List of Kilimanjaro Equipment and Packing List
We recommend that all clothing (and anything you do not want to get wet) be packed in waterproof sacks or plastic so that it does not get wet if it rains!!
It is ideal to pack your Kili Trekking gear in a duffle bag as close to these dimensions as possible: 40x18x18 and right around 33 pounds (15 kg). This makes it easier for the porters to carry!!
You do not have to get everything as it appears on the list – this is just recommendations!
Footwear
Tennis/camp shoe: to wear around camp
Hiking Boots: 1 pair of sturdy boots in which you can wear a light synthetic sock under a heavy sock comfortably. Boots should be waterproof!
Gaiters: 1 pair used to keep rocks out of shoes and boots dry
Wool or Pile Socks: 1 pair/hiking day – heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (wool is warmer) to be worn over the liner socks. When layering socks, check fit inside boots. Remember to keep one fresh, dry pair of socks available at all times.
Liner Socks: 1 pair/hiking day – smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and makes the outer sock last longer before needing to be changed. They should fit well with your heavyweight socks.
Clothing
2 pair of lightweight long underwear. Tops & bottoms, Capilene, other synthetic or wool. No Cotton. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder). One set of white for intense sunny days and one pair of dark for faster drying gives the most versatility.
Fleece/Synthetic jacket: Mid- to Heavyweight pile (Polartec 200-300 depending upon cold tolerance).
Insulating Pants: Fleece pants (Polartec 200-300 depending upon cold tolerance ) or equivalent. Be sure pants can be removed while wearing boots.
Down or Synthetic jacket. Medium to heavyweight with hood for cold summit temperatures. Shell Rain jacket – Water Proof – Gore-Tex or equivalent.
Shell Rain pants – Water Proof – Gore-Tex or equivalent. (side zips optional) (Shell Jacket and pants must fit over insulation comfortably.)
2 synthetic shirts, long sleeve
2 synthetic T-shirts
2 pairs of synthetic hiking shorts
2 pair of synthetic trekking pants
1 pair of underwear/hiking day
Women: supportive sports bras
Handwear
Light synthetic gloves: 2 pair pile or similar quick-drying material. Should fit comfortably inside heavy mitts.
Mitts with Gore-Tex shells. 1 pair each. A good pair of ski mittens/gloves work well.
Headwear
Balaclava. Look for a simple lightweight model.
Warm Lightweight pile/wool hat. The hat should cover ears.
Baseball cap or other sun hats. One with a good visor to shade the nose and eyes. Synthetic is nice as it dries quickly.
Bandana. Used to shade your neck.
Glacier glasses. 100% UV, side-gussets are preferable
Toiletries
Biodegradable shampoo
Biodegradable soap
Lip balm
Deodorant
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Brush/comb
Wet wipes
Lotion
Feminine hygiene supplies
Nail clipper
First Aid Kit
Blister bandages / mole-skin
Small bandages (band-aids)
Elasticized support bandage (ace-wrap)
Safety pins
Small pair of scissors
Antiseptic wipes
Talcum Powder
Sunblock for skin and lips
Insect repellent
Medicines (your medications should be discussed with your physician):
Analgesics (pain killers): Acetaminophen (ie. Tylenol), asprin, ibuprofen
Anti-Allergy: Hydrocortizone (ointment), diphenhydramine hydrochloride (oral antihistamine), (ie. Sudafed, Benadryl)
Antibiotics; Bacitracin (ointment), Erythromycin*, Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride* (Cipro)
Antacids Bismuth sabsalicylate (ie. Pepto-Bismol)
Anti-diarrhoea; Loperamide hydrochloride (ie. Immodium)
Altitude illness medicine; Acetazolamide* (diamox), Dexamethazone*, Nifedipine*
Sterile eye drops
Anti-malarial prophylaxis medicine*
* Prescription medicines
IMPORTANT: Make sure to check with your travel clinic on recommended vaccinations and malaria medication.
Climbing and Camping Equipment
We provide tents
1 soft (no hard frame or wheels) duffel bag (porters will carry)
1 daypack
Daypack rain cover for rain
Plastic bags of different sizes (to protect clothes against rain)
1 warm mountain sleeping bag (0 degrees Fahrenheit, -18 degrees Celsius)
1 sleeping pad
2 trekking poles – highly recommended
1 headlamp (with extra batteries and light bulb)
3 one-litre water bottles, or substitute with a hydration pack
Water filtration/purification system or iodine tablets (optional)
Sunblock. We suggest the highest possible SPF rating
2 bandanas
Camera Equipment
Cameras whether Video or film, need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. Do not keep in your backpack at higher elevations. For digital equipment, check with the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness and general hardiness.