Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear
One of the important prerequisites of a successful summit attempt is being properly equipped. Ensure that you are well equipped. Please remember to limit the weight of your duffel bag and its content to be carried by the porters on the climb to 15 kg (32 lbs.) or less. Extra luggage, including clean clothes to wear after your climb, can be left at the hotel in Moshi.
Available Gear Rental
Please note: This checklist is only a guideline.
Travel Documents
- Valid passport and visa
- Airline ticket
- International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever) .
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- US$ cash / Credit Card
Essential Items
- Duffel bag – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. To be carried by the porters. (Hence your sleeping bag needs to be able to cope with extremely cold temperatures. We recommend sleeping bags that have a rating at a minimum of -10 degrees Celsius (14 Fahrenheit). It is however better to have a warmer sleeping bag than a colder one – you would rather be too warm than too cold.)
- An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear
- Small luggage lock – to lock zippers
- Day backpack – between 20 – 35 litres. Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks & warm clothing
- Sleeping bag
- Ski-pole / walking stick
- Water bottle / containers
High Altitude Gear
- Waterproof, breathable & windproof jacket (outer wear like Ventex, Gore-Tex or Jeantex)
- Polar fleece (middle layer)
- Thermal underwear (under layers)
- Mittens or warm gloves
- One pair thermal (polertex) socks
- Balaclava
- Gaiters
- Thermal water flask
Hiking Gear
- Shorts
- Hiking pants
- Regular underwear
- T-shirts
Footwear
- Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – mid weight boots work great
- Socks – several pairs for the climb
- Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Equipment
- Sun hat or similar (with a brim)
- Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb
- Water purification tablets
- Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap
- Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
Personal Items
- Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc.)
- Towel
- Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
- Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust
- Toilet paper
- Money belt for passport and valuables
Medical and First Aid Supplies
- Headache tablets
- Diamox (if not allergic to sulpha)
- Diarrhoea – Imodium
- Nausea – Valoid
- Malaria – Prophylaxis or Malaron
- Painkillers.
- Muscular sprains
- Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages
- Antiseptic cream – Betadine
- Flu and colds.
- Eye drops.
- Insect repellent
Optional Items
- Camera, extra lenses and film (ASA 200 film recommended)
- Binoculars
- Powdered sports drinks for the climb (ex. Game or Isotonic drinks)
- Pocket knife
- Notebook & pencil
- Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape)
- Energy snacks and sweets