What gear do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

You don’t need to bring mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need from our recommended ground tour operator, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 liters of water and snacks. Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list.

You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from our recommended ground tour operator. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact our recommended ground tour operator for advice.

Kilimanjaro Gear Packing List: Technical Clothing

– Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
– Insulated Jacket engineered or dow
– Soft Jacket, wool or delicate shell
– Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, dampness wicking texture
– Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, dampness wicking texture
– Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper suggested)
– Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts suggested)
– Fleece Pants
– Shorts (discretionary)
– Long Underwear (dampness wicking texture suggested)
– Underwear, briefs (dampness wicking texture suggested)
– Sport Bra (ladies)
– Brimmed Hat, for sun assurance
– Knit Hat, for warmth
– Balaclava, for face inclusion (discretionary)
– Bandana (discretionary)

What clothing and equipment should I take?

Clothes are among of the personal equipment which every client should carry before starting his trip. Other personal equipment including personal small first aid kit, bottle of water and so on. The client you should take the following equipment when you want to climb Kilimanjaro. Clothing Is more important that you are needed to dress well and prepared for your trip. Here we provide details on how to choose the best clothing and equipment so that you can travel well and enjoy the trip.

Base layer
This equipment is most important because its function is to transport moisture away from the skin. Cotton is not good for this purpose. Base layer tops work efficiently at this and can be used as t-shirts on warm days and as extra warmth on cold days. Wicking underwear is also recommended although less important. It is advised for every climber to have more than one base layer which could help him in order to change when one is dirty.

Mid layers
The purpose of the mid layer is to provide warmth. These materials are mostly used in cold season to provide warm to climbers body but other materials such as smart wool are also good. One top is normally enough but for longer trips and changing weather environment it is advised having one lighter top and one warmer top.

Trousers and shorts
The choice of trousers is very important and should give you unrestricted movement. Too long or too wide trouser legs may cause a slowly movement for clients. Many modern materials are light and dry quickly. The best chosen quality trouser and shorts it will make the client feel comfortable when climbing Kilimanjaro because can move properly. A couple of pockets are useful. Shorts are great for warmer days. Some trousers have detachable legs that convert to shorts. That’s why it is good to choose the best equipment before starting your travel.

Wind and waterproof
The best option is to carry a good and soft shell zip up jacket that is both windproof and highly water resistant, most manufacturing industries make good jackets used for trekking activities. A waterproof and breathable set of waterproofs are also required when trekking on the mountains, these should be one hundred percent waterproof, breathable and pack down small for carriage.

Insulation
Is advised to travel in good seasons because if trekking in the greater ranges, winter or hut to huts, a down or synthetic duvet jacket is highly recommended for fending off the chilly evenings and early mornings. Down jackets are more efficient and pack down well for carrying but are expensive and useless when wet. Synthetic jackets are more useful and cheaper.

Socks
Normally is the responsible of the trekkers to carry also socks which will be used to prevent climbers with cold as well as injury. Technical trekking socks are recommended. Socks with a mix of wool and manmade materials are the best on climbing issues. Although socks are expensive but are widely regarded as the best available. Trekkers should need to have two or more pair of new socks for every one days trekking.

Normal and rain boots
Normal boots could help the climbers when they are in slopes and also rain boots will be used where there is rain to prevent legs with injuries or legs disease like fingers fungus.

Hydration system
Whilst some sports suit bladder type water carriers, trekkers should chose wide mouthed bottles which are cheaper and sturdier and are easier to refill from streams and in huts, as well as being easier to clean, store and regulate fluid intake. One liter is the absolute minimum you should carry and in the hot months two liters are recommended. A small flask for hot drinks is also recommended in winter.

Personal Medication and first aid
Climbing activities are most challenging with injuries and other risks so that it is very important to have a first aid kit. Clients are advised to carry their own small first aid kit. You must carry any personal medications that you take. It is also highly recommended to carry blister treatment such as sports tape, pain relief, etc. As we know that the tour group including guides and porters they must carry first aid kit for their customer and other peoples involved in trip but also personal the client also should carry small first aid kit.

Sanitary kit
These are some tissues for unplanned toilet stops and some wet wipes or dry soap for additional hygiene, particularly when staying in huts. Most women clients are the most who carry sanitary kit. But also there is other equipments which normally depending on your preference and how much weight you like to carry some people like to take items such as camera, penknife and other equipment for their personal needs like taking photos.

Hut extras
Sleeping bag liner and earplugs for added comfort trip in a mountain hut . Some huts have basic washing facilities so a small travel towel can be useful. A small head torch can also come in handy.

Money and Travel documents
There are required important document needed when climbing like Passport, visas, insurance documents, money, credit cards etc. You are advised all the time to carry a copy of your passport and insurance documents when you’re climbing.

Valley Clothing and Equipment
But also you can bring any smart clothes you wish to wear around town and any other essentials you need when not trekking such as wash bag, toiletries, hair dryers, books and so on.