What to Pack for Kilimanjaro

What to Pack for Kilimanjaro What to Pack for Kilimanjaro Climbing While Abakombe Tours provides all communal equipment such as tents and food, you’re responsible for preparing your personal belongings and equipment. Below, you’ll find our recommended list of things to pack. Abakombe Tours recommends that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long-sleeved shirt, hiking pants, boots, underwear, and socks. While it is possible to replace or rent many things in Tanzania, there are some things that you may not be able to replace. Mount Kilimanjaro packing list Pile or Wool hat: Bring one that covers ears -- a balaclava is excellent. Shade Hat: Visor hats with good brims are essential for protection from the equatorial sun. Balaclava: Good for additional facial protection. Optional Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection in the tropics and at altitude. Bring a good quality pair, preferably with an IREX protection rating of 100. Attachable side shields are necessary or bring glacier glasses. Sunscreen: Bring plenty of sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Unless you have spent time in the equatorial sun you will probably underestimate the amount necessary, so bring lots. Sunscreen is difficult to find in Tanzania. Lip Balm: With an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Bandanas: Tied around the neck, they give good sun protection. Can also be used for cleaning glasses, as washcloths, etc. They dry very quickly. Long-sleeved shirt: Two long-sleeved shirts that you don¹t mind getting dirty while on the mountain. Synthetic is best -- no cotton on summit day. T-Shirt: A single, lightweight t-shirt is a good addition. Synthetic, moisture-wicking materials are best. Upper Body Layers: For climbing the mountain we recommend you have three warm layers for the upper body. Items must be made of wool, synthetic or pile. Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each other and supply good insulation. A good combination is a long underwear top, a sweater, and a pile jacket or heavy wool shirt. Cotton items do not provide adequate insulation and are completely useless when damp. Rain Jacket: Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially in the mountain. Bring a good parka of Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon that has been "seam sealed". Wind Shirt: (optional if you have Gore-Tex rain gear) A nylon wind shell (not waterproof), roomy enough to fit comfortably over all upper body layers. Gore-Tex is good for both this wind shirt and for the raincoat. Poncho: (Optional) Quick and handy protection for body and rucksack. Poor protection in windy rain. Gloves or Mittens: Wool or pile. One pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves work well. Mitten Shells: One pair to go over your mittens. These are for use against the winds sometimes encountered in the crater and on the way to the summit. Quick Dry Hiking Shorts: 1 pair. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain. Long Underwear Bottoms: One pair. Wool or synthetic. Wool, Bunting, or Pile Pants: One pair that fit loosely and is comfortable. These are essential to be worn over the long john bottoms. Rain Pants: Bring a good pair of rain pants of Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon that has been "seam sealed". Wind Pants: (optional if you have Gore-Tex rain pants.) One pair. These are used often on the mountain for protection against wind. They should be breathable nylon and roomy enough to fit comfortably over wool or pile pants. Tights: Lycra types are best. These are comfortable to hike in, help prevent nettle stings, provide good warmth on cool misty days, dry fast, and prevent sunburn. Undergarments: Enough for the duration of the trek. Thin Socks: Two pairs of synthetic socks to wear under heavy wool socks. This helps prevents blisters and keeps feet dry. Thick Socks: Six pairs of heavy wool or synthetic socks to wear for warmth with hiking boots. Hiking Boots: One pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with a one-liner sock and one heavy wool or synthetic sock. Gaiters: One pair of either high or low gaiters made of breathable material to keep dirt and snow out of your boots. Tennis Shoes: These are to wear in camp after a day of hiking. Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sac: On the mountain, temperatures can get down to zero degrees Fahrenheit at night so bring a warm bag. Sleeping pad: A closed cell foam camping mattress is OK. An inflatable Thermal Rest type is more comfortable.