Kilimanjaro Packing List

Layering is everything on Kilimanjaro. You’ll need at least three upper-body layers plus a waterproof shell.

• Base layer (moisture-wicking) — 2–3 merino wool or synthetic tops. Avoid cotton.Merino resists odour better on multi-day treks
• Mid layer (fleece or softshell) — 1–2 light fleeces for active climbing.You’ll wear this most days during the trek
• Insulating layer (down or synthetic) — 1 warm jacket for camp and summit night.Down is warmer but useless if wet; synthetic is safer
• Waterproof shell jacket — 1 reliable Gore-Tex or equivalent.Must be breathable — you’ll sweat in it
• Lightweight windbreaker — 1 for windy lower sections.Optional if your shell is breathable enough

• Trekking trousers — 2 pairs, lightweight and quick-drying.Convertible zip-off trousers are ideal
• Fleece or softshell trousers — 1 pair for camp and colder days.
• Waterproof over-trousers — 1 pair with full side zips.Side zips let you put them on without removing boots
• Base layer leggings — 1–2 pairs for summit night.Merino or synthetic, not cotton
• Shorts — 1 pair for lower altitude days.Optional but nice in the forest zone

• Waterproof hiking boots — mid to high cut, broken in.Break them in for at least 2 months before your climb
• Camp shoes or sandals — 1 pair for evenings.Your boots need to rest and dry out overnight
• Gaiters — 1 pair for mud, dust, and snow.Essential during rainy season, useful year-round
• Hiking socks — 4–5 pairs, merino or synthetic.Liner socks reduce blister risk
• Liner socks — 2–3 pairs.Optional but recommended for blister prevention

• Warm hat or beanie — 1 for summit night.You lose most body heat through your head
• Sun hat or cap — 1 for lower altitude days.
• Buff or neck gaiter — 1–2 for dust, cold, and sun protection.
• Balaclava — 1 for summit night wind.Optional but highly recommended
• Insulated gloves — 1 pair for summit night.Must be warm enough for -15°C
• Lightweight glove liners — 1 pair for dexterity.Wear under insulated gloves or alone on warmer days
• Sunglasses — category 3 or 4 UV protection.Essential — snow blindness is real at altitude

• Sleeping bag — rated to -10°C or lower.Four-season down bag recommended. Rentals available
• Sleeping bag liner — adds warmth and keeps bag clean.Silk or fleece. Adds 5–10°C of warmth
• Inflatable pillow — 1 small.Optional — you can use a stuff sack with clothes
• Earplugs — 1 pair.Camps are noisy — wind, porters, other climbers
• Eye mask — 1.Optional but helpful for early nights

• Duffel bag — 80–100L, carried by porters.Must weigh under 15kg. Waterproof or with rain cover
• Daypack — 30–40L, carried by you.Holds water, snacks, layers, camera, and essentials
• Daypack rain cover — 1.Essential — afternoon showers are common
• Dry bags or stuff sacks — 3–4 of various sizes.Organise clothing and keep it dry
• Plastic bags — 2–3.For wet clothes and rubbish

• Water bottles — 2 x 1L wide-mouth Nalgene.Wide-mouth prevents freezing at altitude
• Hydration bladder — 2–3L.Optional — tube can freeze on summit night
• Water purification tablets — 1 pack.Backup if your operator’s purification is questionable
• Electrolyte tablets — 1 pack.Essential for replacing salts lost through sweat
• Energy snacks — trail mix, energy bars, chocolate.Bring more than you think you need
• Insulated bottle cover — 1.Prevents water freezing on summit night

• Diamox (Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor.Prescription altitude sickness medication
• Ibuprofen or Paracetamol — for headaches and aches.Altitude headaches are common
• Immodium — for stomach issues.Dietary changes can affect your digestion
• Blister plasters — Compeed or similar.Prevention is better than cure — treat hot spots early
• Lip balm with SPF — 1.Lips burn quickly at altitude
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — 1.UV is intense at altitude, even when cloudy
• Personal first aid kit — plasters, bandages, antiseptic.Your guide carries a group kit, but bring personal items
• Any prescription medication — enough for the full trip.Bring copies of prescriptions

• Headlamp — 1 with spare batteries.Essential for summit night and camp
• Camera or phone — 1.Bring extra batteries — cold drains them fast
• Power bank — 1 large capacity.No charging on the mountain. 20,000mAh minimum
• Universal adapter — 1 for Tanzania.UK-style three-pin plugs are standard
• Watch — 1.Optional — phone works fine

• Toiletries — travel-sized.Biodegradable soap preferred
• Wet wipes — 1–2 packs.No showers on the mountain
• Hand sanitiser — 1 bottle.Essential before meals
• Toilet paper — 2 rolls.Bring your own — don’t rely on camp supplies
• Trekking poles — 1 pair.Reduce knee strain on descents. Rentals available
• Book or Kindle — 1.Optional for rest days and evenings
• Passport and copies — 1.Keep copies separate from original
• Cash (USD) — for tips and souvenirs.Budget $250–$400 for tips