Our equipment recommendations for climbing Kilimanjaro
Basic Equipment
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Waterproof duffle bag:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 110-120L duffle bag.
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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.
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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
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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
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Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water. Wide-mouthed nalgene bottles are required as they are less likely to freeze than bladders. A neoprene cover is advisable to help insulate the bottle at higher elevations
Head
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Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover if you aren't going to be using a neck gaiter
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Warm beanie style hat:
Go for a version of beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth. Thin enough to fit under your climbing helmet
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Neck gaiter or balaclava:
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
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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
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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
Hands and Feet
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Lightweight gloves:
For daily use we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves
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Summit mittens:
Insulated heavyweight mittens with safety straps that fit over your liner gloves to provide additional warmth and wind protection. They have to be warm and extremely weather-proof
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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
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Training shoes:
To wear around camp after a day's trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals
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Trekking boots:
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell
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Gaiters:
Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy or dusty conditions.
Upper Body
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Thermal base layer:
2 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. No cotton. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
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Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
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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
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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
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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
Legs
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Base layer:
'Lightweight' or 'silk weight' base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
![](/seize/xsmall/kit-photos/legs/trekking-trousers.jpg)
Trekking trousers:
Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
![](/seize/xsmall/kit-photos/legs/hard-shell-waterproof-trousers.jpg)
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 make good outer trousers
Odds and Sods
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Toothbrush and toothpaste:
Ideally travel size
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Wet wipes and hand sanitizer:
Staying clean on an Aconcagua climb can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help
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Personal medicines and medical kit:
We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
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Pee bottle (optional):
Useful for late night toilet needs when it is freezing outside
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Ear plugs:
For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad in camp
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Personal snacks:
Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout
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Dry bag:
Only required if your main duffle bag or rucksack is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help to keep your kit dry
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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.
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Plug adapter:
A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the climb. The standard voltage and frequency in Argentina is 220 V and 50 Hz respectively. The power sockets that are used are of type C and I