Kit list for Kilimanjaro expeditions

The kit you need for a successful expedition on Kilimanjaro...

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This kit list is for your mountain time on Kilimanjaro and please remember you should be able to leave items such as valuables, fresh clothes, celebration meal outfit, extra toiletries etc. behind with the team or in the hotel.

Temperatures could range from 25+ degree's (celsius) in the rainforest at the start to day time temps of 5 degree's and even -18 degree's temps (with wind chill) on summit night.

Overnight temps from a sleeping bag perspective could feel like -2 degree's in the tent or even a few degree's less.

If you are on an Aspire Adventures expedition you'll receive a discount with our retail partner Ellis Brigham and further information via email to access all of what's offered.


Baggage:

  • Your porter bag (duffel bag) is what will be moved for you each day so is everything aside of what you'll carry in your day pack. This should be around 90 -  100 litres and an example would be The North Face Base Camp duffels or OEX Ballistic. The weight of this bag on the mountain should be kept to as near to 15kg as possible. Another consideration is how much the bag weighs with nothing in it as some can weight 2kg empty.
  • Your day pack is the rucksack you carry on a daily basis and will be around 30 litres in capacity and be hydration system compatible. On a day to day basis you could be carrying 2 litres of water, personal snacks, waterproofs, warm hat and gloves, jacket, sunglasses, suncream and personal meds.


Footwear:

  • Your boots should be well fitting and appropriate for trekking over many days and have ankle support. With boots being so personal it's best to go to an outdoor shop and have them properly checked and fitted. Definitely buy a few months before your trip and break them in well. Have some spare laces as a precaution. (Blog about boots)
  • It's worth having some old trainers to pad around camp in once your walk has finished. Something comfortable and easy to slip on and off.
  • You could also include some down boots or "tent slippers" available from The North Face.


Clothing:

  • Thermal base layers to include long sleeve, short sleeve and bottoms. High wicking, close fitting and merino wool is a good material that's proved at an expedition level.
  • Walking trousers, leggings plus shorts and lots of options available including zip off legs so you have shorts and trousers in one.
  • Multiple options (perhaps 2) of middle layers which could be thinner fleece, insulated jacket or fleecy tops. Options is great for temperature management.
  • T-shirts or long sleeve trekking tops to walk in and they should be wicking material and not cotton. 
  • Waterproof's top and bottom as it can be rainy, lower down on the mountain as we progress through the rainforest.
  • Trekking socks and a mix of thicknesses to help deal with the range of temperatures. Keep one pair dry for summit night. You may want to bring foot warmers for extra heat support.
  • Underwear which should not be cotton and have as many pairs as you feel happy with. Keep one pair dry and clean for summit night. You're probably used to walking or exercise so whatever works best for you.
  • Various gloves which will be dependant on how you feel the cold. Definitely a thinner pair and a thick pair for colder mornings and night and like socks, you may want to bring some hand warmers too.
  • Warm hat which will be personal preference and could be a beanie (can be used at night in sleeping bag) and perhaps a warmer bobble hat style.
  • Buff or neckwear (snood) to help with warmth and also protection from the wind and dust. 
  • Some kind of hat to protect from the sun either wide brim or cap but remember to keep the neck protected with sun cream.
  • Sunglasses to look cool but also protect from the wind and sun.
  • You may want to consider insulated trousers (same styles as insulated jackets but for your legs) if you feel you may get really cold.


Sleeping:

  • Sleeping bag with a comfort rating that's suitable for your warmth needs. Example could be the Rab Ascent 900 or OEX Leviathan for comparison. The "900" relates to the amount of down fill and the higher the number the warmer it will be.
  • Basic sleeping mat to help with comfort. A foam mat will be in the tent but this helps with sleep. Don't go too fancy and lots of options available.
  • Sleeping bag liner if you feel you'll need some extra warmth in the evening.
  • Pillow case to stuff clothes in to, to make a pillow or small inflatable one.


