On Kilimanjaro you start in warm rainforest and finish on an arctic summit, often at −15 °C before sunrise. The trick is layers, not bulk. Your porters carry up to 15 kg of your kit, and you carry a day pack with what you need between camps.
Clothing, from skin out
- 2–3 moisture-wicking base layers (no cotton)
- A warm fleece or light synthetic jacket
- A down or heavy synthetic summit jacket
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers, plus thermal leggings for the summit night
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff, liner gloves and insulated mittens
On your feet
Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support matter more than anything else on this list. Bring 3–4 pairs of wool hiking socks and a pair of camp shoes for the evenings.
In your day pack
- 3 litres of water capacity (bottles or a bladder, with an insulated cover for summit night)
- Sunscreen, lip balm and category 3–4 sunglasses
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Snacks you actually like eating
- A small first-aid kit and any personal medication
Rent it in Moshi
You do not need to buy everything. Sleeping bags rated to −15 °C, down jackets, trekking poles and gaiters can all be rented in Moshi, and we check the condition of every item at your kit briefing the day before you climb.
We send every climber a printable checklist with their itinerary, and your guide goes through your bag with you before day one.