Get A Complete Kilimanjaro Packing List For Beginners

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WHAT TO PACK FOR KILIMANJARO TREKS?

FOOTWEAR

1. Hiking Socks

Hiking Socks

Pack 5-8 pairs of trekking socks depending on the Kilimanjaro routes and number of days of the trek. I usually wear, on Kilimanjaro, 2 socks at a time to reduce friction, however, a good pair of new synthetic socks can fairly do the trick. Bring separate pairs to wear around camp. Preferably low-ankle socks.

2. Best Hiking Boots For Kilimanjaro Climbs

Hiking Boots

Water resistant and insulated hiking boots with extra room for your toes and good ankle support is ideal as you will be hiking up to 10 hours at a time. It’s good to have a nice level of comfort as you trek up the trails.

3. Hiking Shoes For Kilimanjaro

Running Shoes

Bring a pair of running shoes to wear around camp. These pair can also be used before and after your Kilimanjaro expedition.

4. Ankle Gaiters For Kilimanjaro

Ankle Gaiters

A good pair of water resistant ankle gaiters to keep your ankles safe from bruises and dirt as you hike.

The most commonly used Kilimanjaro gear for each day on the mountain are water bottles, trekking poles, boots, socks, and underpants.

Trekkers should also bring sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, snacks, hand sanitizer, a camera, and a personal first-aid kit in their daypack.


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KILIMANJARO OUTDOOR CLOTHING

5. Best Hiking Pants For Kilimanjaro Treks

Insulated Synthetic Pants

Bring synthetic insulated pants.

6. Down Jacket For Kilimanjaro Summits

Insulated Down Jacket

Bring a heavily insulated down jacket for climbing Kilimanjaro.

7. Lightweight Insulated Jacket

Lightweight Insulated Jacket

Pack a synthetic insulated lightweight jacket to be worn as a stand alone piece or a layering top.

8. Hard-Shell Jacket

Hard-Shell Jacket

Pack a non-insulated water resistant shell jacket with a hood that’ll go over your baselayer and middle layer.

9. Middle Layer Top

Mid-Layer Top

Bring a lightweight fleece layer to wear over your base layer. 

10. Soft-Shell Jacket

Soft-Shell Jacket

Wind and weather resistant hooded jacket that’ll go over your middle layer top and base layer top.

11. Hard-Shell Pants

Hard-Shell Pants

Non-insulated waterproof shell pants that’ll go over your base layer bottoms and soft shell pants.

12. Soft-Shell Pants

Soft-Shell Pants

Comfortable non-insulated soft shell trekking pants that fit well and can stretch nicely to fit.

13. Trekking Pants

Trekking Pants

Bring a pair of light-weight nylon trekking pants or shorts for the warm section of the trek.

14. Long Sleeved Shirts

Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

A long-sleeve base layer top made of wool for sun protection while you trek. 

15. Heavy Base-Layer Bottoms

Heavy Base-Layer Bottoms

Heavy Polatrek Power Dry base layer bottoms designed for extremely cold conditions.

16. Base-Layer Bottom

Base-Layer Bottom

Comfortable synthetic base layers are recommended. 

17. Synthetic T-Shirt

Synthetic T-Shirt

Bring synthetic short-sleeve t-shirts for your hiking days. As you climb Kilimanjaro, you’d want a quick-drying fabric that doesn’t soak your body.

18. Sport-Bras (Women)

Sport bras

Women should bring enough pairs of sports bras for the duration of the trek. 5-8 pairs are recommended.

19. Briefs

Briefs

Bring 5-8 pairs of thermal underwear/briefs. You will not have time to wash your clothes so it’s important that you come prepared with enough undergarment to get you through the hike. Also, bring extra pairs to wear around camp.

Gear needed for Kilimanjaro climbs during the summit are insulated gloves, mittens, trekking socks, toe/hand warmers, gaiters, hardshell pants, hiking pants, softshell pants, and a headlamp.

Trekkers will also need to layer a hardshell jacket over a down jacket, which will be worn over an insulated jacket, with a base layer underneath.