Hydration:

  • Hydration system with at least 2 litres capacity and please check you know how it works before leaving for your trip.
  • At least one extra 1 litre nalgene style water bottle plus insulation sleeve (although a sock will work too). Bring this as well as the hydration system. Can also double as a hot water bottle!
  • Consider some electrolyte tablets or something to help make the water more palatable to drink. You'll be aiming at over 4 litres per day.


Other kit:

  • Head torch plus spare batteries or ability to charge. This doesn't need to be too fancy, just enough to illuminate the few metres in front of you.
  • Walking poles and this is very much personal preference and please know how to use them before going on the mountain.
  • Personal snacks and may be one or two per day. Try and keep them light like protein bars and remember when it's cold, chocolate is like a brick to eat.
  • Camera or use phone plus ability to charge.
  • Powerpack to keep everything charged. Lots of options available and don't forget the cables needed.
  • Pee bottle or she-wee and please, do know how to use this in advance!
  • Fixing kit and could be small amount of gaffer tape, zip ties, laces, sewing kit but we do have team kit. Just incase though and this could be shared with someone you're travelling with.
  • Headphones for listening to podcasts, audible books or music for evening entertainment.
  • Kindle, book etc. to keep you occupied during down time. Please be aware of weight. 
  • Lightweight, quick drying travel towel.
  • Dry bags or stuff sacks to keep kit in to help be more organised. Things like Tesco zip lock bags work just fine also.
  • Journal to help document the journey and make notes on key things to remember for the future.
  • Ear plugs for anti-snoring measures.
  • Hand and/or feet warmers and as many as you feel you may need based on how cold you may get.
  • Not so much an item but you could download movies and shows to your phone for evening entertainment and bring a lightweight stand.


Toiletries/Medical/Health:

  • Sun block plus lip balm and consider at least 30+ SPF.
  • Personal medication and enough for the duration of your time away.
  • Paracetamol. 
  • Ibuprofen. 
  • Cough sweets for tickle throats.
  • Any medication relevant that you feel may assist with your comfort which could also be cold/flu tablets, decongestant, anti-sickness travel tablets etc.
  • Anti-malaria as per travel advice and personal choice
  • Stomach meds (for upset and blocked)
  • Rehydration sachets (e.g. Dioralyte)
  • Possible electrolyte tablets or vitamins
  • Anti-bacterial gel
  • Dry soap or wet wipes
  • Small nailbrush (personal preference)
  • Plasters (general for scrapes and cuts)
  • Blister plasters
  • Diamox (Acetazolamide) as per personal choice for assistance with altitude acclimatisation. Strong recommend but personal choice and could be available as a private prescription or online.
  • Basic toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Deodorant (lots of choice and lightweight)
  • Anything else you feel is relevant for your personal situation and overall porter bag weight.
  • Bag/s/stuff sack to keep this all in and hygienic as appropriate.


You must consult with medical professionals regarding travel vaccination advice and medication.


If travelling with Aspire Adventures you will be able to hire or arrange the below -

Own hotel room (£197)

Own tent on the mountain (£197)

Sleeping bag (£87)

Summit jacket (£97)

Extra hotel nights (£160)

Safari extension options also available across one and three day options. Email enquiries@aspire-adventures.com to discuss further.


Some useful links -

Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) Visa Site

NHS Altitude Sickness Information

Aspire Adventures Kilimanjaro Site

Current Kilimanjaro Covid Entry Requirements (25/10/2022)

Kilimanjaro Everest Base Camp Site (your next trip)

True Traveller Insurance

Top Tips For Acclimatisation

Aspire Adventures Online Shop

Monzo Card (for easy money management overseas)


We look forward to supporting a successful expedition for you and presenting your summit certificates at the end if you're with Aspire Adventures or welcoming you on future trips if not.


See you on the hill.


Team Aspire