Climbing Kilimanjaro is a major undertaking. Having the correct equipment will not only help make your trip more enjoyable, it could be the difference between a successful or failed summit attempt. We have consulted with a number of the leading tour operators to draw up a list of essential and recommended kit to assist you in your preparation. On all mountain treks you will encounter a wide range of temperatures, particularly if you are at altitude, so it is essential to have clothing that will keep you comfortable in heat and warm the cold. The best option is to take a variety of thin layers which you can adjust as the temperature fluctuates.
If your planning a trip to Kilimanjaro have a read of our kit list below or download our printable Kit List
Baggage and Sleeping kit for climbing Kilimanjaro:
- Large Rucksack or Duffel bag, 70-90 litres capacity (for kit carried by porter)
- Backpack, 30-40 litres (for personal use on mountain; ready-access items) with a hip belt for support.
- Sleeping Bag - this should be a 4/5 seasons bag (rated to minimum -10 Celsius) A Down Fill is ideal as it is much lighter and more compact than an equally warm sleeping bag constructed with synthetic insulation
- Waterproof rucksack liner or heavy duty plastic sack
- Elasticated waterproof rucksack cover
- Self inflating sleeping mat and repair kit
Clothing for climbing Kilimanjaro:
Top:
- Waterproof and breathable jacket - Gore-Tex, eVent or similar.
- Lightweight, trekking tops - made from breathable, quick-drying materials such as merino wool or Polypropylene
- Heavyweight Baselayer - Merino Wool
- Lightweight Fleece.
- Insulated down jacket or similar.
Legs:
- Lightweight walking trousers (avoid jeans or heavy cotton as they chafe and dry slowly)
- Heavier weight walking trousers (Softshell is a good option)
- Thermal long-johns
- Underwear (breathable underwear is recommended for additional comfort)
- Waterproof and breathable trousers
Feet:
- Waterproof walking boots - a Gore-Tex membrane or similar is advised. Trekking on Kilimanjaro you will encounter a variety of challenging terrain. A walking boot with a sturdy sole, good ankle support and a deep tread pattern will offer the best stability and support to your foot. When trying boots also consider additional insoles as these can improve fit and offer additional support to the foot.
- Mountaineering Socks - 1 pair for summit day
- Good quality hiking socks (3 pairs per week is advisable)
- Liner socks (3 pairs)
- Gaiters
Head and Hands:
- Down mittens or similar.
- Liner Gloves
- Balaclava, scarf or Buff
- Gore-Tex Mountain Cap or Woollen Hat
- Wide brimmed sun hat to protect face, ears and neck
Essential Trail Equipment:
- Water bottles to carry 3 litres of water. (A hydration bladder is a good alternative as this allows you to drink on the move.)
- Head torch with spare batteries and bulb for summit night & tent admin
- Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses - We suggest that they meet EU Class 4 standards with a ‘wraparound’ design to avoid UV rays and snow blindness on summit day
Hygiene related gear for use on Kilimanjaro:
- Sun cream and lip balm must be high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) i.e. 30+ (sweat resistant is ideal)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
- ‘Wet wipes’ or hand sanitizer gel for camps where water isn’t available
- Toilet paper
- Hairbrush / comb
- Sanitary products
- Toiletries and travel towel
- Lip salve with UV protection
- Ear plugs
- Spare Contact Lenses and fluid, if worn
- Vaseline, to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters
Health related items for Kilimanjaro:
- Malaria Tablets (if you choose to take these. Most will seek advice from their GP. Note that some anti-malarial courses need to commence several weeks before departure)
Personal Small First Aid Kit to be carried by each climber on Kilimanjaro:
- Pain Killers (Ibuprofen)
- Paracetamol
- Zinc oxide tape and small scissors.
- Compeed Blister Pads
- Loperamide Diahorrea Tablets
- Any medication you normally use
- Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs
- Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops
Other recommended items for climbing Kilimanjaro:
- Telescopic or folding walking poles - Provide support and stability and reduce strain on knees whilst descending.
- Optional but recommended: Mountain Fuel (inter-meal energy supplements and recovery drinks)
- Optional but recommended: Nuun hydration aids (portable electrolyte replacement tablets)
- High energy snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts)
- Camera and film or Digital Camera and spare memory cards
- Watch
- Spare Boot Laces
- Tough, thermally efficient blizzard survival bag. - We strongly recommend that all climbers possess one of these, especially when training alone or in small groups while preparing for Kilimanjaro. On Kilimanjaro, perhaps 10 - 15% of climbers complain to their guides of being cold in their sleeping bags, despite using a bag that is rated for minus 20 degrees C or lower. This is because the body generates less heat when there is relatively little oxygen available. Having one of these bags will reflect much of that precious heat back to where it’s needed.
Supplementary kit list for Western Breach climbers:
Please note that the following items may not be deemed to be necessary by all climbers , unless current conditions are known to be particularly adverse. We present the following for the benefit of those who wish to err on the side of caution with respect to maximising personal protection against known seasonal risks that occur on the Western Breach, including rock-fall, sub-surface ice that forms after meltwater run-off refreezes and makes traction difficult, and occasional deep snow that collects in some re-entrants.
- Articulated 12 / 14 point crampons
- Ice-axe
- Helmet (rock-fall should be considered a risk throughout the year)
- 30 metre length of 8.5mm climbing rope
- Basic climbing harness
