Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list adventure for many hikers.
But to reach the summit, you need more than determination - you need the right gear.
As someone who recently conquered Africa's highest peak, I'm excited to share my top 10 Mount Kilimanjaro packing essentials that helped me reach Uhuru Point.
Check it out here 👇
Before we dive into the list, remember that everyone's needs are different.
What worked for me might not be perfect for you.
However, these items were vital for my successful and comfortable climb up Kilimanjaro.
Let's get started!
Footwear: The Foundation of Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
1. Boots for Kilimanjaro
When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro, your choice of footwear can make or break your experience.
I opted for a pair of sturdy hiking boots I've had for about 5 years.
While they're starting to show some wear, they served me well on the mountain.
Here's why good boots matter:
Ankle support is critical, especially when descending.
They keep your feet dry in various conditions.
Proper fit prevents blisters and discomfort.
I wore my boots through the rainforest on day one and on summit night.
The rest of the time, I switched to trail runners. This strategy worked well for me, but you might prefer boots full-time.
2. Trail Runners: A Lightweight Alternative
For most of my climb, I used On Cloud trail runners.
These lightweight shoes were a godsend on dry trails.
To keep debris out, I paired them with Dirty Girl gaiters.
This combo was comfy and efficient.
However, if conditions are wet or snowy, stick with boots. Your feet will thank you.
Here's a list of my current hiking footwear. Shopping through our Amazon affiliate links really helps us and doesn't cost you a thing.
3. Camp Shoes: Comfort After a Long Day
After a day of trekking, your feet need a break.
I brought Crocs as camp shoes but wouldn't recommend them for Kilimanjaro.
The terrain at the campsites can be steep and gravelly.
Next time, I'll bring something with a better grip.
(*UPDATE*)
These are my new camp shoes, and so far, so good; they were great in Peru; check out this sole! I will not slide off the mountain at Barafu Camp in Kili in August.
Protecting Yourself from the Elements on Kilimanjaro
4. Sun Protection for High Altitude
The sun on Kilimanjaro is intense.
Here's what I used to stay protected:
A trucker hat for shade: You can choose a hat that blocks more sun, but a hat is crucial.
Sun shirt with a hood for extra neck protection.
Smith Venture sunglasses (they're ugly but effective!)
Dermatone for face and lip protection (I prefer this to regular sunscreen).
Don't underestimate the power of the sun at altitude.
5. Kilimanjaro Summit Night Clothing
Summit night is cold.
Cold. Cold. Cold.
Here's what I wore:
Bottom layers:
Thick knee-high compression ski socks
Odlo base layer bottoms
Swix cross-country ski pants
Top layers:
Odlo base layer
North Face Summit Series hoodie
Windshell
North Face puffy jacket
Extra-warm Swix puffy jacket
Accessories:
Lightweight hat
Hestra gloves and mittens
Buff (optional)
This setup kept me mostly warm, though my thighs, thumbs, and pinky toes got a bit cold.
I'll make some adjustments for next time, but overall, this worked well.
Here's a link to my entire Kilimanjaro packing list. Thanks again for shopping through our affiliate links. It helps us pay the bills and doesn't cost you a thing.
6. Day Pack
You don't need a massive backpack for Kilimanjaro.
Porters carry most of your gear between camps.
I used a 33L Mystery Ranch Scree pack, which was perfect.
Here's what I loved about it:
Slim profile for easy movement
Easy access with a full-length zipper
White color for visibility (both inside and out)
Remember, lighter is better. Only pack what you need for each day's trek.
7. Trekking Poles for Kilimanjaro
I have a love-hate relationship with trekking poles, but I'm glad I brought them to Kilimanjaro.
I chose the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles because they're incredibly light and compact.
Lightweight poles are key because of swing weight - the energy it takes to move the poles with each step.
Over a long day of hiking, this can make a big difference in your energy levels.
8. Headlamp for Summit Night and Camp Use
A good headlamp is vital for Kilimanjaro, especially on summit night.
While I'm not usually a fan of hiking with a headlamp, it was indispensable for navigating the rocky terrain in the dark.
Pro tip: Know your headlamp's battery life in cold temperatures. I made a spreadsheet to track this before the climb. Being prepared meant I didn't have to worry about running out of light.
9. Hydration on Kilimanjaro: Water Bottles and Electrolytes
Staying hydrated is key to avoiding altitude sickness.
Here's my hydration setup:
Two 1-liter Nalgene bottles
Two smaller Nalgene bottles for electrolytes
On Kili I tried to drink 3-4 liters per day, front-loading my consumption in the morning and early afternoon. This strategy helped me stay hydrated without too many nighttime bathroom trips.
For electrolytes, I used Nuun tablets and Salt Stick chews. Before your climb, test different options to see what works best for you.
10. Medications for Kilimanjaro Climb
On Kilimanjaro, you're your pharmacy.
Here's what I packed:
Tylenol and ibuprofen
Benadryl (antihistamine)
Zofran (prescription anti-nausea med)
Nyquil Cold and Flu
Pepto Bismol
Immodium
Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention)
Keep all medications in your day pack for easy access.
If you're on any regular medications, discuss your climb with your doctor beforehand. You should probably talk to your doctor before your climb anyway to get a prescription for Diamox and vaccinations.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an incredible experience, but it requires careful preparation. With these ten essentials, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenge and enjoy the journey to the Roof of Africa.
Remember to test your gear before the climb and adjust based on your preferences.
Happy trekking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are typically during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October.
These periods offer the best weather conditions and clearest views.
However, I'm not an expert. I climbed Kili in June 2024, and I'll be climbing it again in August 2025. Come with me!
How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?
While you don't need to be an elite athlete, a good fitness level is essential.
Regular cardio exercise, strength training, and hiking with a weighted pack in the months before your climb will help prepare you.
The key is to build endurance and get comfortable with long days of walking.
How do I prevent altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro?
To help prevent altitude sickness, climb slowly (pole pole in Swahili), stay hydrated, eat well, and consider taking Diamox (consult your doctor first).
Choose a route with good acclimatization, like the 7-day Machame route.
Listen to your body and inform your guide if you feel unwell. They're experts in high-altitude trekking and will take good care of you.
Do I need to hire a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes, it's mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro with a licensed guide and porters.
This not only ensures your safety but also supports the local economy.
Choose a reputable company with good reviews and fair treatment of its staff, or come with us because our guides are AMAZING.
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