Embarking on the journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for a lot of adventurers, however the proper gear could make all of the distinction between a profitable climb and a difficult wrestle. From hydration options to protecting headgear, every merchandise performs an important function in guaranteeing your security and luxury all through the expedition.
So, what gear do it’s essential climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
On this complete information, we’ll break down the important gear it’s essential pack on your Kilimanjaro journey, together with must-have objects, elective equipment, and suggestions for profiting from your gear.
What Gear Do You Have to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
With the proper gear and preparation, you’ll be able to sort out the problem of Mount Kilimanjaro and create lasting reminiscences of a lifetime. Bear in mind, whereas it’s important to pack properly, keep away from overpacking to stick to weight limits imposed by porters.
Right here’s our full Kilimanjaro gear record:
Luggage
- A hydration bladder (or “camel bag”) is very really useful for this journey. In case your daypack is appropriate with one, having one will certainly add consolation to your trek. Try to be very cautious and select solely high-quality fashions. Ensure that the pipe is insulated; in any other case, it would freeze on the summit evening. 1.5—and 2-litre variations shall be good on your journey.
- Journey bag organizers (elective). A extremely really useful merchandise that makes it snug to get your whole gear sorted inside a duffle bag. Additionally, utilizing such organizers is useful for maintaining soiled and moist garments other than the clear ones.
Footwear is without doubt one of the most vital objects in your Kilimanjaro pack record. That is the place you have to be significantly attentive and selective. Selecting your mountain climbing boots and/or sneakers is a job of supreme significance. A incorrect alternative right here can lead to damaged toenails, corns and blisters. For this journey you’ll need high-quality mountain climbing boots, trekking sneakers (elective) and trekking socks.
Mountain climbing boots
Selecting applicable mountain climbing boots might be of utmost significance. There are various choices in the marketplace, and generally it‟s onerous to seek out the proper one. Ideally, your mountain climbing boots ought to meet the next standards:
- Boots ought to have good ankle help.
- Boots ought to be of medium weight.
- After all, your boots ought to be waterproof to maintain your ft dry all the way in which as much as the highest. It’s particularly vital within the summit space if you happen to climb Kilimanjaro in the course of the wet season. Carrying high-quality trekking socks will present further safety, so it’s all the time really useful to have a pair.
Ideally, laces ought to get fastened to the velocity hooks for higher consolation and safety. It’s critically vital to interrupt in your boots earlier than the beginning of your Kilimanjaro journey. Taking a pair of name new boots will trigger discomfort, sore soles and calluses. Subsequently, it’s extremely really useful so that you can put on your boots for about 5-6 days earlier than the beginning of the trek. It’s critically vital to interrupt in your boots earlier than the beginning of your Kilimanjaro journey. You must take a minimum of two lengthy hikes to get them prepared.
The manufacturers of mountain climbing boots that we advocate embody: La Sportiva, Zamberlan, The North Face, merles, Asolo, Salomon and Scarpa. Any of those manufacturers shall be good for Kilimanjaro.
- Sneakers Optionally available
On some routes, the primary days of your hike received’t be very steep, making it attainable to make use of easy trekking sneakers as a substitute of trainers. On the next days, after arriving at your camp, you’ll in all probability wish to take off your mountain climbing boots and let your ft relaxation. That’s when sneakers may turn out to be useful. They’ll be good for exploring the camp environment and to maneuver between your tent and eating tents.
- Trekking socks
Trekking socks are a should on hikes like this. Don’t pack cotton socks, as they may retain sweat and offer you blisters. In distinction, woolen socks are a superb possibility for Kilimanjaro – they may guarantee quick and efficient wicking. A model to select from is Bridgedale.
- Thermal socks Optionally available
Thermal socks are elective, however extremely really useful, particularly for climbs in the course of the summer time months. There are a variety of manufacturers out there in the marketplace. Those with flat seams, not fabricated from cotton, will go well with completely! Merino wool is a superb different.
- Gaiters Optionally available
Using gaiters on Kilimanjaro shouldn’t be necessary, however in the course of the wet season they’re completely indispensable to stop mud, snow or pebbles from getting contained in the boots.
Hikers usually suppose that gaiters are of little worth. And but, they do assist to maintain your trekking pants and boots clear in the course of the trek, making your clothes extra nice to placed on. Additionally, the gaiters assist to guard your costlier membrane and trekking pants from the edgy rocks that are ubiquitous on Kilimanjaro.
Head-Gears
Like different trekking gear classes, Kilimanjaro headgear has each necessary and elective objects.
- Solar hat
A solar hat is a should have in your packing record. Ideally, it also needs to have a neck cowl (like this one). This headgear will defend your face from sunburns and overheating.
