Getting your gear right is one of the most important things you can do before climbing Kilimanjaro. I have seen climbers arrive with too much, climbers arrive with too little, and climbers arrive with the wrong things entirely. After 14 years on this mountain, here is everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Headwear
The mountain gives you everything: burning sun at the base, freezing wind near the summit. Your head needs protection at both extremes.
Wide-brimmed sun hat, essential for the lower forest and moorland zones
Warm beanie, for cold nights at camp and the summit push
Neck gaiter (buff), one of the most versatile items you can pack
Balaclava, for high altitude, especially summit night
Wraparound sunglasses with UV protection, because the snow glare above 5,000m is intense
Optional: a hat clip or cord, because the wind above Barafu Camp is stronger than most people expect
Upper Body
The golden rule on Kilimanjaro is layering. You will start a day’s hike in warm sunshine and finish it in freezing wind. You need to be able to add and remove layers quickly.
3 short-sleeve shirts
2 long-sleeve shirts
Merino wool base layer, worth every penny, wicks moisture and stays warm even when damp
Fleece jacket, your mid-layer insulation
Down jacket, absolutely essential above 4,000m and on summit night
Waterproof and breathable rain jacket, not optional
Thin glove liners plus thick warm gloves, you need both
Optional: waterproof over-gloves for the summit push in extreme cold
Lower Body
2 to 3 pairs of hiking trousers
2 thermal base layer leggings, for evenings, cold mornings, and the summit
Fleece trousers, extra insulation at high camp
Hiking socks, bring both thick and thin pairs
Well broken-in hiking boots, the single most important item on this list
Comfortable camp shoes or sandals, because your feet will thank you after a long day
Gaiters (optional), useful in snow and mud on certain routes
Essential Gear
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C or -15°C, because summit night gets very cold
Inflatable sleeping mat, since a foam mat is provided but an extra inflatable mat adds real comfort
Day pack, 20 to 30 litres, for your water, snacks, layers, and camera during the hike
Durable duffel bag for your porter, waterproof strongly recommended
Headlamp with spare batteries, which you will absolutely need for the midnight summit start
Trekking poles, which I strongly recommend for everyone, not just beginners. They reduce knee strain on the long descent and help enormously on steep sections
Power bank or solar charger, because there is no electricity on the mountain
2 to 3 litres of water capacity, bottles or hydration bladder, your choice
Camera or phone
Waterproof bags or zip-lock bags, to protect electronics and documents
Quick-dry towel
Snacks and energy bars, bring more than you think you need
Small personal first aid kit, because blister pads are the most used item by far
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
High-SPF sunscreen, since the sun at altitude is far more intense than at sea level
Lip balm with SPF, because cracked lips are painful and very common above 4,000m
Insect repellent, needed at the lower elevations especially
Any personal medication you use regularly
Priscus’s Top Tips
1. Layer, layer, layer. Base layer, insulating layer, waterproof outer layer. You will use all three on the same day.
2. Break in your boots before you arrive. New boots on summit day is one of the most common reasons people struggle. Wear them on long walks at home for at least a month before your climb.
3. Pack light. Your porter carries your duffel bag. Use them. Save your energy for the mountain.
4. Keep electronics in waterproof bags. Even without rain, condensation in the tent can damage your phone and camera.
5. Eat and drink consistently. Even when you are not hungry or thirsty, keep fuelling. Altitude suppresses appetite but your body still needs energy.
