Mt Kilimanjaro Packing List

On this page is a list of items we recommend you bringing on Kilimanjaro climbs. As Kilimanjaro can be rainy, please carry waterproof jacket and pants in your day pack. A good pair of waterproof hiking shoes is also necessary for each day of hiking and most importantly, the final summit day.

Although our head guides carry first aid kits, we recommend that each person has their own first aid kit with essentials such as topical antibiotic, bandages, moleskin and prescription medicines. Please note that you may need to alter the quantity of items listed on the packing list based on the length of your climb.

Because of weight restrictions on porters’ bags, each climber’s gear bag must weigh no more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds). We place your gear bag in a waterproof bag after you arrive at the gate. We recommend packing your sleeping bag and clothing inside plastic bags in case of heavy downpours.

Porters will walk ahead of you on the trail. The same porter will carry your bag each day and will place it in your tent’s vestibule. Your tents will be set up when you arrive at camp, but you will unpack your own gear bag.

In addition to your gear bag, please pack a day pack to carry during the hike each day.

We recommend carrying the following items in your day pack:

• rain gear
• 2 – 4 liters of water
• Camera
• Lunch
• extra fleece jacket
• passport and money.

If you usually drink a lot of water while hiking, we recommend carrying 4 liters in your day pack. You will not have access to the luggage carried by the porter until you reach the camp/hut each evening. Be sure your day pack has a waist strap and good back and shoulder support.

The items below are available for rent in Tanzania.

All prices are for the duration of the climb.

Mountaineering sleeping tents, mattresses and pillows are included in the price of your climb. A dining tent as well as tables and chairs are also provided in the price of the climb.

• 0 degree Fahrenheit sleeping bag:                             $40 each
• Insulated jacket or Shell/insulated layer combination:    $35 each
• Walking stick (pair):                                                   $35 each
• Jackets and pants:                                                   $20 each item
• Hats, gloves, gaiters and balaclava:                          $15 each item

Please give us as much notice as possible on items you need to rent as we have limited quantities of some items.

Clothing, gear, and personal items                                  Item Quantity

• waterproof hiking boots                                               1
• tennis shoes or light hikers                                          1
• wool or polypro socks – medium/heavyweight           5
• polypro shirt, sock liners                                             2 of each
• polypro long underwear (top & bottom)                        2
• hiking shorts                                                           2
• hiking pants/fleece pants                                    1 of each
• wool or fleece sweater/pull-over                                 3
• water/wind-proof (Goretex) shell jacket                      1
• insulated rain/wind (Goretex) climbing pants               1
• wool or fleece gloves – medium weight                       1
• wind/waterproof gloves — heavy weight                   1
• wool or synthetic stocking cap — windproof                1
• sun hat                                                                    1
• balaclava                                                                  1
• gaiters                                                                     1
• sunglasses                                                                1
• walking stick                                                              1 pair
• expedition pack or duffel bag                                    1
• day pack & waterproof pack cover                            1
• sleeping bag (rated to 0°F)                                      1
• headlamp & spare bulb                                           1
• camp towel                                                           1
• 1 liter water bottle/CamelBack (useful for summit night) 4
• sun cream and lip balm – 30+SPF                                   1
• large plastic garbage bags and ziploc bags of various sizes  1
• lightweight toilet articles – toothbrush & paste, floss, hand and face cleansers
• Wet Ones and tissues                                                  1
• extra batteries                                                           6
• travel wallet                                                              1
• Camera                                                                    1

energy bars, electrolyte powder & snacks (energy gel/gu is best for summit day)

Please note energy bars are not available in Tanzania         2 per day

First aid kit

• Anti-malarial medicines doses
• Cipro (GI, general antibiotic) 1 dose
• Diamox (altitude) doses
• headache medicine (Ibuprofen) as needed
• Imodium (diarrhea medicine) as needed
• Pepto or Antacid (Rolaids) rolls (stomach acid medicine) as needed
• Flu/sinus medicine as needed
• Neosporin (cuts) as needed
• Band-Aids as needed
• moleskin for blisters at least 3 sheets