MenuPacking 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 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.
Basic Equipment
![Daypack]()
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]()
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]()
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: 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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
Training shoes: To wear around camp after a day's trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals
Recommended Options
![Socks]()
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
![Micro-spikes]()
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]()
Thermal base layer: 1 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
Recommended Options
![Short sleeved shirt]()
Short sleeved shirt: 2 x lightweight, moisture wicking short sleeved shirts. Recommend brands include Icebreaker, Under Armour, Columbia, Berghaus
Recommended Options
![Long sleeve shirt]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
Leggings: Thermal or fleece base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommend brand is Icebreaker.
Recommended Options
![Trekking trousers]()
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]()
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
![Wet wipes and hand sanitizer]()
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]()
Personal medicines and medical kit: Recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
Recommended Options
![Dry bags]()
Dry bags: Only required if your main duffle bag is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help keep your kit dry
Recommended Options
![Camera and spare batteries]()
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]()
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
![Personal snacks]()
Personal snacks: Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout
Recommended Options
Frequently asked questions
Kilimanjaro Gear List
If you are packing for your climb it is important to really plan your clothing appropriately. This is why we recommend that you pack the following:
- Top Base Layer
- Bottom Base Layer
- 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
- 3-4 Short Sleeve
- 1 Insulated Trekking Pants
- 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
- 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
- 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket
- 1 Hard Shell Jacket
News and Views
Speak with an expert
Start planning your next adventure by contacting one of our team.
Sarah Orson
Adventure Travel Consultant
Phone: +44 1283 499980
Rachael Bode
Adventure Travel Consultant
Phone: + 44 1283 499982
Sharon King
Adventure Travel Consultant
Phone: +44 1283 499981
Victoria Hoddy
Adventure Travel Consultant
Phone: +44 (0)1283 205478
