Itemized Kit List for Kilimanjaro
The Real Cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro
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Ian Taylor Trekking have helping over 4,000 people to reach the summit. At Ian Taylor Trekking our 8 day Lemosho route itinerary using Kosovo Camp as High Camp sets the standard for Kilimanjaro ascents. have 95% success on our 8 day climbs.
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We are the premier outfitter for climbing Kilimanjaro. Once you have signed up to one of our Kilimanjaro trips you will have access to our expert team five days a week. We want to help you in whatever way we can.
Don’t take advice from someone who has been up Kilimanjaro once before. This wont offer you a deep understanding of the gear and equipment need to be safe and successful.
Get your advice from professionals who have made the trek time and time again! Call or email us we have the direct experience you need in your preparation for your Kilimanjaro adventure!
Gear Up Like a Pro: Expert Tips From People Who Know
We understand the gear and what will work best for all conditions you may encounter on your trek to Everest. Our itinerary has been developed to give you the best acclimatization for Everest Base Camp treks.
Once you sign up with us, we will send you our 40 page dossier, helping you get the information you need. We also are available to you 5 days a week. We want to get you trained and preparation for the journey up and down Kilimanjaro. Just get in touch and our world class team will help you in preparing for your once in a lifetime adventure trek in Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials: Gear for Every Weather Condition
Packing for Kilimanjaro can be very intimidating. For one, you want to make sure you have everything you need to complete the trek. Firstly, temperatures vary from week to week high on Kilimanjaro.
I have been on the summit one week and the Temperature as 20 Fahrenheit and the next week 0 Fahrenheit. I have seen people turn around because it is too cold. Make sure you have all the gear we recommend. You need to be prepared for the worst conditions and hope for the best.
Secondly, it can be freezing in the tent from the second night at 11,500 feet so be prepared with the correct sleeping bag. We can help you pick the correct layers, gloves and items you will need to be safe on Kilimanjaro.
Packing for Kilimanjaro
While it’s important not to over pack, you’ll need to stay within the baggage limit for your Kilimanjaro trek. Your duffel bag should weigh no more than 15kg (33lbs). To avoid any last-minute surprises, carefully review and weigh all your gear before departing for Arusha, ensuring you have only the essentials without exceeding the weight allowance.
Our tried and tested packing list for Kilimanjaro is the only list you will need! In addition to this, you will also find what we recommend at different elevations and what we recommend you carry in my backpack verses what should be packing in your duffel bag.
Renting or Buying Gear
We rent some items from our office in Arusha. We have duffel bags, trekking poles, sleeping bags, air mattresses, some gloves and down jackets for rent. We do recommend having the majority of your own clothing and equipment.
Do not compromise on the correct clothing especially for summit night as you will need specific layers and layering system needed to regulate your temperature.
Kilimanjaro Packing Tips
1). Pack your things in labeled stuff sacks so you can squeeze the air out more.
2). Bring extra zip locks bags to pick up trash and your toilet paper if needed on the trail.
3). Keep your camp clothes in a separate stuff sack or zip lock bag.
4). Roll your sleeping bag with your sleeping bag liner inside to save space
Merino Wool Clothing
Although expensive, Merino wool clothing will keep you warm and dry throughout the trek. In addition to this, Stay dry in wet conditions, warm in the cold, and comfortable on the trail with our hiking collection, crafted from the finest natural performance fibers.
Merino wool also does not smell bad, so you can keep wearing the same pair of socks or top for multiple days at a stretch. Investing in good quality Merino wool clothing (higher the Merino wool percentage the better), is one of my top tips for the Kilimanjaro trek.
Packing List for Kilimanjaro
Now, let’s get into the packing list. Remember to get signed up for one of our treks and we will send you an exact itemized packing list.
Sleeping Bag – We high recommend having a 0 Fahrenheit sleeping bag. You can rent one from us if needed.
Backpack – I really like the Deuter 34L backpack for the Everest trek. This backpack has great back support, lightweight, durable and great backpack for training with weight before your trek to Everest. Make sure you backpack as a rain cover.
Trekking Boots – You do need trekking boots with proper ankle support. Check out the boots we recommend. Always check the fit for your shape of foot, and break them in before the trip.
Camps Shoes – We recommend a trail shoe as you will also we walking around camp. Make sure they are comfortable and lightweight. Bring a bag to keep these in, so your cloths don’t get dirty.
