Kilimanjaro Packing List: The Complete Gear Guide
Everything you need to pack—and nothing you don't
Everything you need to pack—and nothing you don't
Packing for Kilimanjaro isn't complicated—but it is specific. Bring the wrong gloves and your fingers go numb at 5,700m. Forget gaiters and you'll be dumping rocks out of your boots every 20 minutes on summit night. Pack too much cotton and you'll be cold, wet, and miserable for a week.
This is the exact packing list we give every client before they fly to Tanzania. It's been refined through hundreds of climbs, tested in January blizzards and September sunshine. Everything here serves a purpose. Nothing is optional "just in case" fluff.
You'll learn what to bring, what to skip, where to save money, and which items are worth splurging on. By the end, you'll know exactly what goes in your duffel—and why it matters. Let's make sure you summit with warm fingers, dry feet, and zero regrets.
Here's the first thing to understand about Kilimanjaro: you don't carry your own gear.
Your porter carries a duffel bag containing your sleeping bag, extra clothes, and toiletries. That bag can weigh up to 15 kg (33 lbs)—but no more. Overloading porters is unethical and unsafe. Your porter is carrying your gear up a mountain for a week. Respect the weight limit.
You carry a daypack—typically 5-7 kg max—with just your daily essentials: water, snacks, rain gear, camera, and extra layers. That's it. At altitude, every extra kilogram on your back makes breathing harder. Pack smart, not heavy.
The packing philosophy: Less is more. You're not going to a resort. You won't shower for a week. You'll re-wear base layers. You don't need seven outfit changes. Bring what keeps you warm, dry, and functional—then stop packing.
Before we dive into clothing and gear, let's be crystal clear about what KiliPeak provides and what you're responsible for bringing:
| We Provide | You Bring |
|---|---|
| ✅ Tents (sleeping and dining) | 🎒 All personal clothing |
| ✅ Sleeping mats (foam) | 🎒 Sleeping bag |
| ✅ Camp chairs and tables | 🎒 Daypack and duffel bag |
| ✅ All cooking equipment | 🎒 Trekking poles |
| ✅ Food and water purification | 🎒 Water bottles |
| ✅ Toilet tent (portable bathroom) | 🎒 Headlamp + batteries |
| ✅ Emergency oxygen | 🎒 All toiletries and medical supplies |
| ✅ First aid kit (guide carries) | 🎒 Camera and electronics |
Bottom line: We handle the infrastructure—tents, food, water, safety equipment. You handle your personal gear—clothes, sleeping bag, and essentials. Focus your packing on staying warm, dry, and comfortable at altitude.
Kilimanjaro isn't one climate—it's five climate zones stacked on top of each other. You'll start in 25°C rainforest humidity and finish at -20°C arctic winds. The only way to handle that range is smart layering.
Forget the idea of one "warm jacket" that does everything. Instead, think modular layers that adapt to every condition:
During warm days, you hike in base + mid layers. At camp, you add the insulation layer. On summit night, you wear everything. This system is flexible, efficient, and proven.
Base layers live against your skin. Their job: move sweat away from your body so you stay dry and warm.
What to bring:
Material matters: Cotton is your enemy. It absorbs sweat and stays wet, sapping body heat. Merino wool and synthetics (polyester/nylon blends) wick moisture away and dry fast. This is non-negotiable.
Merino vs. synthetic: Merino wool costs more ($60-80 per shirt) but doesn't stink after five days of sweating. Synthetics are cheaper ($20-40) but smell terrible by day three. If you can afford it, merino is worth the investment—especially for multi-day treks.
Brands that work: Icebreaker, Smartwool, Patagonia Capilene, Uniqlo Heattech (budget option that punches above its weight), REI Co-op base layers.
Mid layers trap warm air close to your body. You'll live in these from 3,000m to the summit.
What to bring:
Fleece is magic: It breathes during activity, insulates when you stop, and works even when damp. A quality fleece jacket ($40-100) will be your constant companion from day two onward.
Pants strategy: Convertible zip-off pants are clutch. Shorts for hot rainforest zones, full pants for moorland and above. Bring two pairs so you can rotate (one drying, one wearing). Insulated pants are essential for summit night—temperatures drop to -20°C and you're moving slowly for 6+ hours.
This is your heavyweight insulated jacket—the "puffy" you wear at camp and on summit night when temperatures plummet.
