Kilimanjaro Gear List: What to Pack for Your Climb

01

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag rated -20°C / 0°F (can be rented through KiboQuest)
• Sleeping mat: we provide one
• Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth, or for a rented sleeping bag)
• Compression socks for sleeping

02

Packs and Bags

• Waterproof duffel bag, 80-100 litres (can be rented through KiboQuest)
• Daypack, 25-35 litres
• Waterproof pack cover
• Compression sacks, or 6-8 waterproof bags
• Optional packing cubes to organise your duffel bag
• Optional bag lock for your duffel bag

03

Footwear and Trekking Poles

• Hiking boots, waterproof mid-weight
• Running shoes or light hikers (for wearing around camp)
• Gaiters
• 5-6 pairs liner socks (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
• 4-6 pairs thick socks (no cotton)
• Thermal socks for summit night
• Spare laces for hiking boots
• Trekking poles

04

Gloves

• Thin gloves (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
• Thick waterproof gloves or mittens

05

Clothing: Lower Body

• Underwear (no cotton)
• Convertible hiking pants or shorts
• 1-2 light-to-medium weight base layers
• Hiking pants (no cotton)
• Winter hiking pants
• Waterproof shell pants, side zippers recommended

06

Clothing: Upper Body

• Comfortable sports bra (ladies)
• 1-2 light-weight T-shirts (no cotton)
• 1-2 light-weight long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
• 2-3 light-to-mid weight base layers
• 1-2 fleeces as an insulation layer
• Insulated shell jacket
• Down jacket (approx. 750-fill)
• Waterproof shell jacket that fits over all your layers

07

Headwear

• Brim hat or cap with neck protection
• Warm hat with ear flaps
• Neck gaiter or "buff" (very versatile)
• Sunglasses (rated 100% UV protection)
• Head torch, don't forget spare batteries

08

Water and Snacks

• 2-3 litre hydration bladder (Platypus, Camelbak, or similar)
• 1-2 one-litre wide-mouth water bottles (Nalgene or similar)
• Electrolyte or sports drink powder to add to your water
• Snacks: energy bars of your preference, plan for 2-4 per day
• Water purification tablets or a filter pen (we provide boiled and filtered water)

09

Personal Health and Comfort

• Toiletries: toothbrush and paste, hairbrush or comb, foot powder, hand cream, deodorant, soap
• Baby wipes and anti-bacterial hand-sanitiser wipes
• Any regular medication you are taking
• Anti-bacterial hand-sanitiser gel, such as Purell
• Fingernail brush
• Nail clippers, ear plugs
• Sunscreen SPF 40+
• Small microfibre quick-dry towel
• Pee bottle for night-time calls of nature
• Small torch
• Head torch
• Pocket knife (Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman)
• Spare contact lenses or glasses
• Toilet paper (1-2 rolls, take out the cardboard centre for easier packing)
• Camera, phone, or e-reader
• Spare batteries

10

Personal First-Aid Kit

• Blister plasters, different shapes and sizes
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Band-Aid or Elastoplast for minor cuts and scrapes
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol, over-the-counter pain relief
• Skin healing ointment, such as Aquaphor
• Imodium for diarrhoea
• Anti-nausea medication
• Any prescription medications
• Diamox (if using)

11

Ladies Only

• During your period, plan to change your tampon or pad 3-4 times daily
• Ziplock bags for used tampons and pads, these must be carried off the mountain
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, clean hands regularly
• Baby wipes or heavy-duty wipes
• Pee funnel: if you've ever wanted to pee standing up, now's your chance