Kilimanjaro Trekking Gear Checklist

Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List: Gear Up for the Summit

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 Here

Having the right gear ensures your safety, comfort, and overall success on the mountain. This comprehensive packing list provides essential details to help you gear up for the ultimate climb.

Should You Buy Or Rent ?

Choosing whether to buy or rent gear depends on your budget, frequency of hiking, and personal preferences:

  • Buy: Ideal if you plan to climb frequently or want customized, high-quality equipment that lasts long-term.
  • Rent: A cost-effective option for one-time climbers. Reliable rental services in Tanzania, including Bantu Pori Journeys, offer high-quality gear like jackets, boots, and tents.
Rental Prices Per Item

Recommended Gear for Mount Kilimanjaro

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!

1. Technical Clothing:

  • 1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
  • 1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
  • 1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
  • 1-2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
  • 3-4 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
  • 2 – 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)
  • 5+ – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
  • 2 – Sport Bra (women)

2. Headwear:

  • 1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
  • 1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
  • 1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
  • 1 – Bandana (optional)

3. Handwear:

  • 1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
  • 1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

4. Footwear:

  • 1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
  • 1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
  • 5+ – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
  • Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
  • 1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

5. 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

6. 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

7. Other Items:

  • 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)

8. Paperwork:

  • Trip Receipt
  • Passport & Visa (available at JRO)
  • Immunization Papers
  • Insurance Documents

9. 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.)

Important Kilimanjaro Packing List Information

Weight Limits

  • Porters can carry up to 15 kg (33 lbs) per climber. Keep your duffel bag light to meet this limit.

How to Pack

  • Use dry bags or plastic liners to keep items waterproof.
  • Layer items in order of frequency of use for easy access.

What Not to Pack

  • Avoid heavy or unnecessary items such as excessive gadgets or luxury toiletries.
  • Glass containers and breakable items are discouraged.

Kilimanjaro Packing List FAQs

A: You may have heard from others who have done the trip that you need to pack your essential hiking gear for Kilimanjaro into your cabin luggage. This has merit as unfortunately, it's not unheard of that your luggage goes missing or is delayed on route to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are scheduled to start a group trek the day after you land, a luggage delay is going to wreak serious havoc with your trip. For this reason, we advise packing essential items into your hand luggage which is likely also your daypack.

When you travel for a hike, the following items must be in your hand luggage (just in case!); waterproof shell jacket, pair of trekking pants, thermal base layers, 1 or two hiking tops, underwear and a couple pairs of socks. Also always wear your hiking boots on the plane. Bring along some travel slippers for comfort if it's a long flight.

It may seem like a lot to fit in however, if you roll your clothing into tights bundles, you will find that you can fit a surprising amount into a 20-30l backpack. No need to try fit all your gear in hand luggage but it does give you some peace of mind to have the basics with you. Worst case scenario, you will be able to hire additional kit from us.

Note: Trekking poles are not permitted in cabin luggage, leave those in your main bag.

A: No, tents and camping gear are provided by all tour operators (Including us) as standard features of a Kilimanjaro trek. As the better operator on Kilimanjaro, We use high quality 2-man tents from manufacturers like Mountain Hardwear and The North Face. Also we use large mess tents which come fully equipped with tables and chairs for trekkers. All of this gear is carried by our porters up and down the mountain. It's the reason why our Kilimanjaro treks have such large support crews.
A: Yes, but you can rent one from us if you don’t own a suitable high-altitude sleeping bag.
A: Power banks are recommended as charging facilities are limited on the mountain.
A: The standard is three layers—base, middle, and outer—for effective insulation and protection.
A: Yes, they help with balance and reduce strain on your knees, especially during descents.
A: Yes, but it should be a lightweight daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and layers.
A: The views are spectacular! But remember, batteries drain quickly in cold temperatures, so keep them warm and bring spares.
A: Consult your healthcare provider for advice on medications like Diamox which can help prevent altitude sickness. Also, hydration and gradual acclimatization are key to preventing Altitude Sickness In Kilimanjaro.
Reach out to us today to reserve your gear!

NOW AVAILABLE

2025 to 2026 Travel Trips & Calendar For Groups

Coming Soon