Kilimanjaro Gear Guide
Essential gear and equipment information for your Kilimanjaro climb. Learn what to bring, what to rent, and how to choose the right equipment.
Choosing the Right Gear
Having the right gear is crucial for a successful and comfortable Kilimanjaro climb. Quality equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a challenging one. This guide will help you understand what you need and make informed decisions about purchasing vs. renting.
Essential Gear Categories
Footwear
Your boots are arguably the most important piece of equipment. Invest in quality.
- Hiking Boots: Waterproof, broken in, ankle support, suitable for varied terrain
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or shoes for around camp
- Socks: 4-6 pairs of moisture-wicking hiking socks
Clothing (Layering System)
The key to comfort is layering. You'll experience temperatures from warm to below freezing.
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking, synthetic or merino wool
- Mid Layers: Fleece or down for insulation
- Outer Shell: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
- Summit Gear: Down jacket rated for cold temperatures
Sleeping Equipment
Quality sleep is essential for recovery and acclimatization.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F)
- Sleeping Pad: Provided, but you can bring your own
- Liner: Optional but adds warmth and keeps bag clean
Backpacks
You'll need two bags: one for you to carry, one for porters.
- Daypack: 30-40L for daily essentials (water, snacks, layers)
- Duffel Bag: 70-90L for porters to carry (main luggage)
Gear Selection Tips
Quality Matters
- • Invest in quality boots—they're your foundation
- • Don't skimp on waterproof outer layers
- • Quality gear lasts and performs better
- • Test all gear before your trip
Fit is Critical
- • Boots must be broken in before climbing
- • Clothing should allow for layering
- • Daypack should fit comfortably
- • Test everything with weight
Weight Considerations
- • Pack light but don't sacrifice essentials
- • Daypack should be under 8 kg
- • Duffel maximum 15-20 kg
- • Every gram counts at altitude
Rent vs Buy
- • Buy: Boots, clothing, personal items
- • Rent: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, duffel
- • Consider frequency of use
- • Check rental availability
Quick Gear Checklist
Must Have
- ✓ Quality hiking boots
- ✓ Waterproof jacket & pants
- ✓ Warm layers (fleece/down)
- ✓ Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C)
- ✓ Daypack (30-40L)
- ✓ Headlamp with batteries
- ✓ Trekking poles
- ✓ Water bottles (2-3L)
Highly Recommended
- ✓ Gaiters
- ✓ Warm hat and gloves
- ✓ Sunglasses (UV protection)
- ✓ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Camera
- ✓ Power bank
- ✓ Personal medications
Common Gear Mistakes to Avoid
New Boots
Never climb in brand new boots. Break them in with at least 50-100 km of hiking before your trip.
Insufficient Warmth
Summit night can be -20°C. Don't underestimate the cold. Bring adequate warm layers.
Overpacking
You don't need everything. Pack light but smart. Every extra kilogram makes a difference.
Poor Quality Gear
Cheap gear often fails when you need it most. Invest in quality, especially for critical items.
Additional Resources
Questions About Gear?
Our team can help you determine what you need, what to rent, and provide gear recommendations.