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HAND-WEAR

20. Insulated Mittens

Insulated Mittens

Waterproof shell mittens with insulated liners used when it’s extremely cold.

21. Soft-Shell Gloves

Soft-Shell Gloves

Insulated gloves used when it’s too warm and too cold. Mid range gloves are ideal for the occasion.

22. Lightweight Gloves

Lightweight Liner Gloves

Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves that are comfortable. These gloves are to be used when it’s windy.

A Kilimanjaro gear list for the evenings can be summed up with a down jacket worn on top of a base layer.

Hikers would also need to wear a warm hat, fleece pants, and trainers around camp.


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HEAD-WEAR

23. Head Torch

Headlamps

Modern 3 strap weather resistant headlamp with an output of 200-300 lumens. Pack spare batteries for your hike. 

24. Synthetic Ski Hat

Synthetic Ski Hat

Bring a synthetic hat that covers your head and ears especially when it’s windy.

25. Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Good quality UV protective sunglasses with good all-around protection that fits comfortably is ideal.

26. Brimmed Hat

Brimmed Hat

Any brimmed hat to shelter from the sun. Sun hats a perfectly fine.

Due to the increased number of accidents on the way down, trekking poles, sunglasses, and a pair of high ankle hiking boots are good Kilimanjaro gear recommendations for descents.


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HIKING GEAR

27. Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles

Bring collapsible three-section hiking poles. Remember, you will be trekking up to 10 hours a day so any additional support is advised. There’s an option of renting trekking poles upon arrival.

28. Crampons

Crampons

Crampons are essential when trekking along scree slopes. They are used to prevent you from slipping down the ground. Pack a pair or rent them upon arrival.

Earplugs, a pee bottle, a rain bag cover, and crampons are frequently overlooked pieces of equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro.

When you’re sleeping above 3,000m on a cold windy night, your earplugs and pee bottle will be your most prized possession. The same can be said for your rain bag cover during inclement weather.


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PERSONAL KILIMANJARO GEAR

29. Best Daypack For Kilimanjaro

Backpack

Bring a lightweight comfortable backpack to hold your belongings.

30. Boundary Bag

Boundary Bag

A kit-bag is provided for porters to carry your belongings although, if you require a standard waterproof bag for the duration of the trip, please bring a nice, strong, waterproof boundary bag.

31. A Kilimanjaro Outdoor Adventure Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bag

Weather conditions and body temperature needs may affect the rating of the sleeping bag. Bring what’s comfortable. Sleeping bags can also be rented for the duration of your hike.

32. Sleeping Mat

Sleeping Pads

Bring either a foam pad or an inflatable sleeping pad to go under your sleeping bag. A comfortable night’s rest is essential for your trek.

33. Pee Bottle

Pee Bottle

Bring 2-3 1l pee bottles to be used during Kilimanjaro treks as there are no bathrooms on the way. Bathrooms are only available at campsites. 

34. Water Bottles

Water Bottles

Pack 2-3 1l water bottles. No metal bottles, water bags or tube systems because they tend to freeze and take time to fill.

35. Insect Repellent

Insect Repellent

A small bottle of insect repellent enough for the duration of your trip. This will mostly be used pre and post expedition as there are no mosquitoes on the mountain.

36. Water Purification Tools

Water Purification Tools

Pack a chemical-based water treatment and a Steri-Pen to double treat all drinking water.

37. Toiletry Bag

Toiletry Bag

Bring a toiletry bag. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc

38. Camera

Camera

Bring a camera that is comfortable to carry. Many hikers opt to bring a smartphone but if you were to bring a Camera, it shouldn’t distract you from your trek.

39. Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Pack a new tube of sunscreen to be used for sun protection for the duration of your trip.

40. Lip-Balm

Lip Balm

Bring lip balm as well to be used for the duration of your trip.

41. Personal First-Aid Kit

First Aid Kit

Pack first-aid tape, band-aids and anti-septic wipes.

42. Medications

Medications

Bring diamox to alleviate altitude sickness along with your own prescribed medications. Painkillers are recommended.

43. Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer

Bring an appropriate amount for the duration of your trip.

