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Kilimanjaro Kit List
Our Kilimanjaro kit list covers your entire adventure. This includes items you’ll need while travelling to your destination and essentials for the climb itself.
There are six official routes to the top of Kilimanjaro. Each route has a different length and time. If you are trekking with a group, your tour operator will normally provide tents, food, and water. Be sure to check what kit they supply and the estimated timeframe for the trek. This will ensure you pack enough clothing and the correct equipment. Take care not to overpack, as porters can only carry up to 15kg.
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Down or synthetic insulated layer
- Fleece mid layer
- Technical t-shirts
- Base layer tops
- Base layer bottoms
- Sports bra & wicking underwear
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking shorts
- Hiking socks
- Sun hat
- Beanie or balaclava
- Thin gloves
- Thicker waterproof gloves
- Gaiters
- Hiking boots & spare laces
- Casual shoes
Clothing
Kilimanjaro’s altitude creates its own microclimate. Temperatures range from 25+ to 5 degrees celsius. It can even reach -18 degrees with wind chill on summit night. It’s crucial to have an excellent layering system to adjust to these changing conditions.
As you trek through the different climates, the weather can switch from wind and rain to snow. A high-quality waterproof jacket will protect you from the elements. Choose a breathable jacket to let excess heat out while staying dry. Features like underarm zips, also help vent excess heat without compromising wet-weather performance. See our waterproof buying guide for advice on what jacket to get.
Protect your lower half from the changing conditions with waterproof trousers. Lightweight over trousers can be left in your backpack to pull on when needed.
The first few days of the climb are usually warm and humid, but once you reach the moorland zone the temperatures start to drop. This is where you'll want to start wearing your insulated jacket, and even more so in the alpine desert zone and evenings in camp. A synthetic insulated layer is a better choice than a down jacket, as it remains warm even if it’s wet.
A fleece mid layer to wear over a base layer and underneath a jacket is key for keeping you warm once you reach the colder zones. Your mid layer should be comfortable, easy to move in, and fit between your other layers.
A moisture-wicking breathable top is a good choice for the trek. Depending on the weather, a mix of long and short-sleeved technical tops will be useful.
Help regulate your body temperature with a base layer top. To prevent getting cold from sweat, wear a sweat-wicking base layer as cotton takes a while to dry.
Stay warm on cold evenings and the summit push by wearing thermal or fleece base layer bottoms.
You may want to pack a specific base layer top and bottoms for summit day. This is the longest section of the entire Kilimanjaro climb and in the coldest zone. So, having a fresh and comfortable set for this day is ideal.
Wicking underwear draws moisture away from the skin and dries fast. It stops you from feeling sweaty and helps reduce chafing. A sports bra ensures a solid foundation to keep you comfortable during your trek. Offering comfort, sweat-wicking and extra support.
You’ll want at least one pair of light or medium-weight hiking trousers that are durable and comfortable. We recommend getting a pair made of quick dry material, as natural fibres like cotton take a long time to dry.
For the forest stage of the trek, you'll need hiking shorts or convertible trousers. Some people wear trousers for the entire trek to protect their legs from sunburn, insect bites, and scratches.
You’ll need a pair of hiking socks for each day of the trek. For the summit night, bring a pair of thermal socks to stay warm in the harsh Arctic zone.
When climbing Kilimanjaro, you’re at risk of sun exposure and heat stroke. It's essential to wear a hat, especially one with a brim, to protect yourself from the sun.
An essential for summit day and the colder nights. You’ll want a beanie that covers your ears and fits comfortably.
Ideal for the lower slopes and for layering under thicker gloves on summit day. Lightweight, quick-drying gloves are a must.
Bring warm gloves or mittens for the cold nights and summit push. We recommend a heavyweight, insulated, waterproof pair.
Bringing gaiters is optional; they help keep trousers clean and dry in wet and muddy conditions.
A pair of midweight hiking boots with good ankle support will keep you stable on the rocky terrain. Make sure you have enough room for movement. Your feet might swell at high altitudes, especially if you wear thicker socks on summit day. We also recommend bringing spare laces in case yours break.
We recommend bringing another pair of casual shoes to wear around camp after the day’s trek to give your feet a break. You’ll also want to let your walking boots air out once you get to camp.
