What You Need to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The highest mountain in Africa requires a solid gear list for climbing. From the right climbing equipments to a proper water container, every item determines the climber’s flexibility. Check our comprehensive gear list for the right balance of essentials while keeping bag weight manageable.
Kilimanjaro Climbing List
Know about the essential items to pack and the weight to remember for a successful Kilimanjaro Climb.
Clothing for Kilimanjaro Gear List
You will be trekking through four different climate zones (rainforest, moorland, alpine, meadows and Arctic desert). Temperatures can range from 18 °C (64.4 °F) in the rainforest to -5 °C (23 °F) at the summit, causing rapid changes in climbers’ internal physiology. Variations in clothing need to be ascertained similarly to maintain body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Here’s what you can pack for your Kilimanjaro Climb:
Jackets and Jumpers
Fleece Jackets can be worn as a separate layer of insulation on a trekking shirt. They can offer warmth, especially at night. Carry a warm or insulated jacket to keep you warm during chilly evenings and while summitting. For added safety, you can carry a hard-shell rain jacket, which is essential while trekking through the rainforest. On the majority of your Kilimanjaro Climbing Days, it would be your third layer, after thermal underwear and a fleece jacket.
Trekking Trousers and Shorts
Carry at least 1 to 2 pairs of trekking trousers and hiking shorts separately. Good-quality walking trousers, preferably made of a dry material, can be good for mountain hiking. If your trousers have a zip to convert them into shorts, there’s nothing like it.
Underwear
Carry at least 5 to 6 pairs of underwear to remain fresh during your Kilimanjaro Climb. Try underwear made of Merino, a natural fibre that is naturally odour-resistant, moisture-wicking, insulates when wet, and dries fast. You can also carry synthetic material-based underwear as a more affordable alternative to merino. For both men and women, make sure your underwear is tight enough and doesn’t bunch up during your ascent.
Insulated Gloves and Mitts
Both thin inner gloves and fleece gloves with a waterproof outer are essential for climbing Kilimanjaro. Take an extra pair of mitts to keep your hands warm, which you might need at night.
Bags and Backpacks for Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear List
Sturdy, high-quality bags and backpacks are essential for a successful Kilimanjaro expedition. Your main bag (duffel bag), carried by the porter, should be within 15kg (33lbs) per person. Your personal bag carried day to day should be within 10kg (25lbs).
Day Bags
The day bag you will carry every day on your back, so make sure you include all your immediate essential items. Having a day bag with a rain cover is a bonus point.
Duffle Bags
The porter will carry the duffle bag, which will contain the rest of your Kilimanjaro kit. You can include whatever items you prefer in the duffel bag, which should have a capacity of 90-120 litres to fit equipment of different sizes.
Dry Bags
This bag will hold your water bottles, waterproofs, and, in many cases, your camera. Make sure that the dry bags have a capacity of about 30-40 litres. Carry any additional waterproof back covers inside the dry bags for additional safety.
Water Flask
Carrying a water flask is an absolute necessity. You are required to drink at least 3-4 litres of water daily for good hydration. Keep at least 2 to 3 water flasks, each of 1 litre. Having a thermoflask can be helpful for having additional hot beverages like tea or coffee at night or to sustain low temperatures.
Sleeping Equipment for Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear List
No matter which season you are climbing Kilimanjaro, your sleeping bag will be necessary in any camp and on all routes. Above everything, the “comfort” level of your sleeping bags should be at least -10°C (14°F), which should be the priority of the item. We ensure our hikers have the best-quality, most suitable sleeping bag, meeting both basic and specific needs. Apart from sleeping bags, you can also carry the following sleeping equipment:
Sleeping Bag Liner
Having a sleeping bag liner can add extra warmth to your sleeping bag. Either a fleece or an insulated liner will be great for the Kilimanjaro hike. A waterproof liner can also protect your sleeping bag from further damage.
Inflatable Pillow
If you like additional comfort or like to read in your tent, an inflatable pillow can be a good option. However, this item is optional; making a pillow with a backpack or even some clothes is also possible.
Footwear, Headgear & Eyewear for Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear List
Looking after your feet and headwear is highly important during a mountain climb. Here’s a quick list of what can be best for your feet, head and eyewear while trekking:
Footwear
Choosing appropriate hiking boots is of utmost importance. Remember that your feet will swell at altitude after days of walking, hence check for some space for free movement. On days when you arrive at your camp, sneakers can be comfortable and handy. Carry 2-3 pairs of trekking socks, thermal socks, and gaiters (optional) to wear with your hiking boots and sneakers.
Headgear
Carry a sunhat that also has a neck cover to prevent sunburn and overheating. At higher elevations, carry a beanie to protect against colder weather. A neckwarmer can help prevent you from catching a cold both during the day and while sleeping at night. A woollen balaclava can protect your chin, nose, cheeks and forehead from the cold.
Eyewear
Sunglasses with good UV protection are essential for safe, comfortable high-altitude ascent, and for the return to base camp.
Personal Hygiene and Medical Essentials
Don’t forget your personal medical essentials and hygiene items. Carry wet wipes (about 3 packs) and put one in your day bag for daily use, while keeping the other two packs in your duffle bags for backup.
Our guides will always be equipped with first-aid kits and emergency medical supplies to address general issues and altitude sickness. Apart from this, carry your essential personal medicines for your day-to-day and monthly needs, separately for men and women.
Do not forget your sunscreen for both men and women, as you may easily get sunburnt while ascending to higher altitudes. Use anti-fungal and anti-microbial skin care products to treat irritation on your feet, hands, and private parts caused by temperature changes.
Electronic Gadgets for Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear List
Certain electronic gadgets can be of great help during your Kilimanjaro Climbing. Consider some of the following electronic gadgets:
Camera and Smartphone
Having great pictures in your gallery is one of the main reasons people sign up for this trip. Use a digital camera with a lightweight tripod and carry an SD card. Don’t forget to carry your smartphone with its charger.
Headtorch and Spare Batteries
Carrying a hand torch might put an additional burden. Get a head torch and spare batteries for travelling fast and safely to the summit, especially in case of harsh weather.
Power Banks
If you are taking your camera, smartphone, and a chargeable torch, you must carry a power bank for fast, flexible charging.
Equipment to Hire
Buying a whole Kilimanjaro Climbing Kit can cost you a significant amount. Instead, opt to rent equipments like trekking poles, mats and even duffle bags. At Tanzania Adventure & Safaris, we offer trekking poles, sleeping equipments and headlamps for hire, right from the beginning of the trip. You can also rent water bottles, a flask, and, in certain cases, hiking boots in generally available sizes.
FAQ
Know about the necessary precautions, arrangements and equipments to carry while trekking through Kilimanjaro National Park
It takes approximately 7 to 9 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, you can add extra days to your itinerary.
The high altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro generally doesn’t allow for any mosquito larvae to survive the harsh temperatures. However, risks of malaria can exist in low temperatures, which can be avoided with malaria pills.
Tanzania uses Type D and Type G power sockets. Type D has three large round pins, while Type G has three rectangular prongs. The standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz.
It depends on the number of people in your group and the number of people you choose to travel with on a Kilimanjaro Climb.
Yes, you are likely to experience some form of sleep discomfort and disorder during a high-altitude climb. Sleep disturbances are considered a normal physiological response to altitude, affecting most climbers above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).
