Climbing Gear and Kit List

It is essential that your clothing fits loosely and comfortably to allow for proper layering, which helps maintain a comfortable body temperature during your Kilimanjaro trek. You’ll need one pair of lightweight pants (like Supplex or stretch woven) and one pair of hiking shorts, often worn over lightweight long underwear bottoms. A lightweight long underwear top (Patagonia-Capilene, REI) is recommended, along with a mid-weight long underwear top in a zip T-neck design (light colors are better for sun exposure). For the bottom, choose lightweight long underwear in dark colors and a mid-weight underwear bottom for added comfort. Pack four pairs of synthetic or cotton briefs, and two short-sleeved shirts made of synthetic material for moisture wicking. A fleece or synthetic jacket (Polartec 100 or 200) is ideal, or a synthetic fill jacket (Primaloft or Polarguard) for extra warmth. For pants, synthetic-fill options like Mountain Hardwear Chugach 3D Pant with full side zips are highly recommended, though fleece pants work as a suitable alternative. A medium-weight down insulated jacket with a hood (North Face Lhotse or Summit Jacket) will provide warmth, and a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants (Gore-Tex) with full-length side zips are essential for protection from rain and wind, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable in changing weather conditions.

For your Kilimanjaro trek, it’s important to pack appropriate gloves and headwear for various conditions. Lightweight synthetic liner gloves (such as Patagonia Capilene) are essential for base layer protection, while Windstopper fleece gloves provide extra warmth and wind resistance. Mittens with pile liners (Outdoor Research) are recommended for summit day when temperatures can drop significantly. Pack two to three traditional cotton bandanas, as they are versatile and useful for many purposes, with larger sizes being ideal. A lightweight sun hat with a good brim or visor will protect your face from the sun, while a wool or fleece hat will keep your head warm and cover your ears. A balaclava is also crucial; it should fit under your hat or be thick enough to wear on its own for added protection against cold weather.

Sunglasses #1: For high altitude. One pair of high quality 100%UV and 100%IR with a minimum of 80% light reduction, side shields such as those found on “glacier glasses” are not recommended, but size and shape of lens should offer maximum protection from bright light on snow.
Sunglasses #2: One pair high quality 100%UV and 100%IR, for lower elevations, also as a backup. It is important to have a spare pair of sunglasses.
Headlamp w/ spare bulb: AA or AAA battery powered (Petzl or Black Diamond)
Spare Batteries: Bring plenty for reading in tents at night.

For your Kilimanjaro trek, a properly sized backpack is crucial. Choose a 3000 cubic inch or larger internal frame pack with a top-opening, mountaineer’s rucksack style, which is easier to pack with cold hands and better distributes weight. Avoid large zippers and excessive outside pockets. A pack cover large enough to protect your backpack from rain and dust is also essential. For sleeping, bring a sleeping bag rated for minus 10F to 0F with a minimum 700 fill down (brands like Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, or The North Face), and a full-length inflating sleeping pad like Therm-a-rest, or a foam pad like Ridgerest. For hydration, bring two 1-liter leak-proof wide-mouth water bottles (Nalgene Poly or Lexan) and a lightweight steel thermal bottle (Zojirushi or Nissan) to keep drinks warm on summit day. A pee bottle (1-quart, Nalgene) and a pee funnel for women (Freshette) are optional but useful. A small pack towel (PackTowl) is ideal; avoid bulky terrycloth towels. Trekking poles (adjustable Leki or Black Diamond) will help with steep, muddy trails and high elevations. Finally, a Swiss army knife is recommended, but remember to pack it in your checked luggage for flights, as scissors are often the most useful feature.

Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, non-oily (Dermatone or Terrapin)
Lipscreen: SPF 30 or higher (any brand)
Toiletry kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, soap, comb/brush, shave kit, (bring travel size bottles to keep your kit small).
First-aid kit: Ibuprofen/Aspirin, assorted band-aids, moleskin, Neosporin-type suave, small gauze pad, roll of adhesive tape, tweezers, safety pins. Include any prescription travel meds that might be prescribed by your doctor (antibiotics, Diamox, sleep aids).
Large trash compactor bags: For waterproofing some items inside your duffel.
Zip-loc bags: These are always useful.
Baby wipes
Earplugs: Very useful for sleeping in tents and lodges. Available in most hardware stores.
Water purification tablets: Such as Potable Aqua brand iodine tablets. You will be given plenty of purified water during your trek, but one bottle of backup purification tablets is always a good idea for your travels.

For your Kilimanjaro and safari adventure, you’ll need a variety of essential gear. A River Dry Bag (115-liter size) is required for porters to carry on the mountain and can be purchased from brands like Cascades Design, Cabella’s, or REI. Additionally, a large expedition duffel bag (such as the Eagle Creek or North Face Expedition Duffel, XL) is necessary for flying to Africa and storing at your hotel in Moshi while you’re on the mountain and during safari. A small travel bag (like Wild Things “Carry On”) is important for your safari nights. Nylon stuff sacks (2 or 3) will help keep your gear organized. For safari, pack comfortable clothes for warm days and cooler mornings/evenings, and a lightweight travel jacket for chillier evenings (around 40°F/5-8°C in July and August). Don’t forget workout clothes or a bathing suit for hotels, as well as a passport belt/pouch for safe keeping. You may want to bring a book, journal, binoculars (8×32 or 10×42), and a camera with extra lenses, film, or memory cards for safari photos (film can be expensive, and memory cards are rare in East Africa, so bring plenty). Make sure to carry these items in your carry-on for easy access and inspection.