A cursory search for a Kilimanjaro Kit List on the web returns a number of unsatisfactory results that admittedly go some way in providing an overview of the key gear requirements, but fall woefully short in terms of explaining why and what is needed in detail.
We know that for our readers the devil is in the detail, so a few years ago we set out to produce a complete and reliable Kilimanjaro packing list.
In browsing this Kilimanjaro packing list we recommend using the quicklinks on each page to jump to key sections, and bookmarking this page so that you can return to it as your preparations unfold.
Please also share our list with fellow trekking parters, or link to it from your blog or social networks as a resource for future trekkers.
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Kilimanjaro Packing List
Our Kilimanjaro gear list is split into a number of key sections. Use the links below to navigate to each section.
Buying vs. Renting
Typically you get two types of trekkers on Kilimanjaro. Those who are unprepared and under-equipped, and those who have spent an arm and leg on equipment that they will unlikely use during their hike.
In this Kilimanjaro packing list we hope to provide a happy medium between the two that covers all mandatory equipment that we recommend you should purchase in preparation for your adventure.
If you happen to forget a few things you can usually hire from your tour company or buy equipment from the various hawkers who loiter outside the route gates trying to sell you everything under the sun. Remember if you decide to buy from these guys they will always try to overcharge. Bartering is just the way it is done in Tanzania.
Also available from AmazonKilimanjaro Gear List
Here is a quick list of all the gear that you need to pack for your Kilimanjaro trek. We've include links to our personal recommendations.
Clothing
(click for details)
- 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
- Top and Bottom Base Layer - Icebreaker or SmartWool
- 3-4 Short Sleeve and 1-2 Long Sleeve Trekking Shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
- 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket - Helly Hansen or The North Face
- 1 Insulated Winter Jacket - Arc'Teryx Atom or The North Face Nuptse
- 1 Insulated Trekking Pants
- 1 Hard Shell Jacket - The North Face Resolve
- Lightweight Raingear
Headgear
(click for details)
- Sun Hat, ideally with a neck cover
- Warm Beanie or Fleece Headband
- Bandana or Neck Gaiter - TYTN Neck Warmer
- Headlamp - PETZL Tikka
- Sunglasses
Hands and Walking
(click for details)
- Lightweight Inner Gloves - New Balance Lightweight Gloves
- Warm Outer Gloves / Mitts - Eiger Gore-Tex Glove or Black Diamond Mercury Mitts
- Adjustable Trekking Poles - TYTN Carbon X Trekking Poles or Black Diamond Alpine
Footwear
(click for details)
- Mid-weight Hiking Boots - Salomon Quest or KEEN Targhee
- Camp Trainers / Trekking Sandals
- 4-5 Pairs of Trekking Socks - SmartWool or Bridgedale
- 1 Pair of Warm / Thick Trekking Socks
Bags and Daypack
(click for details)
- 80-90L Waterproof Duffle Bag - TYTN 90L Duffel Bag or The North Face Base Camp Duffel
- 20-30L Daypack - Osprey Packs Talon 22
- Daypack Raincover
- Travel Bag Organisers (Optional)
Sleeping Accessories
(click for details)
- 4-Season Sleeping Bag - Marmot Trestles or Mountain Hardwear Unisex Lamina
- Insulated Sleeping Mat
- Inflatable Pillow (optional)
General Accessories
(click for details)
- Large Volume Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder - Camelbak Eddy Bottle or Platypus Hydration Bladder
- Water Purification Tablets
- Baby Wipes
- Sweat Resistant Suncream
- Blister Platers
- Insect Repellant
- General Medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)
- Pee Bottle (optional)
Technology
(click for details)
- Camera
- GoPro (optional)
- Solar Backpack Charger (optional)
- Spare Batteries and Camera Memory Card
- Kindle with Back Light (optional)
Other Bits and Bobs
(click for details)
- Energy Bars
- Energy Drink Supplement
- Zip Lock Bags for Important Possessions (Passport, Money etc.)
- Trekking Towel
- Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper
- Passport, Visa, Insurance, Yellow Fever Card (if applicable)
- Small Lock for your Duffle Bag
Also available from AmazonKilimanjaro Kit List for the Western Breach
The Western Breach is the most technically challenging approach to Kilimanjaro. It was closed for a short period in early 2006 after a fatal rockfall claimed the lives of three trekkers. It has however re-opened with a new and safer route configuration, and is steadily growing in popularity.
For trekkers interested in the Western Breach we recommend reading our route description here.
There are some specific Kilimanjaro kit requirements for the Western Breach that you should be aware of. Many of these items are not mandatory, however should conditions on the Western Breach be adverse you may need the following:
- Climbing helmet to protect your head from the potential risk of falling rocks
- An ice axe and point crampons – it is unlikely that you will need these items, however if you are climbing during the wet season it is likely you will encounter sub-surface ice from refrozen meltwater and deep snow. Usually your guides will have the correct gear to cut steps on these sections (we recommend you confirm with your tour operator exactly what gear you will need for the Western Breach)
It is very unusual to need rope or a climbing harness. Again we recommend you confirm with your tour operator which Kilimanjaro kit list they recommend you bring should you decided to climb the Western Breach.
Tags: Kilimanjaro kit list, Kilimanjaro packing list, Kilimanjaro gear list, Kilimanjaro equipment list, Kilimanjaro gear, Kilimanjaro equipment
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We do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote from our recommended tour operator click Get a Quote.
