What kit will I need to climb with Kilimanjaro?

Despite the fact climbing Kilimanjaro, you will typically carry the equipment you need for marching from one camp to the next in a medium-sized daypack approximately 25–35 liters. You'll pack things like sunscreen, sunglasses, food, water, money, passport, a camera and extra clothing in this bag you’re looking for a reliable packing list for your climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ve landed in the right place. Our inclusive list will help you be the best type of climber, prepared with the right balance of necessities while keepingof a manageable bag weight. Here’s the only Kilimanjaro packing list you’ll need to look at in the run-up to your expedition.

Bags

Organised trips like our supported Kilimanjaro climbs come with a large team of people including guides, cooks, and porters to carry your main bag plus tents, kitchen equipment, food, fuel, tables and chairs. While this makes it easier for you to protect energy and focus on reaching the summit successfully, it does mean that there is a weight limit to stick to. It’s also important to be very aware of the welfare of porters during your climb, so not over packing is key.

Main rucksack or duffle bag (70 litres)
Porters are not permitted to carry over and above 20kg in total and this allowance needs to include space for their own luggage. So, make sure your bag does not exceed the weight of 15kg. The Chagga porters carry bags on their heads, so no hard cases please. We rent out the Highlander Lomond Bag which you can pick up in Moshi when you arrive. Note that these bags will go into another large sack which the porters carry, in order to protect your bag further from the elements.

Day pack (30-40 litres)
This is the bag you will carry every day on your back, so make sure it has room for essentials such as water bottles, spare layers and waterproofs, camera etc. We rent out the Vorlich 40L day pack which has its own rain cover and is perfect for a trip like this.

Dry bags / tough poly bags
Make sure all your contents are wrapped in waterproof bags to keep them dry. Use them also to store used clothes during the trek. We have various sizes for rent.

Waterproof bag covers
We will put your main bag into additional waterproof sacks in case of rain but make sure you bring a cover for your day pack which we also rent out.

Travel bag
Bring one other bag or case to leave in the hotel with your travel clothes inside. Some people use this as their hold bag and then transfer the Kilimanjaro clothes and kit to a rented duffle when they arrive

Sleeping equipmeny

Your choice of sleeping bag and sleep accessories will depend on your personal needs and preferences. We will provide 2-inch foam covered mattresses to sleep on.

Sleeping bag
Three season sleeping bags are sufficient for the warmer months but if you get cold easily, and especially during the colder months around October through the new year it's better to upgrade to a four-season sleeping bag or use a three-season bag with a fleece liner. We rent out sleeping bags which are 4 season bags rated to minus 5C, which come with cotton liners to keep the bag clean.

Sleeping bag liner (fleece/silk)
Liners provide added warmth and a good fleece one will convert a 3-season bag to a 4-season bag. Silk is also warm and less bulky. We also recommend a cotton liner to keep your sleeping bag clean.

Sleeping pads/mats
These are not required for Kilimanjaro, but are an option for those who desire extra insulation for their sleeping bag. The foam mattresses we provide do work, but obviously an extra layer of insulation is that much warmer and more comfortable. Inflatable Thermarests or lightweight Exped mats are fine but they tend to slide over the mattress, so a closed cell camping mat is actually the best.

Travel pillow
Pillows are very useful and the soft ones are easily packed small, or else make a pillow out of your clothing.

Sleeping clothes
You are likely to want to go to the toilet at night and wear something in the sleeping bag, but keep it lightweight and not too tight. Remember sleeping bags are designed to work best without wearing layers or socks, but a T-shirt and leggings or thermals bottoms will be fine. If you do get cold then put your day sack between the end of the sleeping bag and the tent wall, and wear a hat.

At Adventure Alternative, we rent out a large selection of gear which are provided on arrival at the hotel. This includes sleeping bags with cotton liners, two sizes of duffle bags, 40L day packs, assorted sizes of dry bags, rucksack covers, trekking poles, waterproof tops and bottoms, gaiters, gloves and mitts, ponchos and umbrellas.

Clothing

Due to Kilimanjaro’s altitude, the mountain creates its own micro-climate above the cloud level which is cold and very changeable. You are exposed to the elements at all times and your body will experience quite a big daily temperature range, from 18 degrees C in the rainforest to minus 5 degrees C on the summit, which can easily be lower with wind. Having the right clothing is essential and the trick is to use a system layer that can be added or removed as conditions change. Day after day will require a slight change to your clothing, adding warmer layers, gloves and hats as you go higher.

Find out more about Kilimanjaro’s weather and the best time to go there on our blog, and read about what to wear on each day and tips on how to adapt to the conditions.

Waterproof/ windproof jacket and trousers
Choose a breathable outer 'shell' layer like goretex as this will help to wick out any moisture and keep you dry inside. Make sure it has a hood and that you can fit your other layers of fleece and lightweight down underneath comfortably.

Down jacket / thick fleece
A down jacket or a thick fleece is essential for summit night and for the evenings. If you take a lightweight down jacket, then you will probably need a fleece jacket as well (plus the outer shell over the top). Remember that synthetic down remains warm if it's damp or wet and is probably the better option.

Mid layer fleeces / jumpers
You will need a midlayer fleece or equivalent jumper for use over T-shirts and under the jacket. One or two will be enough.

Base layer
Base layers or thermals are lightweight and add a vital warm layer on cold evenings and summit night. Women bring leggings too which are also good for the first few days’ walking.

Trekking trousers/shorts
Good quality walking trousers, preferably made of a quick dry material. Remember cotton does not dry quickly and jeans are not good for mountain hiking. Many trekking trousers have zips to convert into shorts, or take a separate pair of shorts for the forest stage. 1 or 2 pairs will be enough.

Trekking tops/ t-shirts
2 or 3 trekking shirts or tops for the first few days, avoiding cotton. T-shirts and sports tops also work but will probably need a fleece layer on top for when you stop. Choose short or long sleeved.

Underwear
It's best to have a clean pair daily. Cotton will get damp and uncomfortable so opt for synthetic or merino wool and remember a dry bag to keep used clothes inside your duffle. Merino is a natural fibre which is naturally odour-resistant, moisture-wicking, insulates when wet, and dries fast. It is soft and comfortable against the skin and not too hot in warm temperatures. Synethic (mix of nyon and spandex) is also soft, comfortable, breathable and fast drying and cheaper than merino. Consider a fitted style like hipster or bikini brief which won't ride up or chafe. For men, the same principle applies and best to avoid loose shorts which can bunch up.