Kilimanjaro Kit List
- LMG Treks & Expeditions
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 10
If you're already a hiker, you'll probably find the kit list for Kilimanjaro isn't a massive task to piece together. On Kilimanjaro you will experience a whole range of climates, and a temperature swing of 30 degrees or more depending on the weather! Below you'll find the full recommended kit list, along with some of my personal recommendations (in italics) for kit to buy, or places to shop for it.
LUGGAGE AND PACKS
□ Holdall – 70-90L.
This will hold all of your stuff whilst on the trek. Any bits which you don't need whilst on the mountain can be left in the hotel. The bag must be rugged as it'll be carried by a porter. The total weight of the bag must not exceed 15kgs, so be savvy with what you need to pack. Merino products which naturally do not hold odour are ideal on treks as it saves you packing lots of changes of clothes.
□ A small combination padlock is advised for use on this bag.
□ 20-30l Rucksack – A comfortable day pack which will just hold your daily walking essentials. The main bulk of the weight in this pack should be water. Use this for all travel essentials when not on trek.
At the time of writing, the Berghaus Freeflow 24 is the best bag I've used for trekking!
FOOTWEAR
□ Walking Boots – A well broken in pair of walking boots. Ankle support preferred but not mandatory if you’re a fit / experienced hiker.
If you find yourself in Keswick, head to Keswick Boot Co for amazing advice and a super set of products to choose from. I've really enjoyed the ASOLO Eldo shoe and the ASOLO Eldo Mid for trekking.
□ Flip Flops / Sandals / Trainers – For use in the evening at the huts / camp and also in the hotel.
□ Trekking Socks – Good quality trekking socks. Multiple pairs. Merino socks are the best option.
□ Liner Socks – Liner socks can be useful to prevent friction and aid wicking.
TECHNICAL GEAR
Walking Poles – Highly recommended to help with stability, energy saving and taking pressure off the knees. Check out this blog to find out more benefits of walking poles.
I've had great poles from Leki and Black Diamond over the years. I've always preferred 'z poles' which collapse down like a tent pole and can be stowed inside the bag. They can also go on the outside of your bag depending on the configuration of your side pocket and / or compression straps. I currently use the Black Diamond Distance FLZ from Needle Sports
□ Headtorch – Plus spare batteries if it requires them.
Headtorches are a bit of a minefield, but more often than not you don't need something too snazzy. Check out the basic torch from LightUpU for a lightweight, bright and rechargeable option. For something a bit more substantial, check out the Petzl Swift RL
TREKKING CLOTHING
□ Waterproof Jacket and Trousers – The climate on Kili is quite changeable, so a good set of waterproofs are essential.
Budget, fit, personal taste, and many more things will dictate what waterproofs you go for. I personally really rate the kit in the Berghaus Extrem range.
□ Poncho or Umbrella (Optional)- Given the climate, these are actually really handy! A large poncho which can go over your rucksack as well is ideal.
□ Trekking trousers – A pair or two of lightweight trekking trousers or leggings. With UV blocking capability ideally.
□ Shorts – It can be pretty warm trekking whilst at the lower elevations.
In recent years I've even been using running shorts as they're so lightweight and dry fast.
□ T Shirts – Of technical fabric or ideally Merino. Do not bring cotton T-shirts on the trek.
I LOVE merino products, and they really are the way forward for multi-day treks. We wholeheartedly recommend EDZ Layering. Read more about why I love Merino here
□ Warm Layer – A fleece or power stretch layer
□ Underwear & Trekking Socks - Again, Merino is ideal for this! Making sure your socks are still fit for purpose also helps a lot.
□ Thermal Layers - Top and bottoms, good to sleep in, and use for those colder days at altitude.
□ Warm Jacket - A synthetic (primaloft or similar) or down jacket. Perfect for use in the evenings.
HANDWEAR & HEADWEAR
□ Lightweight Gloves – A thin fleece pair of gloves
□ Thicker Gloves – A pair of thicker gloves or mittens
□ Wool Hat or Beanie
□ Sun Hat
□ Buff or Similar
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
□ Sleeping Bag – A synthetic or down sleeping bag which as a lower comfort limit of at least 0 degrees.
□ Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional) - Good for adding extra warmth to your sleeping bag, and also keeping it a bit cleaner. Also useful if you're too warm in your bag and just want to use it as a duvet.
□ Sleeping Mat (Optional) - A basic mat is provided, but if you want to bring something you know will be comfortable for you then please do so.
□ Water Carrying – One 1ltr water bottle, plus a 2-3 ltr bladder style hydration system is ideal.
□ Water Purification – We recommend AquaProve—purchase from us for just £10. Chlorine Dioxide or Water Filters also a good choice.
The Aquaprove really is the best stuff I've come across.
All our clients get 20% off their first order at Lifesystems and they sell some of these bits.
□ Sunglasses - Ideally category 3 or 4.
I tend to pack a set of each, which is especially handy should I accidentaly lose a pair.
□ Sunscreen and Lipsalve – Higher the SPF the better.
Don't skimp on this - get proper High SPF cream!
□ Dry Bags for Personal Kit - Single use drybags are banned on Kilimanjaro. Besides, the downpours on Kili can be pretty harsh, so it's worth having everything in your duffle and day bag well protected in dry bags.
□ Universal Plug Travel Adapter - For use in the hotel
□Powerbank - Essential on Kilimanjaro as it's just tended accommodation.
□ Snacks – A few snacks you know you can eat any time to keep you going.
Lake District Biltong has fast become a firm fave
□ Books, Kindle, Music, Cards. Electronic charging unit.
□ Wet Wipes, Personal Wash Kit and Hand Sanitiser
□ Camera, spare batteries and memory card
□ Travel Clothes – For travelling and R&R days.
□ Personal First Aid Kit – A small personal kit is recommended even though the trek team will have a more comprehensive kit. Items such as Blister plasters, Rehydration powders, Paracetamol, Ibruprofen, Asprin, Plasters, Zinc Oxide Tape, Immodium Throat lozenges and Diamox (see your GP for this)
Lifesystems have some great pre-made kits which you can just add a few bits to.
□ Money Belt & Spare Wallet
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