44. Face Mask

Face Mask

All trekkers are required to have a face mask. Surgical or cloth masks are accepted. 

45. Ear plugs

Earplugs

Soft foam earplugs to block off the noise of the wind.

46. Hand & Toe Warmers

Toe Warmers

Bring 4 sets of each to keep your toes warm for the duration of your trek.

47. Rain Cover Bags

Waterproof Cover Bags

Bring rain cover bags to shelter your backpack from wet conditions.

48. Snacks

Protein Bars

Bring snacks to munch on along the way. Power bars, Granola bars and Protein bars are recommended.

The ideal Kilimanjaro daypack size for a Kilimanjaro trek is 40 liters.

This range is perfect because Kilimanjaro trekkers typically carry at least 3 liters of water, camera equipment, clothing layers for the day, and personal items in their packs. All of this gear is easily accommodated by the 40-liter capacity pack.


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TRAVELLING BAG

49. Small Kilimanjaro Duffel Bag Size

Small Duffel Bag

A small duffel bag to place your belongings used for your pre and post Kilimanjaro expedition.

50. Large Kilimanjaro Duffel Bag

Large Duffel Bag

Bring a large duffel to place your hiking gear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring on Kilimanjaro climbs during the day?

For most of the day hiking, in normal weather conditions, you will be wearing either just the base layer on top or the base layer plus a jacket, usually the soft shell layer, and trekking pants.

When hiking in normal weather conditions, you’re advised to wear your long sleeve sun shirt or synthetic hiking shirt with a middle layer top or soft-shell jacket. If it’s windy, you’ll have to put on your lightweight liner gloves. For the bottom, hiking trousers/shorts are enough.

What to pack for Kilimanjaro climbs in the evening?

In the evenings, as the temperature drops, you will be wearing your insulated jacket, warm hat, and perhaps fleece pants to keep warm. 

As the temperature drops in the evenings, you’ll have to wear your insulated jacket, synthetic ski hat and insulated synthetic pants to keep you warm. Soft-shell pants can be worn around camp. Lastly, put on some lightweight liner gloves and you’re all set.

What to wear climbing Kilimanjaro up to the summit?

During summit night, you’ll be wearing four layers on your upper body and three layers on the bottom.

On the top, the four layers typically consist of: base layer, soft-shell jacket, hard-shell jacket, and insulated down jacket. 

For those who get cold easily, an additional middle layer might make for a solid insurance.

Mitten gloves will be used during Kilimanjaro treks to the summit at night and soft-shell gloves for summit day.

Note, the insulated down jacket will probably come on and off during the night between trekking and resting.

On the bottom: heavy base-layer bottoms, trekking pants, and hard-shell pants. 

Ankle and neck gaiters are recommended as they close the gap between your pants and shoes and therefore reduce the wind.

For your head wear a synthetic ski hat to keep your head and ears warm.

What to pack for Kilimanjaro hikes down?

Once the sun rises, so do the temperatures. You’ll need to strip layers off as you descend in order to stay comfortable. 
Your insulated layers, hard shell jacket and pants, plus your synthetic hat will come off along the trail.

What is often forgotten on the Kilimanjaro packing lists?

Duffle bag
Synthetic materials 
Baby wipes/wet wipes
Spare batteries
Quick drying shirts
Purification tablets 
Thermal underwear
Power banks
Head torch
Aid kit
Hydration packs
Winter jacket 
Long sleeved shirts
Hard shell pants

What should I carry in my daypack?

Packing your daypack is simple. Gather all the equipment you will frequently use and carry in your daypack on Kilimanjaro. Mountaineering guides will not be stopping every time you need to remove something from your boundary bag/kit bag. Your Kilimanjaro guide and Kilimanjaro crew is only responsible to lead the group to the summit in a timely manner.

Why do we have to wear masks?

Masks are required to be worn as you trek Kilimanjaro during the coronavirus pandemic.

Will we be able to wash our clothes on mount Kilimanjaro?

There will not be an opportunity to wash your clothes on Mount Kilimanjaro and if there were, it would be hard for them to dry. This is why we recommend bringing quick drying clothes. Especially for your mid layer (short sleeve shirt).

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