

For more information on what is included in your Kilimanjaro trip with Kandoo Adventures, head to our trip pages which have bespoke equipment and packing lists for each trip.

1.        Will – lip balm is essential! It is such a small item but once your lips catch the sun or you get even a little dehydrated, you’ll start licking those lips and they’ll chap and split very quickly which can be very distracting and painful whilst you’re trekking. Will suggests packing two lip balms with SPF, one to have on you whilst walking and a spare just in case.

2.        Sam – make a good trail mix to take with you in your daypack. Trail mix is a mixture of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and extra goodies that you can snack on whilst you walk or when you take a break. Being able to dip in and have a little or a lot means even if you have no appetite, you can still get some extra calories and an energy boost. Sam likes to add M&Ms to his trail mix.

3.        Jo – an old sock or glove can be used to add insulation to your water bladder tube where it is exposed at higher altitudes to stop your water freezing. Jo always keeps an old woolly sock in her pack for high altitude treks so she can drink freely. She also tucks her drinking tube inside her buff for extra protection from freezing.

4.        Jenny – a urine bottle is super handy for needing the loo during the night! There are so many kinds of pee bottles available, with collapsible silicone options that have a carabiner being a preferred of hers. Men and women will benefit from taking a portable urine bottle trekking to Kilimanjaro so that you don’t have to leave the warmth of your tent at night at altitude and risk getting cold.

5.        Shelley – wear your boots for travelling in to save space and weight in your luggage for flying. If you’re struggling for space, wearing one of your biggest items will help you cram those extra bits in. You can always take them off on the plane if you want to!

That's it folks. Remember - comfort is key! We strongly urge you to make sure you try out all your Kilimanjaro gear before trekking Kilimanjaro and if you have any questions or need advice, just get in touch with the friendly team at Kandoo Adventures HQ.