What to bring:
Down vs. synthetic: Down is lighter, warmer, and packs smaller—but useless when wet. Synthetic insulation works even when damp and dries faster. For Kilimanjaro, down wins (you won't get soaked above 4,000m). If you're climbing in rainy season (April or November), consider synthetic as backup.
Temperature rating matters: Don't cheap out here. Your jacket should be rated to -10°C minimum. Climbing in January/February? Go for -15°C. This is the difference between summiting comfortably and turning back with frozen fingers.
Rental option: Quality insulated jackets cost $200-400. If this is a one-time climb, rent one in Moshi for $30-50. Just inspect it carefully—check the zipper, look for rips, and confirm the loft (thickness) is solid.
Brands worth buying: Patagonia Down Sweater, Arc'teryx Cerium, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, Rab Microlight Alpine, REI Co-op 650 Down (budget option).
Your shell layer blocks wind and rain. On summit night, wind is the real enemy—40 km/h gusts create wind chill of -25°C even when temps are "only" -10°C.
What to bring:
Why breathability matters: Cheap rain jackets trap sweat inside, leaving you damp and cold from the inside out. Gore-Tex or similar breathable membranes let moisture escape while blocking external wind and rain. Worth the $150-300 investment.
Jacket fit: Your shell should fit over all your layers (base + mid + insulation). Try it on with your puffy underneath before buying. Too tight = restricted movement and compressed insulation (which kills warmth).
Rain pants tip: Side-zip rain pants are a game changer. You can put them on over your boots without removing them—crucial when you need to add a layer fast at 5,000m.
Your feet carry you 60-70 kilometers over 6-8 days. Bad boots = blisters, cold toes, and potential summit failure. Here's what you absolutely need:
What to bring:
Break them in: This is non-negotiable. Wear your boots on at least 3-4 long hikes (10+ km each) before your climb. New boots cause blisters. Broken-in boots feel like slippers. Do not show up in Tanzania with brand-new boots.
Fit is everything: When trying boots on, wear the thick wool socks you'll hike in. Your toes should wiggle freely. Your heel should not slip when walking downhill (that's how you lose toenails). If your foot slides forward when descending stairs, the boots don't fit—try a different size or model.
Insulation matters: Even in September (warm season), summit night hits -10°C to -15°C. Insulated boots keep your toes alive when you're moving slowly at 5,500m for hours. Don't gamble on this—get insulated boots.
Brands that work: La Sportiva Nepal Cube, Scarpa Mont Blanc, Salomon X Alp, Lowa Alpine Expert, Asolo Everest. Expect to pay $200-350 for quality.
What to bring:
Why this matters: After six hours in heavy boots, your feet are screaming. Camp shoes let them breathe, recover, and stay happy. You'll also wear these around camp and for midnight bathroom trips.
Pro tip: Crocs are criminally underrated. They weigh 300g, slip on instantly, and with wool socks they're warm enough for camp. Plus they dry in minutes if they get wet. Don't knock them until you've tried them at 4,600m.
What to bring:
Why this matters: Summit night involves hours of walking through volcanic scree (loose gravel and rocks). Without gaiters, rocks pour into your boots every step. You'll stop every 20 minutes to dump them out. With gaiters, your feet stay clean, dry, warm, and rock-free.
Bonus: Gaiters also add a layer of insulation around your shins and keep rain/snow out of your boots in lower zones.
Don't skip these. Gaiters cost $30-60 and will save your sanity and possibly your summit bid.
What to bring:
Why wool: Wool regulates temperature, wicks moisture, cushions your feet, and doesn't stink. Cotton socks absorb sweat, stay wet, and cause blisters. No cotton. Ever.
Liner sock trick: Wear a thin liner sock under your thick wool sock. The two layers slide against each other instead of rubbing your skin—fewer blisters, happier feet.
Brands: Darn Tough (lifetime guarantee), Smartwool, Farm to Feet, REI Co-op merino socks.
More climbers fail due to cold extremities than any other gear issue. Your head and hands lose heat fast at altitude. Protect them aggressively.
What to bring:
Why you need all three: Days 1-4 you'll sweat in tropical sun—hat keeps you cool. Nights at camp drop to freezing—beanie keeps heat in. Summit night wind cuts like knives—balaclava protects your face from frostbite.
