Packing the right gear for Mount Kilimanjaro is essential. Weather conditions change quickly, and you’ll need to be ready for everything from tropical heat to freezing summit temperatures. Below is a complete gear checklist—divided by category—for your Kilimanjaro climb.

🧥 Clothing

Base Layers (for moisture management):

• 2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts (synthetic or merino wool)

• 2 long-sleeve thermal shirts

• 2 pairs thermal leggings or long underwear

Insulation Layers (for warmth):

• 1–2 fleece or softshell jackets

• 1 insulated down or synthetic jacket (summit night)

• 2–3 pairs hiking pants

• 1 warm trekking sweater or hoodie

Outer Shells (for wind & rain protection):

• Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)

• Waterproof hiking pants or rain pants

Other Clothing:

• 1–2 pairs of trekking shorts

• 5–7 pairs of moisture-wicking socks

• 5 pairs of underwear

• Sleepwear (warm and comfortable)

• Sports bra (for women)

🥾 Footwear

• Well-broken-in hiking boots (waterproof, ankle support)

• Camp shoes or sandals (for evenings at camp)

• Gaiters (optional, for muddy or dusty trails)

🧤 Head & Hands

• Warm fleece or wool hat (for summit night)

• Wide-brim sun hat or cap (sun protection)

• Neck gaiter or buff (wind/dust protection)

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Warm insulated gloves or mittens (summit night)

• Lightweight liner gloves

🎒 Bags & Packs

• Daypack (25–35L) with padded straps and rain cover

• Duffel bag (80–100L) for porters (soft-sided, waterproof preferred)

• Dry bags or stuff sacks (for organization and waterproofing)

Note: Porters carry up to 15 kg (33 lbs).

💧 Hydration

• 2 refillable water bottles (1L each)

• Hydration bladder (CamelBak, 2–3L)

• Water purification tablets or filter (optional)

🛏️ Sleeping

• Warm sleeping bag rated to –10°C to –20°C (14°F to –4°F)

• Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and hygiene)

• Lightweight sleeping pad or mat (optional—many operators provide)

🧼 Personal Items

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap

• Wet wipes (essential—no showers on the mountain)

• Quick-dry towel

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & lip balm with SPF

• Insect repellent (for lower altitudes)

• Toilet paper or tissues

• Hand sanitizer

• Small first-aid kit (blister care, painkillers, etc.)

• Medications (altitude meds, anti-nausea, etc.)

🔦 Accessories & Essentials

• Headlamp (with extra batteries)

• Trekking poles (strongly recommended)

• Camera or smartphone (with extra memory & power)

• Power bank or solar charger

• Ziplock bags for electronics/valuables

• Travel documents & insurance copies

• Notebook & pen (optional)

🧾 Optional Extras

• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, trail mix)

• Book or journal

• Travel pillow

• Playing cards or games

• Lightweight binoculars

Gear Rental Option

If you don’t want to travel with all this gear, we offer affordable rental services in Tanzania for:

• Sleeping bags

• Trekking poles

• Jackets

• Gaiters

• Duffel bags and more