What To Pack For Your Hike
Packing your Kilimanjaro kit is one of the most important steps on the way to a successful climb. We have compiled our packing guide in order for first-time climbers and experts to use as a reference, although some recommendations might be obvious to experienced mountain climbers.
On Kilimanjaro, you will be trekking through four different climate zones (rainforest, moorland, alpine meadows, and Arctic desert). At the lower altitude of tropical rainforest, the weather is mostly humid and hot, while in the summit zone it is snowy, windy, and frosty. In addition, while the temperature is usually high during the day, it can drop to the freezing point at night.
You should be properly prepared for all these conditions.
Camping Equipment Supplied By ZAFS Included in Our Camping Treks
- A four-season three-man mountain tent that sleeps two people
- Quality thick mattress
- Dining tent including tables chairs and eating utensils
Rental Equipment
Having the right and quality gears and equipment is vital to successfully summit Kilimanjaro. We at ZAFS go the extra mile to ensure you have the right gear and equipment before you start the hike. We have added an option to rent ALL the gears and equipment on our itineraries here at the base of Kilimanjaro so you don’t have to spend any extra bucks to buy or rent them elsewhere. This allows you to travel light and hassle-free.
Our local chartered flights to Zanzibar for clients who require a beach holiday as an extension after having the hiking Kilimanjaro have a maximum luggage allowance of 15kg only. It is more pocket-friendly to hire from us than to buy new equipment or luggage weight may not allow you to bring all that you need. We have a wide variety of quality gears and equipment for you to try on and choose from based on your comfort and what you prefer.
If you’ve decided to add the rent gear, then just let our team know what you’d like to hire so we can arrange for you to try them on at your Pre-Climb Briefing. Alternatively, every single gear and equipment can also be hired on an individual basis.
Clothing
- Base layers: This will sit closest to your skin and will help to regulate your body temperature. Make sure you pick fabrics that will be quick to dry and breathable such as merino wool or bamboo. Alternatively, nylon, polyester and other synthetic materials work well for sweat-wicking.
- Insulating layers: Also known as middle layers which includes fleece jacket, down (may not be needed in the first couple days of the climb and so can be kept in your duffel bag) or synthetic insulated jacket.
- Outer Layers: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. (Top tip: jackets with elasticated wristbands are helpful in keeping out the cold and wind).
- Hiking pants: Lightweight and quick drying. (Top tip: we recommend convertible (zip-off) trousers that you can turn into shorts on warm days!)
- T-shirts: Moisture-wicking shirts for lower altitudes
- Underwear: Moisture-wicking and comfortable. Also keep two sets of thermal underwear for the colder temperatures near the top (one kept especially for summit day).
- Sports bras: Supportive and comfortable.
- Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking hiking socks. Bring with you – hiking socks, thermal socks (for summit day) and sock liners (to prevent blisters).
- Gloves: Lightweight gloves for lower altitudes and insulated waterproof gloves for higher altitudes.
- Hats: Wide-brimmed sun hat, beanie or balaclava for higher altitudes.
- Gaiters: Waterproof gaiters to keep snow and debris out of boots.
- Rain Poncho
Footwear
- Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof and well-fitting boots.
- Camp shoes: Lightweight and comfortable shoes for wearing around the camp.
Equipment
- Backpack: 35-45L capacity for your personal items, water and snacks. It should be comfortable enough for you to carry several hours a day. If it is not waterproof we suggest getting a rain cover.
- Drybags: Useful for protecting clothes in case there is a leak in your bag or for storing worn, sweaty clothes. (Please note: you’re not allowed to bring single-use plastic bags in Tanzania due to the plastic ban by the Government).
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for sub-zero temperatures. 4 seasons or -20 Deg C and compression sack.
- Sleeping Pad: Insulated and comfortable.
- Trekking Poles: Adjustable and durable poles for stability.
- Headlamp: With extra batteries for night hikes.
- Sunglasses: Polarised sunglasses with UV protection. These are essential! On summit day, you will be surrounded by snow and glaciers – when the sun reflects off the snow, it can cause snow blindness.
- Water Bottles: Insulated water bottles or hydration system. Must be able to carry 3.0L of water. Wide-mouthed bottle (minimum 1.0L) is required for summit night.
- Waterproof Duffel Bag: Max weight when full should be 15kg. This weight restriction includes your sleeping bag, whether you brought one with you or rented one from us. Your duffle will be carried by your porter.
Accessories
- Neck Gaiter: Versatile for sun protection and added warmth.
- Buff or Bandana: Multi-functional headwear.
- Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen for sun protection.
- Lip Balm: With SPF to protect your lips from sun and wind.
- Personal Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, toilet roll, etc. Women will also require their menstrual cycle products and maybe a urinating device that lets you pee whilst standing or a pee cloth.
- First Aid Kit: Including blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medication.
- Insect Repellent: Effective against mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Hand Sanitiser: To maintain hygiene on the mountain.
- Pee Bottle: If you prefer not to leave the tent at night.
- Glucose Powder or Tablets
- Towel: For wiping hands and face each day
Miscellaneous
- Cash: For tipping guides and porters.
- Travel Documents: Passport, permits, and insurance information.
- Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, and other high-energy snacks.
- Camera: To capture your climb memories.
- Extra Batteries and Chargers: For electronic devices.
- Travel Adapter: If needed for charging devices.
- Small Pillow
- Hot Water Bottle
- Playing Cards / Games
- Book or e-reader
- Journal and Pen
- Safety Pins
GEARS AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO RENT
| ITEM | PRICE |
| Balaclava | 5 USD |
| Day Pack | 20 USD |
| Down Jacket | 20 USD |
| Duffel Bag | 25 USD |
| Fleece Jacket | 10 USD |
| Fleece Trouser | 10 USD |
| Gaiters | 10 USD |
| Hydration Pack | 15 USD |
| Head Lamp | 15 USD |
| Hiking Boots | 25 USD |
| Hiking Pants | 10 USD |
| Liner Gloves | 5 USD |
| Oximeter | 25 USD |
| Rain Jacket | 15 USD |
| Rain Poncho | 20 USD |
| Rain Trouser | 15 USD |
| Rucksack | 25 USD |
| Rucksack Cover | 5 USD |
| Recovery Essentials | 5 – 15 USD |
| Scarf | 5 USD |
| Sleeping Bag (-15 degrees) | 35 USD |
| Sleeping Bag Liner | 10 USD |
| Sleeping Mattress | 15 USD |
| Socks | 5 USD |
| Summit Gloves | 10 USD |
| Summit Jacket (Ski Jacket) | 25 USD |
| Summit Trouser (Ski Trouser) | 20 USD |
| Sunglasses | 10 USD |
| Thermal Top | 10 USD |
| Walking Poles | 10 USD |
| Warm Hat | 5 USD |
| Water Bottle | 5 USD |
ZAFS Tours
May 25, 2023