Buff versatility: A buff (tubular neck gaiter) is incredibly versatile. Wear it as a neck warmer, pull it over your face in wind, double it as a beanie, or use it to cover your ears. Bring two—they weigh nothing and solve multiple problems.
What to bring:
Gloves vs. mittens: Mittens are warmer because your fingers share heat. Gloves offer better dexterity for trekking poles, zippers, and cameras. Best solution: insulated gloves with removable liners, or insulated mittens with a waterproof outer shell.
The hand warmer trick: On summit night, activate disposable hand warmers and tuck them into your gloves or mittens before you start hiking. Your fingers will thank you at 5,700m when the wind is screaming and temps hit -20°C.
Real talk from guides: We've seen dozens of climbers turn back 100 meters from the summit because their hands went numb. Don't let this be you. Bring warm gloves and backup hand warmers.
You're at altitude for 6-8 nights. Poor sleep compounds fatigue and wrecks acclimatization. A solid sleep system is non-negotiable.
What to bring:
Comfort vs. limit rating: Sleeping bags list two temps: comfort (temp where an average person sleeps well) and limit (temp where you'll survive but not sleep comfortably). Always go by comfort rating. A bag labeled "-10°C limit" is really a -5°C comfort bag.
Down vs. synthetic: Down is lighter, warmer for the weight, and packs smaller. Synthetic works when wet and costs less. For Kilimanjaro, down wins unless you're climbing in rainy season (April/November).
Rent vs. buy: Quality sleeping bags cost $300-600. If this is your only high-altitude trip, rent in Moshi for $40-60. Inspect it carefully: check the zipper, look for rips and worn spots, and confirm the loft (thickness/fluffiness) is good.
Brands worth buying: Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Mountain Hardwear Phantom, REI Co-op Magma, Sea to Summit Spark.
What to bring:
Why this matters: A liner adds warmth for minimal weight (200-300g) and keeps sweat and dirt off your sleeping bag—important if you're renting. Silk liners pack tiny and add ~5°C. Fleece liners are bulkier but add ~10°C warmth.
What to bring:
Why: Good sleep = better acclimatization. An inflatable pillow weighs 100g and packs to the size of a fist. Your neck will thank you after six nights on a foam sleeping mat.
Your daypack holds everything you need during the hike. Pack it smart and keep it light (5-7 kg max).
What to bring:
Hydration bladder vs. bottles: Bladders (CamelBak, Osprey) are convenient—you drink without stopping. But they freeze solid above 4,500m. Bring standard wide-mouth bottles for summit night. Insulated bottle sleeves help resist freezing.
Ideal setup: Hydration bladder for days 1-5, switch to bottles for summit night.
No showers for a week. No running water above 3,000m. Here's how to stay clean, healthy, and functional:
What to bring:
Medical essentials:
Diamox note: This medication helps your body acclimatize faster. Side effects include tingling fingers and increased urination. Test it at home before the climb—never try new meds on the mountain. Read more in our altitude sickness guide.
What to bring:
Why this matters: Summit night starts around midnight. You'll hike 6-7 hours in total darkness. A dead headlamp = no summit. Bring a backup set of batteries.
Cold kills batteries: At -20°C, battery life drops 50%. Keep your headlamp inside your jacket when not using it. Store spare batteries in an inner pocket (body heat keeps them warm).
Pro tip: Use lithium batteries (not alkaline) for cold weather—they perform better at low temps.
What to bring:
Why you need them: Poles reduce impact on knees by 25%, especially on descent. After summiting, you'll descend 2,200+ vertical meters in one day. Your knees will be destroyed without poles. They also improve balance on scree and stability when you're exhausted at altitude.
Don't skip this. Rent locally for $10-15 if you don't own poles.
What to bring:
Cold kills batteries: At -20°C, your phone battery will drain in 30 minutes. Keep electronics in inner pockets against your body until you need them. Take the photo, then tuck them back inside immediately.
No outlets on the mountain unless you pay extra for solar charging. One 20,000 mAh power bank lasts the whole trip if you're conservative with phone use.
Airplane mode is your friend: Searching for signal drains batteries fast. Download offline maps (Maps.me) before your climb. Accept the digital detox—there's no signal above 3,500m anyway.
