Kilimanjaro Packing List | Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Gear List

Kilimanjaro Packing List

This comprehensive list does not have to be followed to the letter. We know that trekkers will have their own ideas of what to wear, but perhaps this list will help ensure that nothing is forgotten.

We also have another page on vital Kilimanjaro Information, and you can read some real life kilimanjaro anecdotes from our prior guests. Once you sign up for our trip we will email you a full list with examples of each item!

Upper Body Items to Pack

T-Shirts: We propose 2 short sleeve shirts and 2 long sleeve shirts in Merino wool or synthetics (NO COTTON). Merino wool doesn’t build up bacteria like cotton and synthetics and hence won’t get smelly as quickly! That’s why you can pack lighter when you utilise merino wool goods.

Waterproof Jacket: You want an outerwear jacket with a Gore-tex or similar type of waterproofing material. This should be light weight and will help shield you from rain / snow as well as assist block the wind. Hood is a must-have. This is really important in the rain forest when you are strolling.

Mid Layers: This is your warm insulating layer. This can be from Merino wool 200+ weight. To fleeces, to light down or synthetic coats. You will need only one or two of these layers as they do not touch your body.

Outer Layer: Down jacket heavy. You’re going to wear this every night and morning. And you’re going to want to have a good quality goose down jacket. This is a vital item in your kit to keep you warm in the frigid temps. It should be mentioned that more down, in particular, is the key. # The fill number is not as critical.

Lower Body Items to Pack

Shorts: (small weight) suitable for hiking at lower elevations The finest choice is nylon or synthetic material and you need only one pair.

Trekking Pants: We suggest one or two pairs of trekking trousers, made of a rapid drying synthetic material. Shorts that change into shorts can be nice.

Fleece Pant: Every evening upon your arrival at camp you will want to change out of your trekking gear. We recommend a pair of warm fleece or track suit trousers. Only one pair will be needed.

Waterproof Pant: You need one pair of waterproof trousers to cover your trekking trousers in case of rain/heavy snow. They can be Gore-tex or other waterproofing stuff. This is a must when wandering in the rain forest.

Base Layers

Merino Wool Base layers are ideal, but synthetics will function just as well. You’ll need a pair of warm bottoms to put under your trekking trousers on summit night. We would also suggest one or two long sleeve Merino/synthetic tees. They will have “wicking” capabilities, so they will keep you warm when you are chilly and cool when you are hot. We love to utilise Icebreaker or Smartwool merino layers.

Hands and Feet

Hiking Boots: You will want to get these early and break them in (don’t go on the vacation with a never been worn pair of boots). Your boots should be warm, waterproof, semi stiff, with sufficient ankle support and pleasant to wear. This is a very important aspect of your gear and you should make sure you obtain the proper pair. For product recommendations, see our article on Kilimanjaro Trekking Boots.

Lightweight Shoes: When you get into camp each night, you’ll want to take your boots off. We suggest a light trail running shoe or trainer.

Socks: We suggest either Merino Wool or a synthetic material (again not cotton) since these will aid to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Usually for the hike you will need 3 or 4 pairs of socks and then we recommend to have one pair of liner socks as well as one heavier pair of summit socks for the long, cold summit night.

Gloves: For outer gloves you will need a pair of warm waterproof gloves, and a pair of smaller liner gloves. The warmer gloves have to be a warm glove, like what you would ski in. These are a must to keep you warm in the frigid temps. You’ll want a thin liner glove for the less freezing weather or to wear inside your thick outer gloves for extreme temps.

Head and Neck

Sun Hat: The hat should have a brim all the way around to protect your ears, neck and face from the intense rays of the sun. This is going to be a must to avoid scorching and dehydration, which could perhaps ruin your trip. So this is what you’ll be wearing most days on the trail.

Winter Hat: In the frigid conditions you will need a warm fleece or woolly cap to keep you warm. You will wear this every night/morning and on the summit night.

Buff/Neck Gaiter: This is a must have piece of clothing to keep your neck warm and cover your lips and keep the moisture high up.

Sunglasses: You need a pair of black wraparound glasses. Preferably category 3 or 4 for protection from severe UV rays and ice-glare at higher altitudes. It is also advisable to have a spare pair.

Duffel Bag and Back Pack

Day Pack Backpack: A pack of about 35 litres so that you can carry each day with your daily items/personal documents/camera/money This MUST include a hip belt for support/weight loading and an inner frame for comfort on your back.

Backpack Splash Cover: If it rains a lot, this cover can go on your backpack and keep the contents of your pack dry. You would want to have this as you will carry in your rucksack all your vital things like camera/passport/money. A lot of the newer packs now have the splash cover.

Duffel Bag/Kit Bag for Porters: We recommend a duffel bag of about 100 litres. This will be carried by porters and should not exceed 15kg/33lbs. Crucially, this will be water-resistant.

Sleeping Items to Pack

Sleeping Bag: You will be camping for the duration of the trip so please bring your own sleeping bag with you. It is rated to -15°C (0°F) recommended. If you tend to run chilly, you can also pack a liner sheet for your sleeping bag. Synthetic is always worse than down.

Thermarest: This self-inflating mattress is a hugely crucial part of your kit for Kilimanjaro. Each night you will be sleeping in tents and you will need to make it as comfortable for you as possible so you can get a decent nights sleep each night.

Staying Protected

Sunscreen: We recommend using Factor 50 + to protect yourself from the strong solar rays at high altitude. Of course this should be reapplied throughout the day.

Lip Balm/Zinc Cream: This is essential to protect you against the fierce sun.

Hand Sanitizer: You will want to carry this with you at all times.

Hydration is Important

Water Bottles: We recommend two Nalgene or comparable bottles. They are a thick plastic bottle that you fill with boiling water at night to behave as a hot water bottle and sip when you wake up in the morning. You won’t be able to accomplish this with metal bottles.

Camelbak: This hands-free hydration kit is a must to keep you well hydrated on the route. We recommend a 2 litre bladder that you can fill up each morning before you hit the route so you may sip water comfortably all day without stopping walking. You won’t be able to use this on summit night, it will freeze up. So you just bring your Nalgene bottles with hot water in them for the summit .

Water Purification Tablets: Water purification tablets to cleanse water on the trail. You’ll definitely have to treat any cold water you drink on the path.

Vitamins/Powdered Drink: Drinking water can sometimes get a little monotonous so we recommend carrying some vitamin C or multivitamin tablets/powders to add to your water.

Staying Clean

Towel: A small sports towel that is quick drying is recommended as we provide you with warm water for washing each day.

Baby Wipes: There is no option for showers on the trail, so we recommend always bringing a pack of Baby Wipes to keep yourself clean in the wilderness.

Hand Sanitizer: Focusing on hygiene on the trail is essential, therefore you will want to have this with you at all times! This is essential to keep your hands clean on the trail.

Odds and Ends

Head Torch: Essential for mornings/evenings at camp as well as all night on your summit attempt.
Spare Batteries: This is for your head lamp and your camera . Cold temperatures might reduce the life of the battery. A solar charger is therefore a great answer to this problem.

Trail Munchies

We have a lot of good foods on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Fish, Avocado salad, fresh fruit. We have. There will be three three course meals each day. There is enough of good quality food on our travels, but you may want to bring a couple of your favourites: chocolates, nuts, sweets, etc. We usually recommend having a special treat like a chocolate bar or gummy energy chews to eat on your summit night try. Obviously, you’re going to need all the energy you can get and this can give you the extra boost you might need!