Packing list for climbing Kilimanjaro

During a day on Kilimanjaro the temperatures can easily range from the high 20's (centigrade) right down at night to -15c. To cope with this huge range in temperature your clothing and kit strategy needs to be based around combining lots of thin layers that you build up and take off as the weather demands.

A full printable kit list can be downloaded below.

Please note that Tanzania is implementing a ban on the use of single-use plastic bags on 1st June 2019. Please ensure that none of the items in your luggage are packed in plastic bags - if you are looking to separate items in your bag, please consider re-usable 'packing cubes'. Please also be aware that disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro National Park operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.

Equipment Infographic

Basic Equipment

Daypack: Your main gear will be carried by a porter (up to 15kg) .You will need to carry your own daypack. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks. Recommended Options

Waterproof duffle bag: To carry your main gear we recommend using a 80-90L duffle bag. Large rucksacks (>65L) can also work. Recommended Options

Sleeping bag: You will need a 4-season or -20 Deg C sleeping bag and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags. You can hire sleeping bags from our team in Tanzania Recommended Options

Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for going down Kili! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles Recommended Options

Water bladder / bottles: Capacity to carry 3 litres of water. Options: 2 x 1.5 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus + 1 litre water bottle. Note that disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on Kilimanjaro Recommended Options

Head

Warm beanie style hat: Go for a version of a beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth. The North Face, Berghaus and Columbia all make good outdoor beanies Recommended Options

Neck gaiter or scarf: It can get dusty on Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. The most versatile options are made by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear Recommended Options

Sun hat: Preferably go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren't going to be wearing a neck gaiter Recommended Options

Sunglasses: Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses as sun intensity above 4,500m is very high. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice Recommended Options

Headlamp: You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys, and importantly for summit night. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps Recommended Options

Hands and Feet

Lightweight Gloves: For lower slopes we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves Recommended Options

Warm gloves or mittens: For the cold nights and for the summit push we recommend heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant gloves. The North Face and Black Diamond are recommended brands Recommended Options

Trekking boots: We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell Recommended Options

Training shoes: To wear around camp after a day's trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals Recommended Options

Socks: 3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for summit night. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks Recommended Options

Gaiters: Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy or dusty conditions. Recommended Options

Micro-spikes: Not always required, but seasonal conditions may mean that it is icy at the summit. Micro-spikes fit easily to your boots and give you extra traction. Available to rent from our team in Tanzania if required Recommended Options

Upper Body

Thermal base layer: 1 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. Recommended brand is Icebreaker Recommended Options

Short sleeved shirt: 2 x lightweight, moisture wicking short sleeved shirts. Recommend brands include Icebreaker, Under Armour, Columbia, Berghaus Recommended Options

Long sleeve shirt: Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts. Recommended Options

Fleece or soft shell jacket: A mid-weight polartec fleece jacket is ideal for Kilimanjaro. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces Recommended Options

Insulated jacket: A good quality and warm down or primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights and summit push. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab, Arc'Teryx and Mountain Hardwear Recommended Options

Hard shell outer jacket: A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc'teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear Recommended Options

Legs

Leggings: Thermal or fleece base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommend brand is Icebreaker. Recommended Options

Trekking trousers: Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia Recommended Options

Hard shell trousers: To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Arc'Teryx all make good outer trousers Recommended Options

Odds and sods

Sun and lip screen: High SPF sunscreen and lip protection balm Recommended Options

Toothbrush and toothpaste: Ideally travel size Recommended Options

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer: Staying clean on Kilimanjaro is a challenge. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help Recommended Options

Personal medicines and medical kit: Recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum Recommended Options

Ear plugs: For light sleepers. Snoring travels in quiet high altitude camps! Recommended Options

Pee bottle (optional): Useful for the ladies, but not a requirement Recommended Options

Dry bags: Only required if your main duffle bag is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help keep your kit dry Recommended Options

Packing cubes: Useful for keeping items organised within your duffle bag Recommended Options

Camera and spare batteries: Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix. Recommended Options

Plug Adapter: A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the trek. The standard voltage and frequency in Tanzania is 230 V and 50 Hz respectively. The power sockets that are used are of type D / G. Recommended Options