Kilimanjaro Packing List
What is a Kilimanjaro Packing List?
A Kilimanjaro packing list is a specialized selection of high-altitude gear and technical clothing designed to protect climbers across five distinct climate zones.
The list traditionally includes a moisture-wicking layering system, 4-season sleeping bags, and waterproof trekking boots, ensuring safety and comfort during a 5-to-9-day trek to the 5,895-meter summit.
How to Pack for Kilimanjaro: Core Principles
Before you start gathering your gear, keep these three golden rules of the mountain in mind:
The Power of Layering: You will experience everything from 30°C in the rainforest to -20°C at the summit. Your clothing must be a system of layers (Base, Mid, and Outer) that you can easily add or remove as your body temperature and the weather change.
Zero Cotton Policy: Cotton is your enemy on the mountain. Once it gets wet from sweat or rain, it stays wet, stealing your body heat and causing chills. Stick exclusively to synthetic fabrics or Merino wool.
Weight Matters: While you will have a daypack, the majority of your gear is carried by a porter in a duffel bag. We have a strict 15kg (33 lbs) weight limit for your main bag. Pack smart because every gram counts at high altitude.
Items to Pack for the Layering System
Base Layer Tops (3 Units) You need at least three moisture-wicking shirts (2 long-sleeve, 1 short-sleeve). Merino wool is highly recommended as it remains warm when damp and naturally resists odors over several days of trekking.
Trekking Pants (2 Pairs) These should be lightweight, quick-drying hiking trousers. Look for “convertible” versions that zip off into shorts for the warmer rainforest and moorland sections.
Mid-Layer Fleece (1 Unit) A mid-weight polyester fleece jacket or a heavy wool sweater. This layer provides essential insulation by trapping heat while remaining breathable during active hiking.
Insulated “Puffy” Jacket (1 Unit) A lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket. This is perfect for wearing around camp in the evenings when temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets.
Hard-Shell Waterproof Jacket (1 Unit) A high-quality, breathable waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) with an adjustable hood. This is your primary defense against wind and rain; ensure it fits comfortably over your other layers.
Hard-Shell Waterproof Pants (1 Unit) Breathable waterproof trousers that can be pulled over your trekking pants. Essential for the rainforest zone and for blocking the biting wind on the high alpine desert.
Summit Down Jacket (1 Unit) A heavy-duty, hooded down parka rated for temperatures as low as -15°C. This is a specialized layer used primarily for the midnight summit push and is your most critical piece of warmth.
Thermal Leggings (2 Pairs) One pair of lightweight and one pair of mid-weight thermal bottoms. These are worn under your trekking pants on summit night and provide extra warmth inside your sleeping bag at night.
Items to Protect Your Extremities : Head, Hands & Feet
Hiking Socks (5-6 Pairs) You need 5 to 6 pairs of medium-weight, moisture-wicking wool or synthetic socks. These are for your daily trekking; ensure they are high-quality to prevent friction and moisture buildup.
Thermal Summit Socks (1-2 Pairs) One or two pairs of thick, heavyweight thermal wool socks. These are reserved strictly for summit night and sleeping at high-altitude camps to keep your toes warm in sub-zero temperatures.
Lightweight Glove Liners (1 Pair) One pair of thin, moisture-wicking glove liners. These are used on lower slopes to protect against the sun and light wind while allowing you to use your camera or phone without exposing your skin.
Insulated Summit Mittens or Gloves (1 Pair) One pair of heavy-duty, waterproof insulated mittens or gloves rated for extreme cold. Mittens are often preferred for summit night as they keep fingers together for better heat retention.
Knit Thermal Hat (1-2 Units) One or two warm beanies or knit hats that cover your ears. You will wear these in the evenings at camp and throughout the final ascent to the summit.
Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat (1 Unit) One lightweight hat with a 360-degree brim. The sun at high altitudes is incredibly intense; this protects your face, ears, and neck from severe sunburn during the day.
Neck Gaiter or “Buff” (2 Units) Two versatile neck gaiters. These are essential for protecting your face from the biting wind on the summit and for filtering out the fine volcanic dust found on the higher trails.
UV-Protected Sunglasses (1 Pair) One pair of high-quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection (Category 3 or 4). At the summit, the sun’s reflection off the glaciers can cause “snow blindness” without proper eye protection.
Essential Trekking Gear & Equipment
Hiking Boots (1 Pair) One pair of high-quality, waterproof, and high-ankle boots. This is your most critical piece of gear. Ensure they are well-ventilated and, most importantly, fully broken-in at least a month before your climb to prevent blisters.
Daypack (1 Unit) A 25L to 35L lightweight backpack. This is what you carry personally each day. Look for a model with a built-in rain cover and adjustable hip and chest straps to distribute weight away from your shoulders.
Duffel Bag (1 Unit) One 70L to 90L soft-sided duffel bag. This will hold all your non-essential gear and is carried by the porters. It must be rugged and waterproof; avoid hard-shell suitcases as they are difficult for porters to carry.
Sleeping Bag (1 Unit) One 4-season sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C (0°C). Even in the “warm” season, mountain temperatures at 4,000m+ drop below freezing every night. A mummy-shaped bag is recommended for maximum heat retention.
