Kilimanjaro Packing List

Useful tips for packing your Kilimanjaro clothing and kit

Renting Climbing Gear in Tanzania

You can rent all the gear you need when you arrive in Tanzania.

If you don’t want to carry all your climbing equipment with you, you can rent it directly from our shop. Renting is much cheaper than buying new gear, especially if you only plan to use it once.

For first-time climbers or those without their own equipment, renting is a smart and affordable choice. We are the only company in the region with our own gear store — the largest in the Kilimanjaro area. We provide top-quality equipment from trusted brands like The North Face, Marmot, and Red Fox. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and updated twice a year.

Be careful with cheap gear

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive branded items, but it’s also important not to go for the cheapest options. Low-quality gear may be uncomfortable or even unsafe. Instead, look for good-quality items that offer both safety and value for money.

Packing List for Kilimanjaro

Daypack

 Your daypack will carry your daily essentials, such as: sunglasses, sunscreen, rain poncho, flashlight, flask with water and snacks. It is also the right place to put your gadgets, for example: your camera and smartphone.

Your daypack should be as light as possible. Leave heavier alternatives for other treks. Moreover, make sure that your daypack fits your back comfortably. We recommend testing it on a smaller hike before Kilimanjaro to make sure it is suitable and comfortable for this adventure.

Daypack

Duffel Bag

Porters usually carry duffle bags on their heads, so it’s important to choose a soft bag to make it more comfortable for them.

According to Kilimanjaro National Park rules, your fully packed duffle bag should weigh no more than 15 kg.

The bag should have a minimum capacity of 90 to 120 liters, so you can fit all the gear you need for the climb.

Make sure the bag is made from waterproof material to keep your belongings dry during the trek.

Duffel-Bag

Warm Jacket / Down Jacket

A warm or down jacket is essential for your Kilimanjaro climb. You’ll need it at camp during cold evenings and especially during the final push to the summit.

This jacket is a must-have—it helps keep you warm and comfortable in freezing temperatures.

A warm jacket should not be too heavy or too light and it should be comfortable to wear at -15°C / (5°F).

Make sure that your warm jacket is a hooded one.

Down Jacket

Fleece jacket as an insulation layer

A fleece jacket is an essential part of your Kilimanjaro gear. You can wear it on its own or over a trekking shirt. It’s especially useful at night while you’re at camp, and you’ll likely wear it on most days of the climb. We recommend fleece jackets made from Polartec-200 fabric, as it offers the best warmth and comfort for Kilimanjaro conditions.

Hooded fleece jackets are even better—they help keep your head and neck warm. Top recommended brands include The North Face, Red Fox, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia.

It’s a good idea to bring 2 to 3 fleece jackets for your trip.

Ponchos

A rain poncho is a useful item to protect you and your backpack from rain during the trek. It’s quick to put on and covers more than a regular rain jacket.

Ponchos are especially helpful in lower altitudes where rain is more common. Choose a lightweight, durable, and waterproof poncho that’s big enough to cover both you and your daypack.

Even if you have a rain jacket, a poncho is a great backup and adds an extra layer of protection.

ponchos

Trekking pants

 Trekking pants of good quality are usually enough for a Kilimanjaro expedition. If you prefer hiking in shorts, taking a pair of trousers is nevertheless needed for the higher elevation parts of Kilimanjaro and chilly evenings in the camps.

Warm trousers or ski pants

Warm trousers or ski pants are a must-have for your Kilimanjaro packing list. They are especially important for the summit attempt, when temperatures drop well below freezing. These trousers should be water-resistant, have a fleece lining for warmth, and be covered with a hard shell layer to protect against wind and rain. Ideally, you should feel comfortable wearing them in temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). If you’re not used to cold weather, you’ll also appreciate having these warm pants at the higher-altitude camps, where it can get very chilly even before summit night.

trekking pants

Hiking underwear and shirts

For your Kilimanjaro adventure, you’ll need 5 to 6 pairs of regular underwear, along with 2 to 3 sets of thermal underwear (also called base layers). Thermal underwear is important for warmth during the trek—one set can be used on regular days, while a warmer set should be saved for summit night. It’s also more comfortable to sleep in thermal layers when the temperatures drop. For the first set, a lightweight synthetic fabric is best because it dries quickly. For summit night, choose thermal underwear made with warmer, natural materials like wool. Any good-quality brand will work well. As for shirts, it’s recommended to bring 3 to 4 short-sleeved shirts and 2 long-sleeved shirts. Avoid cotton, as it doesn’t wick moisture effectively and takes too long to dry. Instead, choose breathable fabrics like a polyester-spandex or nylon blend, which are ideal for hiking in varying conditions.

Sleeping Bag

A high-quality sleeping bag is essential for your Kilimanjaro trek, as temperatures at higher camps can drop well below freezing. You’ll need a 4-season sleeping bag rated for at least -20°C  to ensure you stay warm and comfortable at night. A mummy-shaped bag with a hood and draft collar provides better insulation by trapping body heat. If you tend to get cold easily, you can also bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. Make sure your sleeping bag is lightweight, compact, and made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials. Most good outdoor brands offer sleeping bags suitable for high-altitude trekking.

Sleeping bag