Introduction -
Kilimanjaro Packing List
One day before climbing the trek on Kilimanjaro, your guide will go through all of the things in your bag together with you and he will make an analysis of the items you are missing and the items you don’t need to bring on the mountain.
In case you need something and you don’t have it, We will provide it for you for a price. See our rental prices below. OR click here
Should You Buy Or Rent ?
Typically we get two types of trekkers on Kilimanjaro. Those who are unprepared and under-equipped, and those who have spent an arm and leg on equipment that they will unlikely use during their hike.
In this Kilimanjaro packing list we hope to provide a happy medium between the two. For those who regularly climb or trek, buying your own equipment, boots and sleeping bags are a good investment. But renting is an option that can save money and make packing a lot easier.
We offer sleeping bag hire (inclusive of laundry costs) and we also have plenty of gear available for rent in our office in Moshi.
Recommended Clothing and Equipment for : Men, Women & Western Breach
Here’s our Mount Kilimanjaro packing list including what to wear, sleeping equipment, toiletries, paperwork, health products, electrical equipment paperwork, money and a few miscellaneous items!
Technical Clothing
1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Fleece Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 – Sport Bra (women)
Head wear
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
1 – Bandana (optional)
Hand wear
1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)
Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
1 – Sunglasses or Goggles
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended)
1 – Water Bladder, Camelbak type (recommended)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 – Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 – Trekking Poles (recommended)
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment
1 – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer (recommended)
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Paperwork
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Documents
Food
We generally provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water during your climb. You’ll want to add to this by bringing snacks, drink mixes and energy foods. Check here to see what food is provided.
Energy bars
Energy gels
Electrolyte replacement drink mix
Snacks (cookies, GORP, Snickers, etc.)
Packing List for the Western Breach
The Western Breach is the most technically challenging approach to Kilimanjaro. It was closed for a short period in early 2006 after a fatal rockfall claimed the lives of three trekkers. It has however re-opened with a new and safer route configuration, and is steadily growing in popularity.
For trekkers interested in the Western Breach we recommend reading our route description here.
There are some specific Kilimanjaro kit requirements for the Western Breach that you should be aware of. Many of these items are not mandatory, however should conditions on the Western Breach be adverse you may need the following:
- Climbing helmet to protect your head from the potential risk of falling rocks
- An ice axe and point crampons – it is unlikely that you will need these items, however if you are climbing during the wet season it is likely you will encounter sub-surface ice from refrozen meltwater and deep snow. Usually your guides will have the correct gear to cut steps on these sections (we recommend you confirm with us exactly what gear you will need for the Western Breach)
It is very unusual to need rope or a climbing harness. Again we recommend you confirm with us which Kilimanjaro kit list we recommend you to bring should you decided to climb the Western Breach.
Our Gears For Rent
All Camping Facilities Such As Mobile Mountain Hardware Sleeping Tents, Mess Tents, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent And Emergency Equipment, Purified Water And Cooking Utensils Are Provided By Us. Below Is A List Of Mount Kilimanjaro Gear Rental Should You Decide To Rent Instead Of Buying New Ones. We Have Included The Price Of Renting For Each Gear/Clothes.
Clothes
- Sun hat - USD 5 per trip
- Warm Hat - USD 5 per trip
- Warm Balaclava - USD 8 per trip
- Neck Warmer - USD 7 per trip
- Scarf - USD 5 per trip
- Glove liners - USD 5 per trip
- Warm mitts or gloves - USD 8 per trip
- Mountain/Hiking Boots - USD 20 per trip
- Gaiters - USD 10 per trip
- Socks - USD 5 per trip
- Walking Trousers - USD 10 per trip
- Thermal Bottoms - USD 10 per trip
- Fleece trousers - USD 10 per trip
- Walking T-Shirt - USD 8 per trip
- Hiking Shirt (Long sleeves) - USD 8 per trip
- Thermal top - USD 10 per trip
- Fleece Jacket - USD 20 per trip
- Down Jacket - USD 20 per trip
- Poncho - USD 20 per trip
- Rain jacket - USD 10 per trip
- Rain trousers - USD 10 per trip
- Ski jacket - USD 15 per trip
- Ski trousers - USD 15 per trip
Safety Gear
- Oxygen cylinder - USD 100 per trip
- Oxygen saturation meter - USD 30 per trip
Hiking Gear
- Day Pack - USD 35 per trip
- Rucksack Cover/Rain Cover - USD 5 per trip
- Camelbak/Water Hydration System - USD 15 per trip
- Water Bottle (1L) - USD 5 per trip
- Water bottle cover - USD 5 per trip
- Duffel bag - USD 20 per trip
- Plastic bin liner (rubbish bag) - USD 1
- Hand Warmers - USD 10 (non-returnable)
- Walking/Hiking poles (one pair) - USD 10 per trip
- Head Lamp - USD 10 per trip
- Batteries (variety) - USD 7 per pack
- Binoculars - USD 10 per trip
- Sunglasses - USD 10 per trip
- Ski goggles - USD 15 per trip
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag - USD 35 per trip
- Sleeping bag liner - USD 10 per trip
- Foam mattress - USD 10 per trip
- Thermarest - USD 15 per trip
- Pillow - USD 10 per trip
There always things that you can just leave at home. Light and Fast: The lighter your backpack, the easier your life on the trails will be. Ease is joy. Here is what you should not bring along.
- Unnecessary Electronics & Gadgets: Leave your iPads and tablets at home. Less is more. A phone, sure, but don’t bring too much electronic gear on your trek. Electronics also don’t do that well on altitude.
- Jewelry: Because you will be living out of your bag, you are likely to lose things on the way. Don’t bring any jewelry.
- Classic Towel: Heavy, too large and they don’t dry. Bring a small quick-drying towel.
Don’t Overpack
Better to pack too little than to pack too much. Eventually, your porters are the ones who have to carry most of the burden. You also don’t want to have any expensive surprises when checking in your duffel bag at the airport. In case you have forgotten something or left something behind on purpose, know that you can also sort out your gear in Moshi ot Arusha Town.
Be selective in what you take with you. Please note that our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is OK to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, note that the bag weighs 5 lbs 6 oz. and this weight does count against the 33 lb limit.
Our porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure.
If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter. It is rare to require an extra porter and should happen only in special cases, such as for carrying extensive photography equipment. You are expected to bring everything you need, though we do rent warm sleeping bags and trekking poles on location. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climb, such safari clothing, gear and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel.
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