While climbing Mt Kilimanjaro does not require specialized equipment, you do need to make sure all your gear is in order. Consider both standard and personal demands for comfort and safety before embarking up the mountain: Do you have warm climbing pants? A 10-degree bag? Trekking poles? Have you hiked more than 100 miles in your boots to break them in sufficiently? Each person we ask names a different item as the most important piece of equipment to bring, from the perfect jacket to a specific brand of baby wipes. Ask around, think about what it takes to keep yourself comfortable and happy, and get your checklist in order well before your departure date. Below is just a recommendation from Embark on the items that are best for Kilimanjaro.

That aside, one of the most important pieces of equipment you can bring is a waterproof pack/duffel bag, as it must hold all your gear for the entire trip, as well as keep it dry. Porters carry your main bag during the day, and you carry a smaller day pack with food, water, rain gear, and your camera. Be sure to test and clean all your gear in advance, including breaking in your boots. The worst thing you can do is try to sort out all the details in the days before you leave. NOTE: Embark provides tents, mess tents, chairs, lanterns, silverware, and a toilet.

Gear List

• 2 synthetic shirts, long sleeve
• 2 synthetic t-shirts
• 2 pairs of synthetic hiking shorts
• 1 pair of synthetic trekking pants
• 1 pair of warmer hiking pants
• 1 or 2 pairs of fleece long underwear/ trousers
• 1 pair of leg gaiters
• 1 pair of socks per trekking day, with at least 2 pairs of lighter (synthetic)
• 6 pairs of socks and 3 pairs of heavy wool/synthetic blend
• 1 pair of underwear per day
• 1 warm fleece jacket
• 1 goretex rain/wind shell
• 1 pair of goretex rain/wind pants
• 1 durable poncho
• 1 fleece sweater
• 1 pair of fleece glove liners.
• 1 pair of cold weather gloves or mittens
• 1 pair of light windproof gloves
• 1 warm hat
• 1 sun hat
• 1 balaclava
• 1 pair trekking boots (medium weight, waterproof)
• 1 pair of walking/camp shoes
• 1 pair UV-blocking sunglasses with side-gussets

Other Equipment For Kilimanjaro Climbs

• 1 soft duffel bag, preferably North Face Base Camp
• 1 daypack
• Plastic bags of different sizes (to protect clothes against rain)
• 1 warm mountain sleeping bag (10 degree rated (F))
• 2 trekking poles
• 1 head lamp (with extra batteries and light bulb)
• 1 emergency foil blanket
• 1 pocket knife
• 3 One-liter water bottles, or substitute with hydration pack
• Sun block. We suggest the highest possible SPF rating
• Water purification tablets or filter. We recommend tablets as the best and most fool-proof way to purify water.
• Helmet – if you are hiking the Western Breach