Outer Shells – You need rain gear no matter when you climb Kilimanjaro. I have trekked in all the main months at it can still rain in the dry season. Read more about the best months to trek Kilimanjaro. I prefer to climb Kilimanjaro in February and September.
It can rain in any month as weather systems roll in off the Indian Ocean Rain gear, top and bottom should be in your backpack every day. This gear can also double as a wind breaker and is a must have on a Kilimanjaro Packing list. We recommend the Patagonia Trilot or similar.
Down Jacket – Learn more about picking the correct down jacket here. Don’t listen to the blog posts from people saying they didn’t use their down jackets. The weather, temperatures and conditions change from week to week and we seen a wide range of conditions on Kilimanjaro. The lesson is come prepared for the worst as you never know. This information is based off 20 years of climbing Kilimanjaro, not a one off visit to Kilimanjaro.
Mid-Layer – I always bring my Patagonia Nano jacket and I use this lightweight piece on a regular basis. You can use a fleece layer or a synthetic layer as part of your layering system.
Base Layers – We recommend Merino wool. I personally always bring 260 Merino wool base layers, top and bottom. They serve as an excellent piece in a layering system on summit night. You can wear Merino wool everyday without washing it and it will not smell bad. You can use these layers at night to sleep.
Short Sleeve Tee-shirts – We recommend two or three merino wool short sleeve tee shirts.
Long Sleeve with hood – Having a long sleeve hoody has become an extremely important piece to protect your skin from the penetrating sun at high altitude.
Trekking pants – We like the Patagonia quandary pants. Kuhl have some flexible, comfortable trekking pants. Make sure you can fit your merino Base Layer under your trekking pants.
Camp pants – Once I arrive into camp I have a spare pair of socks, underwear and pants. I use the Patagonia nano pants. They are lightweight, warm and comfortable.
Socks – We recommend 4 or 5 pairs of merino hiking socks by smartwool. Merino wool will ensure your feet are dry and warm. Always have 1 pair of heavier duty trekking socks for higher on the trail, especially for the potentially cold weather on summit night.
Underwear – Moisture wicking underwear is a must. I personally prefer merino wool underwear. For female trekkers you should bring a pair for each day on the trek. Laura in our office has climbed Kilimanjaro 10 times and happy to answer any female related questions you may have. Contact her today.
Beanie – A beanie was helpful when it was really cold in the morning and even when sleeping in colder months.
Hiking Hat – A baseball hat provides all round protection when mixed with your sun hoody while hiking in direct sunlight. No matter when you trek Kilimanjaro it is really important to have full protection from the sun with this hat.
Buff – We give you a buff at our Kilimanjaro briefing at the hotel in Arusha. Having a soft buff is useful throughout the whole trek. A buff (if worn at all times), helps you from breathing in all the dust and keeps moisture in your mouth on summit night.
Gloves – I always have 2 pairs of gloves. These gloves are normally used above 13,000 feet. One pair of liner gloves and thick pair of waterproof gloves. Ski gloves may not be warm enough in colder months and best to have more glove. The lack of oxygen is a major factor with cold feet and hands.
Non-Clothing Items
1). Trekking Poles – we high recommend trekking poles on Kilimanjaro, especially for the long descents.
2). Nalgene Water Bottles – These were another important item on your packing list for Kilimanjaro. We recommend 2 Nalgene bottles they can handle boiled water. Each night, you can fill one or both with boiling water and slept with it inside my sleeping bag.
3). Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses are the best. Category 3 or 4 work well. I use Julbo sunglasses.
Electronics
1). Phone – I use my phone for pictures and video on Kilimanjaro
2). Camera, lenses and extra memory card – If you take pictures from a digital camera, we highly recommend a camera cover or dust cloth like THIS as the dust is insane on the trail
3). Power banks – We recommend 1 solar power bank and 1 regular power bank 22000 aMh.
4). Headlamp – Helpful for when you have to get out of the tent at night to use the bathroom. You will definitely need a head torch for the summit night on Kilimanjaro.
5). Extra batteries for camera (or go-pro)
Sanitation
1). Toilet paper – I would recommend bringing 2 toilet rolls. One to stay in your backpack and the other in a zip lock back in your duffel bag.
2). Flushable wipes – 1 pack of 42 wipes is recommended.
3). Baby wipes – Bring 1 pack of 60 wipes. You can use these interchangeably in the bathroom with flushable wipes. Also use them as face and body wipes.
