A Packing Guide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
A packing guide that will save your life - quite literally.
After six months of planning, researching, training and spending all my mula on equipment and hiking gear, I felt ready to take on the roof of Africa. I remember my mum dragging me around all the typical sports and outdoor shops. ‘Soph, you’ll need a warm jacket, walking boots, gloves, backpack…’ - the list felt endless. To be fair, I was taking on my first, solo hiking challenge and I had to be ready. Once I was on the mountain, I quickly realised that these items were a great investment, and I probably should have spent more. I still somehow overpacked and bought things I didn’t need. Amateur right? Haha.
On that first freezing cold night, £25 for a pair of walking socks were the least of my worries…
Here is a list of all the essentials you WILL need on the mountain:
Essential clothing:
A warm waterproof jacket. (North Face, Peter Storm.)
2 warm fleeces.
A few lightweight, breathable t-shirts.
Thermal long-sleeved shirt and thermal leggings.
2 pairs of hiking trousers - some can zip off at the knee to make shorts.
Waterproof trousers to put over your hiking trousers.
2 pairs of gloves. One smaller and one larger to put over the top.
5 pairs of ordinary socks.
2 pairs of warm, thick walking socks.
Comfy, waterproof, high top walking boots. Preferably Gore-Tex.
A neck gaiter.
Jogging bottoms and a long shirt for pyjamas.
Sports bras and breathable underwear.
A cap.
A woolly hat.
Sunglasses.
Backpack essentials: (what you will carry)
Camelbak 2L bladder.
Thermos flask. (In case water freezes.)
Sunscreen.
Snacks. (Protein bars and energy/sugar boosters.)
Mobile phone.
Camera - GoPro or waterproof equivalent.
Baby wipes.
ID and any medical notes.
Diamox. (Altitude sickness medication.)
Squash concentrate to flavour up the water.
Paracetamol and other medications.
*you will need to provide your own backpack and should be waterproof and lightweight.
Duffle bag essentials: (what the porter will carry)
Extra clothes and items needed for the whole trip.
Extra pair of slip-on shoes or trainers.
Washing bag - toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, face wipes, deodorant, moisturiser.
Power bank to charge devices.
Small pillow.
A small amount of cash.
Home country flag for your summit photo.
Tent, sleeping bag, mattress, food and water will also be carried by the porters.
*you can bring your own duffle bag or you can rent one from your tour company for a small charge.
Essentials to leave at the hotel:
Phone charger - promise you won’t need it.
Nice outfit for celebratory evening post-hike.
Make-up. (Gals, don’t bother!)
Passport, travel documents etc. Locked in your suitcase.
Flight travelling clothes.
All other non-essential items.