Trekking Poles (1 Pair) One pair of adjustable, lightweight trekking poles. These are vital for maintaining balance on rocky terrain and reducing the impact on your knees and ankles by up to 30%, especially during the steep descent.
Headlamp (1 Unit) One high-output LED headlamp (200+ lumens). This is mandatory for the midnight summit push and for navigating the campsite after dark. Always pack two extra sets of fresh batteries, as the cold drains them faster.
Packing for Hydration & Nutrition
Hydration Bladder (1 Unit) A 2-liter to 3-liter hydration bladder (like a CamelBak) is the most effective way to stay hydrated. Having a drinking tube over your shoulder allows you to take frequent, small sips without stopping, which is the gold standard for maintaining hydration at high altitudes.
Insulated Water Bottle (1 Unit) One 1-liter wide-mouth Nalgene bottle is essential as a backup to your bladder. On summit night, hydration tubes often freeze; a wide-mouth bottle stored upside down in your pack is more reliable in arctic temperatures. It also doubles as a warm “hot water bottle” for your sleeping bag at night.
Water Purification Tablets (1 Pack) While Uisso Adventures provides purified water at every camp, having a backup pack of purification tablets (like Aquatabs) is a smart safety measure for your daypack. They are lightweight and ensure you always have access to safe drinking water in any situation.
Electrolyte Powder or Tablets (2-3 Tubes) Bring enough electrolyte supplements (like Nuun or Liquid I.V.) to add to at least one liter of water per day. These replenish vital salts lost through exertion and help your body absorb water more efficiently, which is a key defense against altitude-related headaches.
High-Energy Trail Snacks (10-15 Servings) Pack a variety of “go-to” snacks that you actually enjoy eating. At high altitudes, your appetite may drop, so bring energy-dense items like salted nuts, dark chocolate, dried fruit, or energy bars. These provide the quick glucose boosts needed for steep inclines.
Summit “Pocket” Treats (5-6 Servings) Reserved specifically for the final midnight ascent, these should be small, high-sugar items like hard candies, glucose biscuits, or energy gels. When the air is thin and the temperature is sub-zero, these easy-to-digest treats provide the critical burst of energy required for the final push to Uhuru Peak.
Health & Personal Hygiene Items
Biodegradable Wet Wipes (1 Large Pack) Since traditional showers aren’t available, wet wipes are your “mountain shower.” A large pack is essential for cleaning your hands, face, and body after a long day on the trail. Always choose biodegradable options to protect the mountain’s fragile ecosystem.
Hand Sanitizer (2 Small Bottles) A small, travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer is mandatory for use before every meal and after every toilet visit. Maintaining hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent stomach upsets during your trek.
High-SPF Sunscreen (1 Unit) The sun’s UV rays are significantly stronger at high altitudes. Bring a small tube of SPF 50+ sunscreen and apply it religiously to your face, neck, and any exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
SPF Lip Balm (1 Unit) The combination of wind, cold, and intense sun will dry out your lips quickly. A dedicated lip balm with SPF 30+ is essential to prevent painful cracking or sun blisters at higher elevations.
Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel (1 Unit) A small, lightweight microfiber towel is perfect for drying off after your morning wash with the hot water provided by our crew. These dry much faster than cotton and take up very little space in your daypack.
Personal First Aid & Medication (1 Small Kit) Pack a compact kit containing personal medications such as Ibuprofen for headaches, Imodium for stomach issues, and Diamox (if prescribed for altitude). Include a dedicated blister kit with Compeed or moleskin to treat “hot spots” before they become a problem.
5 Items Most People Forget
- Spare Camera & Phone Batteries (2–3 Sets) The extreme cold on Kilimanjaro drains lithium-ion batteries significantly faster than usual. Keep your spare batteries (and your phone) inside your sleeping bag at night and close to your body during the day to keep them warm and functional.
- Extra Zip-Lock & Dry Bags (5–6 Units) You can never have enough waterproof storage. Use various sizes of Zip-lock bags to organize your electronics, documents, and snacks. Large dry bags are also a lifesaver for keeping your “summit clothes” bone-dry inside your duffel, even during a tropical downpour.
- High-Capacity Power Bank (1 Unit) With no charging stations at the camps, a 10,000 to 20,000 mAh power bank is essential. This ensures your camera, phone, and GPS watch stay powered throughout the 5–9 day trek, allowing you to document every moment of your journey.
- Earplugs & Eye Mask (1 Set) Mountain camps can be surprisingly noisy, with the sounds of wind, flapping tents, and fellow climbers preparing for early starts. A good pair of earplugs and an eye mask are essential for ensuring you get the deep, restorative sleep required for the summit.
- Personal “Treat” or Comfort Food (2–3 Units) By day five or six, your appetite might wane due to the altitude. Bringing a favorite “luxury” snack—like a specific brand of beef jerky, gourmet chocolate, or your favorite herbal tea bags—can provide a much-needed psychological boost when things get tough.
You can Rent Most of the Items in Moshi
You don’t have to buy all of the items in this guide.
Contact us for an affordable way to get most of these items in Moshi.