4). Sea to Summit wipes – These are incredible! You only need 1 wipe for your entire body. I used one wipe at the end of each day. Bring 2 packs.
5). Hand wipes – You can use these interchangeably with hand sanitizer
6). Hand sanitizer – We have group sanitizer, but best to have one hanging off your backpack and 2 additional travel sized hand sanitizer bottles. The spray type is most useful
7). Aquatabs – These water purification tablets should be bought at home before arriving in Tanzania. These are one of the most important items on a Kilimanjaro packing list. You will be drinking 4 liters of water per day so you need a minimum 50 pack. This will vary depending your itinerary.
Other Toiletries
1). Travel sized body wash
2). Quick drying towel – I had 2 small ones and they were great for body showers
3). Contact lenses (if you wear them)
4). Toothbrush
5). Toothpaste
6). Sunscreen
7). Deodorant
8). Lip balm
9). Vaseline
10). Comb if you have hair
11). Dry shampoo – I have thick hair and knew it would never dry if I washed it so I used dry shampoo instead
12). Toe warmers – used on summit night for the early morning ascent.
Medication
We have an extensive medical kit on all our Kilimanjaro tours but you do need to bring some personal medication with you. We highly encourage you to seek medical advice in putting together your medication pack for Kilimanjaro.
A personal medical kit is one of the most important things to consider. Below is a sample of what to consider.
1). Inflamation relief – i.e., ibuprofen is tried and test at altitude to aid sleep and reduce the pressure from living at high altitude. This is a MUST!
2). Anti-diarrhea
3). Probiotic
4). Airborne/Emergen C – an immune booster
5). Cold and sore throat relief medication
6). Diamox – Altitude sickness prevention medication. This can be bought over the counter in Kathmandu.
7). Antibiotics – 1 for upper respiratory and cipro or similar for your stomach.
8). Knee and ankle guard
9). Nasal spray
10). Blister band-aid/plaster – compeeds are best.
11). Neosporin and Cortizone
12). Anti nausea – Stemitil is best and can be bought over the counter in Kathmandu
13). Acid reflux relief
Food
Check out our page on what the food will be like on Kilimanjaro. I do highly recommend an electrolyte like Liquid IV or nuun tablets to be used daily on the trail up and down Kilimanjaro. In the United States the brand Liquid IV sugar free works great. It basically multiplies your liquid intake.
1). Liquid IV/ Electrolytes
2). Protein bars. I bring 5 bars along with some clif slot bloks for the summit night
3). Multi-vitamin and Fiber tablets
Pack Trekking Poles
There is a lot of up and down in Kilimanjaro National Park. The trails are tough and potentially dangerous in places, as you’d expect from a vast mountainous terrain.
There has been an effort in recent years to re-enforce the trial on the exit route. In doing this more steps and stairs have been added to protect the landscape. This type of terrain requires trekking poles. The lower part of the trail to Mweka gate is steep and can be very slippy.
Trekking poles help with balance and confidence. Especially when tackling something tricky like a river crossing or uneven surface. They can also take some of the weight off your knees on steep descents. Learn more about training for the downhill.
Join the Kilimanjaro Experts
We hope this packing list for Kilimanjaro was useful. To access our full kit list sign up for one of our Kilimanjaro trips today. We are here to help you gather the right clothing, gear and kit. Understand the training and everything required to safely and successfully reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and back again. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
Speak to the Kilimanjaro Professionals
Once you sign up for one of our climbs we are available to help you train, get the right gear and fully prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure. This packing video for Kilimanjaro is designed to help you. It does not represent what gear you should have. You might need warmer gloves, thicker merino wool layers and different brands and items of kit. We want to be your number one resource for climbing Kilimanjaro and we can help you get the gear that will work for you. We have the knowledge and experience so get in touch today.
How should you be training for Kilimanjaro
This is some brief information about what you should be packing for your Kilimanjaro climbing adventure with Ian Taylor Trekking. Why not CONTACT US we can help you get the right pieces of clothing to suit you. We have a full itemized kit list available to you on sign up and will walk and talk you through your packing for Kilimanjaro. LEARN MORE about the training needed and If you are signed up to one of our Kilimanjaro climbs, we are available 5 days a week in support of your Kilimanjaro climb. Having the right gear can make all the difference in a safe and enjoyable climb up Kilimanjaro.
