Everything You Need to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Preparing the right equipment is one of the most important steps toward a successful Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Having the proper clothing and gear will help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable while increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) safely.
At Kili Legends & Safaris, we recommend packing lightweight, high-quality equipment suitable for changing mountain weather. Temperatures can range from 25°C (77°F) in the rainforest to -15°C (5°F) or lower on summit night.
If you don't own all the required equipment, there's no need to worry. Most trekking gear can be rented in Moshi or Arusha, with rental costs typically ranging between USD 100 and USD 200, depending on the items required.
Essential Personal Items
These are the basic personal items every climber should bring:
◆ Lightweight towel
◆ Biodegradable soap
◆ Hand sanitizer
◆ Toothbrush and toothpaste
◆ Toilet paper
◆ Wet wipes
◆ Face cloth
◆ Lip balm with SPF
◆ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
◆ Camera or smartphone
◆ Extra camera batteries
◆ Power bank
◆ Spare batteries for headlamp
◆ Personal toiletries
Trekking Clothing (Daily Hiking)
For hiking between camps, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for layering.
◆ Moisture-wicking T-shirts
◆ Long-sleeve hiking shirts
◆ Hiking trousers
◆ Hiking shorts
◆ Waterproof rain jacket
◆ Rain trousers or poncho
◆ Fleece jacket
◆ Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
◆ Wool socks
◆ Sun hat with wide brim
◆ Warm fleece hat
Footwear
Proper footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
◆ Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
◆ Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
◆ Warm hiking socks
◆ Gaiters (optional but recommended)
Bags & Trekking Equipment
Your luggage will be divided between your daypack and your porter bag.
Daypack (20–40 Litres)
Carried by you during the trek.
Recommended contents:
◆ Water
◆ Camera
◆ Snacks
◆ Rain jacket
◆ Gloves
◆ Sunglasses
◆ Sunscreen
◆ Personal medication
Duffel Bag (60–100 Litres)
Carried by your porter.
Maximum porter weight:
15 kg (33 lbs)
Recommended items:
◆ Clothing
◆ Sleeping bag
◆ Spare shoes
◆ Personal items
Other Equipment
◆ Waterproof backpack cover
◆ Waterproof duffel bag
◆ Small luggage lock
◆ Adjustable trekking poles
◆ Sleeping bag (comfort rating -5°C to -15°C)
◆ Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Summit Clothing (For Summit Night)
Summit night is the coldest part of the climb. Layering is essential.
Outer Layer
◆ Waterproof breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
◆ Waterproof hiking trousers
Insulating Layer
◆ Fleece jacket
◆ Down jacket (recommended)
◆ Fleece gloves
◆ Waterproof insulated mittens
◆ Thermal balaclava
◆ Neck gaiter or buff
Base Layer
◆ Thermal long-sleeve top
◆ Thermal leggings (long johns)
◆ Thermal hiking socks
Accessories
◆ Warm beanie
◆ UV-protection sunglasses
◆ Headlamp with spare batteries
◆ Gaiters (recommended)
Water & Hydration
Staying hydrated is extremely important during your climb.
Bring:
◆ Two 1-litre reusable water bottles
or
◆ Hydration bladder (2–3 litres)
Plus:
◆ One insulated thermal flask (1 litre) for summit night
Your guides will provide safe, filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
Recommended Personal Medications
Please consult your doctor before traveling.
Recommended items include:
◆ Malaria medication
◆ Altitude sickness medication (Diamox if prescribed)
◆ Pain relievers
◆ Cold and flu medication
◆ Anti-nausea tablets
◆ Muscle pain relief
◆ Blister treatment
◆ Band-aids
◆ Personal prescription medication
Our mountain guides also carry comprehensive first aid kits and emergency oxygen on every climb.
Recommended Snacks
Although all meals are provided by Kili Legends & Safaris, many climbers enjoy carrying extra snacks for additional energy.Energy Snacks
◆ Protein bars
◆ Energy bars
◆ Granola bars
◆ Sports gels
Salty Snacks
◆ Mixed nuts
◆ Trail mix
◆ Pretzels
◆ Beef jerky
◆ Potato chips
Sweet Snacks
◆ Chocolate◆ Hard candy
◆ Dried fruit
◆ M&M's
Electrolytes
◆ Electrolyte tablets◆ Hydration powders
◆ Oral rehydration salts
These help replace minerals lost through sweating at high altitude.