Notes
- The pack that the porters carry on Kilimanjaro is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $15/day
- Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic bags.
- In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants and jacket at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters until the end of your trek for that day.
- Bring double extra sets of batteries as cold weather shortens their life.
- Carry critical climbing gear on the airplane in case baggage is delayed.
- You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters.
Clothing
You want your inner layer to be wicking — no cotton. Next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be water proof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, socks
- Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
- Belt
Cold Weather Clothing
- Long underwear
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
- Wool or pile hat
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)
- Down jacket or parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)
Footwear
Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
- Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support — not too light and not too heavy
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Hiking socks for warmer conditions
- Wool socks for colder conditions
- Sock liners to wick away moisture
- Gaiters (for mud and scree)
- Snow cleats (optional)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (Rated -10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder is recommended)
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
Baggage
- Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover, for porters to carry
- Day pack and rain cover, for you to carry
- Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocks are great)
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
- Video camera, tapes
- Tripod or Monopod
- Batteries
- GPS (for Geocaching)
Toiletries
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, nail brush
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror
- Small towel
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
- Sewing kit
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or Aspirin
- Band-Aids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Diarrhea medicine
- Antihistamines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)
- Diamox for altitude (talk to doctor)
Other
- Sunglasses with straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Notebook, pencil and pen
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- 2-3 Water bottles and Camelback (no disposable water bottles)
- Bring 3 liters of bottled water for the first day of hiking.
- Guides will boil water or use steripens for water sanitization for you along the route.
- To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water and tube inside your jacket. For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.
- Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
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