Mount Kilimanjaro: Packing List for a Successful Summit

To ensure your safety and comfort during your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, it is crucial to bring essential gear and supplies. To assist you in preparing for your climb, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing List. Trekking Kilimanjaro involves five main climate zones, from the warm, humid forest and lower slopes, to the bitterly cold summit zone, with glaciers, ice, and snow. You need to be prepared for all Kilimanjaro weather conditions sunny, windy, and rainy. We offer a comprehensive package that includes tents, camp equipment, food, cooking facilities, and various shared items. Porters will carry a duffel bag containing all your personal gear, while you’ll be responsible for your own daypack during the trekking day. You have the option to rent the equipment and review prices by clicking here: Rent Gear.

Kilimanjaro Gear List

Properly planning your clothing is crucial when preparing for your climb. To help you organize, we recommend the following packing order:

• 1 Hard Shell Jacket
• 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket
• 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
• 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
• 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
• 3-4 Short Sleeve
• 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
• Bottom Base Layer
• Top Base Layer
• 1 Insulated Trekking Pants

Basic Equipment
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for going down Kili!	Waterproof Duffle Bag: To transport your main gear, we recommend using an 80-90L duffle bag. Large rucksacks (>65L) can also work.
Daypack: Your primary equipment will be carried by a porter (up to 15kg). You will need to carry your own daypack. A 30-40L capacity is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.	Sleeping bag: You will require a 4-season or -20°C sleeping bag with a compression sack. We recommend sleeping bags from Mountain Hardwear or The North Face. Alternatively, you can rent sleeping bags from our team in Tanzania.
Water bladder / bottles: You should have the capacity to carry 3 litres of water. Your options include either 2 x 1.5-litre wide-mouth Nalgene bottles or a 2-litre Platypus with an additional 1-litre water bottle. Please note that disposable plastic bottles are not allowed on Kilimanjaro.	Neck gaiter or scarf: Due to potential dust on Kilimanjaro, it’s advisable to bring a neck gaiter or bandana. The most versatile options are offered by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear.
Head
Sun hat: Opt for a wide-brimmed hat that provides ample protection, and consider choosing one with a neck cover if you won’t be wearing a neck gaiter.	Headlamp: Ensure you have a headlamp with excellent light output for late-night visits to the toilet and, crucially, for summit night. Petzl offers market-leading and affordable headlamps.
Warm beanie-style hat: Opt for a knitted or fleece version of a beanie for added warmth. Brands like The North Face, Berghaus, and Columbia offer excellent outdoor beanies.	Sunglasses: Select a pair of sunglasses with high UV protection, as sun intensity above 4,500m is very high. Brands like Julbo are excellent for mountain eyewear, but any brand with high UV protection will suffice.
Hands and Feet
Lightweight Gloves:For gentle inclines, we suggest opting for gloves made from lightweight, fleece, or fast-drying materials.	Socks: Pack 3-4 sets of outer socks and 2-3 sets of liner socks. Don’t forget to include 1 pair of thick thermal socks for the summit night, and we highly recommend choosing Merino wool for optimal performance.
Training shoes: For comfortable wear around the campsite after a day of trekking, it’s advisable to bring a pair of training shoes or sandals.	Trekking boots: Optimal footwear for trekking includes mid-weight trekking boots, ensuring excellent ankle support.
Gaiters: Safeguard your trousers from dirt in damp, muddy, or dusty conditions.	Warm gloves or mittens: For chilly nights and the summit push, it’s advisable to use heavyweight, insulated gloves, preferably with water-resistant features.
Other Bits and Bobs
Sun and lip screen: Ensure sun safety by using a high SPF sunscreen and lip protection balm.	Personal snacks: Consider bringing boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit as nutritious snacks. Enhance the flavor and electrolyte replenishment of your water by adding isotonic drink powder.
Ear plugs: Light sleepers beware: Snoring tends to carry in the serene atmosphere of high-altitude camps.	Toothbrush and toothpaste: Ideally travel size
Camera and spare batteries: If you’re not an avid photographer, we suggest bringing a high-quality and lightweight point-and-shoot camera.	Wet wipes and hand sanitizer: Maintaining cleanliness on Kilimanjaro poses a challenge. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer prove immensely helpful in such conditions.
Pee bottle (optional): Useful for the ladies, but not a requirement	Plug Adapter: Include a plug adapter for charging your devices in hotels before and after the trek. Tanzania’s standard voltage is 230 V, the frequency is 50 Hz, and the power sockets used are of type D/G.