Kilimanjaro Packing List – What Do You Need To Climb Kilimanjaro (+ PDF Download)

If you search for a Kilimanjaro Packing List, the web returns a number of results, many of which leave you more confused and overwhelmed than when you started.

I know that the devil is in the detail. This is why,  a few years ago I set out to produce a complete and reliable Kilimanjaro gear list.

On this page you'll find a complete list of everything you need to bring to climb Kilimanjaro, as well as a complete downloadable packing checklist. I'll also talk about renting gear and give you a few tips on less-common items that will make your trek more comfortable

Let's jump in!

Kilimanjaro Gear List

Here is a quick list of all the gear that you need to pack for your Kilimanjaro trek. We've included links to our personal recommendations.

You can also download this Kilimanjaro packing list pdf.

Can I Rent Kilimanjaro Gear In Tanzania?

Yes you can rent equipment for Kilimanjaro from tour operators or from local gear shops in Moshi and Arusha.

Do Trekking Operators Provide Gear For Climbing Kilimanjaro?

All operators should provide tents as part of the package. Some operators will also provide the main, essential gear items as part of their trip price. This is usually sleeping bags, mats and possibly even duffel bags. This can be a huge perk as a proper sleeping bag or mat is an expensive item to buy if you don't already own one. It's worth finding out if any gear is included while you are getting quotes for your trek.

What Items Can I Rent To Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

You can rent most gear items for your Kilimanjaro trek either from your trek operator or from some of the gear shops in Moshi or Arusha. The quality and variety of this gear can vary dramatically. At a minimum you should bring your own layered clothing (including base layers and an insulated hiking jacket), worn-in hiking boots, warm gloves and a beanie, and a water bottle. It is easy to hire hiking poles and a sleeping bag, so if you don't have these items and you don't want to purchase them, then hiring is a good option.

Extra Items For Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 

If you are wondering what you need to climb Kilimanjaro, these items may not be the first things to come to mind. Although not essential, the following items are nice to have on your trek;

Powerbank

These days, keeping your phone charged is pretty much a necessity. Make sure you pack a power bank (or two) to recharge your battery during the trek. No doubt you will want to take loads of photos along the way!  

If you have a Tanzanian sim, you may even notice that you pick up cell signal on some parts of the route. Thanks to a recent initiative by the Tanzanian government, there is even WIFI on the summit! Although, I didn't actually test how reliable this is.

Dry Shampoo & Washcloth

Toiletries are probably the furthest thing from your mind when packing. I suggest thinking about them carefully though as there are no showers on Kilimanjaro. Most trek operators will provide you with a basin with a little water to wash-up in the afternoons and first thing in the morning. With this in mind, it's worth bringing a washcloth and small travel towel to use during these basin baths.

For those with long hair who are dreading going 7-8 days without washing it, don't forget to pack a can of dry shampoo. Being able to freshen up a little is a luxury you will appreciate when on the mountain!

A Book Or Games

On most of the routes, you will be arriving at camp with a good few hours of daylight left. Many people use this extra time to nap. However, if you struggle to fall asleep, it's worth packing a book to read or puzzle book (word searches, suduko etc.) to pass the time. A pack of cards can also be a fun way to bond with your trekking team.

Heating Cream 

If you're worried about your fingers freezing on summit night, this may be useful to have! I was a little skeptical when a fellow hiker pulled out a tube of heating cream, the type of stuff used by athletes to prevent muscle injury. All doubts were extinguished after rubbing some on before putting on my gloves in the morning. The cream helps your fingers warm up fast and keeps them warm during icy mornings. Fair warning, it can make your hands sweat. 

This is a great hiking-hack if you have poor circulation or are particularly sensitive to the cold. It's also good to have to use on sore muscles.

Kilimanjaro FAQ

What do you need to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Your Kilimanjaro gear list should include layered clothing (including an insulated jacket and warm gloves), good quality hiking boots, a 4-season sleeping bag, headlamp and water bottle. But these are really only the basics. To understand exactly what gear you need to take and why, use the links below to navigate to each section of our Kilimanjaro kit checklist.

• Kilimanjaro Clothing
• Kilimanjaro Headgear
• Kilimanjaro Backpacks and Bags
• Hands and Walking Gear
• Kilimanjaro Sleeping Bags
• Kilimanjaro Boots and Footwear
• Kilimanjaro Accessories

How Should I Pack For My Flight To Kilimanjaro (JRO)?

You may have heard from others who have done the trip that you need to pack your essential hiking gear for Kilimanjaro into your cabin luggage. This has merit as unfortunately, it's not unheard of that your luggage goes missing or is delayed on route to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

If you are scheduled to start a group trek the day after you land, a luggage delay is going to wreak serious havoc with your trip. For this reason, we advise packing essential items into your hand luggage which is likely also your daypack.

When I travel for a hike, the following items are in my hand luggage (just in case!); waterproof shell jacket, pair of trekking pants, thermal base layers, 1 or two hiking tops, underwear and a couple pairs of socks.

I also always wear my hiking boots on the plane. Bring along some travel slippers for comfort if it's a long flight.

It may seem like a lot to fit in however, if you roll your clothing into tights bundles, you will find that you can fit a surprising amount into a 20-30l backpack. No need to try fit all your gear in hand luggage but it does give you some peace of mind to have the basics with you. Worst case scenario, you will be able to hire additional kit from the local operator.

Note: Trekking poles are not permitted in cabin luggage, leave those in your main bag.

Do I need to bring a tent and camping gear for Mt Kilimanjaro?

No, tents and camping gear are provided by all tour operators as standard features of a Kilimanjaro trek. The better operators on Kilimanjaro use high quality 2-man tents from manufacturers like Mountain Hardwear and The North Face. Operators also use large mess tents which come fully equipped with tables and chairs for trekkers. All of this gear is carried by porters up and down the mountain. It's the reason why Kilimanjaro treks have such large support crews (see Kilimanjaro porters).

Do I need any specific Kilimanjaro kit for the Western Breach?

The Western Breach is the most technically challenging approach to Kilimanjaro. It was closed for a short period in early 2006 after a fatal rockfall claimed the lives of three trekkers. It has however re-opened with a new and safer route configuration, and is steadily growing in popularity.

For trekkers interested in this route, we recommend reading our Western Breach route guide.

There are some specific Kilimanjaro kit requirements for the Western Breach that you should be aware of. Many of these items are not mandatory, however should conditions on the Western Breach be adverse you may need the following:

• Climbing helmet to protect your head from the potential risk of falling rocks
• An ice axe and point crampons – it is unlikely that you will need these items, however if you are climbing during the wet season (see Kilimanjaro weather) it is likely you will encounter sub-surface ice from refrozen meltwater and deep snow. Usually your guides will have the correct gear to cut steps on these sections (we recommend you confirm with your tour operator exactly what gear you will need for the Western Breach)

It is very unusual to need rope or a climbing harness. Again we recommend you confirm with your tour operator which Kilimanjaro kit list they recommend you bring should you decided to climb the Western Breach.

More Kilimanjaro guides:

• Kilimanjaro Hiking guide
• Mt Kilimanjaro on a map
• Facts about Kilimanjaro
• Cost to climb Mt Kilimanjaro
• What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro
• Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes

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