Kilimanjaro Packing List
Checklist of required items (*you can rent/hire from Green Paw):
The simple rule of winter expeditions is to stay dry and warm. Choose clothing layers that wick moisture, dry quickly, insulate and are waterproof and breathable. By adjusting these layers, you can regulate the amount of warmth you need. The 3 basic layers:
Base Layer: This is basically your underwear or the layer next to your skin. Synthetic and merino wool fabrics work best (avoid cotton). They wick perspiration away from your skin to outer layers so it can evaporate. They dry quickly so you spend minimal time in wet clothing. When snow camping, it's common to wear 2 base layers: a lightweight or mid- weight layer, then a thicker heavyweight layer.
Middle Layer: This is your insulating layer. It is primarily designed to help you retain body heat. Fleece or microfleece shirts, pants and jacket and/or a goose down jacket are great middle layers.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek 10
Outer layer or shell: This is your waterproof/windproof/breathable layer. Gore-Tex will provide premium protection or choose less expensive options, such as polyurethane-coated fabrics that are equally waterproof but somewhat less breathable. Look for core vents and underarm vents that expel excess heat and moisture.
- $150 Minimum Required for Porter Tips (can be is USD or TZS)
- Hiking day pack (waterproof or with separate water proof cover)
- Small duffle bag or travel backpack 45-60 L (waterproof! This is for porters to carry your Kilimanjaro gear and supplies up the mountain) o Water resistant hiking boots that are worn-in
- Shoes for leisure around campsite (optional)
- Balaclava/buff to protect your face from the wind
- Wool hat/beanie
- Snow goggles or sunglasses with dark lenses for eye protection from the sun o *Gaiters (useful when encountering snow, etc.)
- Snow gloves and mittens/liners
- Fleece zip-up
- Down jacket
- *Waterproof and windproof pants (expect rain and wind)
- *Waterproof and windproof jacket (this is your outer layer, expect rain and wind) o Shorts & t-shirt (for first day of hiking, moisture-wicking fabric to stay dry)
- 1-3 long sleeve thermal shirts
- 1-2 thermal long underwear
- 6 pairs of socks
- 1 thermal/polertex pairs of socks for summit night
- Small wash kit or wet wipes
- Water bottles/Camelback (camelback hoses will freeze on the summit)
- Note: 3 liters of water will be needed, minimum, per day in your daypack. The national park does not allow plastic water bottles.
- Energy snacks (i.e. Cliff bars or energy chews)
- First aid kit, including Band-Aids for blisters, eye drops, headache tablets,
- painkillers, flu and cold tablets o Sun screen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellant
- *Headlamp (preferred over flashlight)
- Spare batteries for flashlight/headlamp
- Hand warmers for nighttime and on summit night
- Plastic or Ziploc bags to protect camera and other gear from rain and dust
- Toiletry basics
- Toilet paper
- *Walking Poles (plan to rent these)
- Camera (with extra batteries)
- *Sleeping bag (can rent, but we recommend you bring your own for better quality) o Sleeping mat (provided for 2017 treks, but you are welcome to bring your own)
The simple rule of winter expeditions is to stay dry and warm. Choose clothing layers that wick moisture, dry quickly, insulate and are waterproof and breathable. By adjusting these layers, you can regulate the amount of warmth you need. The 3 basic layers:
Base Layer: This is basically your underwear or the layer next to your skin. Synthetic and merino wool fabrics work best (avoid cotton). They wick perspiration away from your skin to outer layers so it can evaporate. They dry quickly so you spend minimal time in wet clothing. When snow camping, it's common to wear 2 base layers: a lightweight or mid- weight layer, then a thicker heavyweight layer.
Middle Layer: This is your insulating layer. It is primarily designed to help you retain body heat. Fleece or microfleece shirts, pants and jacket and/or a goose down jacket are great middle layers.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek 10
Outer layer or shell: This is your waterproof/windproof/breathable layer. Gore-Tex will provide premium protection or choose less expensive options, such as polyurethane-coated fabrics that are equally waterproof but somewhat less breathable. Look for core vents and underarm vents that expel excess heat and moisture.