What is the Best Sleeping Bag for Climb Kilimanjaro?
What is important in a sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro?
When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the first questions people usually ask is, “How cold does it get?” On the lower slopes, in the rain forest zone, temperatures are regularly around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. But just above that, in the heath and moorland zone, nighttime temperatures can already drop below freezing. This is just day two of most climb itineraries. You can see how quickly it gets cold on Kilimanjaro.
The highest camps where most visitors will sleep are located about 15,000 feet to 16,000 feet high, in the alpine desert zone. Nighttime temperatures here hover around freezing, but can easily be much colder than that, as Kilimanjaro’s weather is volatile and unpredictable. So when choosing a sleeping bag, you want a warm, four season bag.
What Temperature Rating Do I Need? Best Sleeping Bag for Climb Kilimanjaro
We recommend getting a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 0F/-18C or warmer (-20F/-29C).
Some people tend to sleep “warm” or “cold” – meaning that some get hot at night while others feel cold in the same conditions (most females tend to sleep cold).
Someone who sleeps warm can use a bag with a higher temperature rating than someone who sleeps cold. However, we recommend the warmer bags to be on the safe side because the temperature can always be regulated by wearing less clothing while inside the bag, unzipping the bag partially or all the way, using the bag as a cover sheet, or not using the mummy hood.
Which Sleeping Bag Do You Recommend?
Mountain Hardwear Lamina -30F
Best Sleeping Bag for Climb Kilimanjaro, We really like the Mountain Hardwear Lamina -30 Sleeping Bag.
This is the same sleeping bag we use for our rentals. The high-loft synthetic insulation provides massive warmth that fights off the bitter cold of Kilimanjaro. An external DWR coating helps the shell material resist moisture. Our clients love these sleeping bags for their warmth and spaciousness.
Mountain Hardwear also makes the Lamina with different temperature ratings.
- Mountain Hardwear Lamina -30 F Sleeping Bag
- Mountain Hardwear Lamina -15 F Sleeping Bag
- Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0 F Sleeping Bag
The second sleeping bag we recommend is The North Face Inferno -20F/-29C Sleeping Bag.
Sleeping bag has water resistant fabric on the hood and footbox and is stuffed with hydrophobic down clusters. It keeps its warmth even in wet weather. A center half-length zipper makes getting in and out a breeze.
These temperature ratings are also available:
- The North Face Inferno -40F/-40C Sleeping Bag
- The North Face Inferno -0F/-18C Sleeping Bag