Kilimanjaro packing can cost $400 or $1,500 depending on what you buy, rent, or already own. Here's how to spend smart:
✅ Boots ($200-350): You're hiking 60+ km. Blisters and cold toes ruin climbs. Buy quality, break them in.
✅ Sleeping bag ($300-600): Sleep = acclimatization. A quality -15°C down bag will serve you for years.
✅ Insulated jacket ($200-400): Cheap puffies lose loft fast. Quality down from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, or Mountain Hardwear lasts 10+ years.
✅ Waterproof shell ($150-400): Gore-Tex breathes and keeps you dry. Cheap rain jackets trap sweat and fail.
✅ Merino base layers ($60-100 each): They don't stink and regulate temp better than synthetics.
✔️ Trekking poles ($50-100): Mid-tier brands (Black Diamond, Leki) work great.
✔️ Daypack ($80-150): Any reputable 30-35L pack from Osprey, Gregory, Deuter works.
✔️ Fleece ($40-80): Fleece is fleece. Patagonia is nice but Amazon brands work too.
💰 Duffel bag ($20-50): Just needs strong zippers and decent fabric.
💰 Camp shoes ($10-30): Crocs or cheap sandals—function over fashion.
💰 Buffs/neck gaiters ($5-15): The $5 version works the same as the $25 Buff brand.
💰 Water bottles ($5-15): Any 1L screw-top bottle works. Nalgene is nice but not necessary.
If this is a one-time climb, rent these locally and save luggage space:
Total rental cost: $80-125. Just inspect gear carefully before accepting it—check zippers, loft, and condition.
Print this and check off items as you pack:
🧥 Clothing:
👢 Footwear:
🧢 Head & Hands:
🛌 Sleeping:
🎒 Packs & Gear:
📱 Electronics:
🧴 Toiletries & Medical:
📄 Documents & Money:
It depends on your future plans. If Kilimanjaro is a one-time adventure, rent big-ticket items (sleeping bag, insulated jacket, trekking poles) in Moshi for $80-120 total. If you plan to do more high-altitude treks, invest in quality gear—especially boots, sleeping bags, and shells. Always buy your own base layers, socks, and gloves (hygiene matters). Inspect rental gear carefully: check zippers, loft on sleeping bags, and pole locks.
Unless you're renting all your bulky gear in Tanzania, you'll need to check a bag. A 60-80L duffel holds your sleeping bag, insulated jacket, all your layers, and toiletries. Your daypack can be your carry-on. Pro tip: pack one full change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on in case your checked bag is delayed.
Gaiters. First-time climbers underestimate how much scree (loose volcanic rock) gets into your boots on summit night. Without gaiters, you'll stop every 20 minutes to dump rocks out. Gaiters cost $30-60 and save massive frustration. Also commonly forgotten: hand warmers, extra headlamp batteries, and lip balm with SPF.
If you're starting from scratch: $800-1,500 for quality gear (boots $250, sleeping bag $350, insulated jacket $250, shell $200, base layers $150, everything else $300). Budget options bring it down to $400-600. If you rent big items in Moshi and buy only essentials, expect $200-350 plus rental fees ($80-120). Splurge on boots, sleeping bag, and shell—these make the biggest difference in comfort and success.
Cotton. Period. Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet, which saps body heat at altitude. No cotton t-shirts, jeans, or socks. Stick to merino wool or synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) for all layers. Merino is ideal for base layers—regulates temperature and doesn't stink after days of wear. Synthetics dry faster but smell worse. Also avoid heavy denim—bring lightweight, quick-dry hiking pants instead.
Yes. Trekking poles reduce impact on knees by 25%, especially on descent. After summiting, you'll descend 2,200+ vertical meters in one day—your knees will thank you for poles. They also improve balance on scree and help with stability when you're exhausted at altitude. Rent them in Moshi for $10-15 if you don't own a pair. Worth every penny.
You now know exactly what to pack for Kilimanjaro—and why each item matters. Warm layers for the cold. Waterproof gear for the rain. Quality boots for the trail. Hand warmers for the summit. And the confidence that comes from being properly prepared.
Got questions about what to bring for your specific climb dates or route? We're here to help. We've guided hundreds of climbers to the summit and we've seen every packing mistake (and success) imaginable.
Ready to finalize your gear and start your training? Check out our 12-week training plan and climb packages. Let's make sure you're ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
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