- Beanie
Taking a beanie is critical for this journey. At larger elevation you’ll begin feeling chilly, so with a purpose to preserve your head and ears heat you’ll need a superb beanie. It ought to be heat sufficient for the low temperatures and snowy situations of the summit space.
- Balaclava Optionally available
Balaclava is a useful answer for hikers who’re significantly vulnerable to chilly temperatures. A woolen balaclava will defend your chin, nostril, cheeks and brow from wind on the summit evening. It’s unlikely that you can be utilizing it wherever else.
- Neck hotter Optionally available
Many climbers discover neck heaters very helpful as they supply good safety to your neck and face if it will get very chilly. It‟s additionally a superb answer in opposition to mud.
- Sun shades
In terms of sun shades, there are some key factors to concentrate to. Firstly, sun shades ought to present good UV safety. On the elevation of 6,000 m above the ocean stage UV radiation is way larger than at sea stage. Secondly, when selecting sun shades, you need to keep in mind that snow within the summit space displays mild, thus placing further pressure in your eyes. As soon as close to the summit, you need to put your sun shades on even whether it is cloudy. In any other case, you may develop a situation generally known as snow blindness. It is rather harmful and should trigger everlasting injury to your imaginative and prescient. Thus, be certain that to decide on a high-quality mountain mannequin with 3 or, higher, 4-level of UV safety.
- Headlamp
You cannot hike Mount Kilimanjaro with no headlamp. Firstly, you’ll want it for transferring across the camp after sundown when discovering your tent can develop into fairly a job. In addition to, if you happen to resolve to go to the toilet at evening with no headlamp on, you may bump into the tent ropes. Secondly, a headlamp shall be obligatory in the course of the summit. Usually, hikers begin at midnight, aiming to achieve Uhuru Peak by dawn. So a headlamp shall be an awesome assist in seeing the trail.
Please take note of the next factors whereas selecting a headlamp on your journey:
- Examine the standard of sunshine. The brighter your headlamp, the extra appropriate it’s for the trek. Optimally, the sunshine output ought to be larger than 90-100 lumens and the beam distance ought to be a minimum of 40-50 m.
- Purchase good batteries. Ideally, the energetic mode ought to be round 30 hours. In any other case, don’t forget to take spare batteries or you should purchase it right here.
- Lastly, your headlamp shouldn’t be too heavy. Since it’s worn on the pinnacle, it ought to be comparatively mild. Thus, don’t think about something above 120 g.
- Keep away from shopping for headlamps with rechargeable batteries. Their battery life is way shorter, and, most significantly, there aren’t any energy shops on Kilimanjaro to recharge them.
PETZL offers good choices – verify them out.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are a extremely really useful merchandise in your Kilimanjaro packing record, not solely as a result of it’s a matter of consolation, however due to well being issues. Excessive-altitude trekking is a strenuous exercise that places nice pressure in your knees and joints. The common day by day mountain climbing leg on Mt Kilimanjaro is 7-10 km, which takes 4-8 hours to finish.
The terrain is rugged and, at some factors of the trek, rocky. That is the place the trekking poles will provide help to to maintain stability, including two further supporting factors. The hikers additionally say that the trekking poles are helpful on the summit evening, particularly when fatigue takes over them. That’s the reason some individuals who don’t use trekking poles complain about sore legs throughout and after the journey.
Good trekking poles will decrease the impression of a prolonged hike on joints, since a part of your weight shall be moved upon your fingers and again, relieving your knees and different joints from further stress.
Whereas deciding on the trekking poles on your Kilimanjaro hike take note of the next:
- Ideally, your trekking poles ought to weigh round 400 g—not too heavy and never too mild. Sturdiness additionally issues—they need to have the ability to endure prolonged hikes.
- As for supplies, aluminum is probably the most optimum possibility to make the poles sturdy. Additionally, verify the grip supplies – in a high-quality pair of poles, grips are fabricated from cork or foam. Cork is all the time a greater possibility, because it feels extra snug within the palm and doesn’t injury the palm pores and skin.
- Additionally, keep in mind that the trekking poles ought to match your top. Other than adjustable fashions, there are particular fashions for tall folks and for youths.
Black Diamond is thought for having the best assortment of trekking poles. Good trekking poles are precisely what it’s essential decrease the impression of a prolonged hike in your knees and joints.
Gloves You will want two varieties of gloves for this journey – mild inside gloves and hotter outer gloves for the summit evening. Each varieties of gloves are important on your Kilimanjaro journey.
Light-weight gloves are supposed to preserve your fingers heat ranging from the second day of your expedition. Most hikers put on them till the summit camp after which placed on their outer gloves. Inside gloves ought to be fabricated from good-quality supplies, the perfect choices being wool, polartec or synthetics. Keep away from shopping for cotton gloves—they don’t seem to be appropriate for Kilimanjaro due to their poor wicking capability.
Additionally, you will want heat gloves or mittens for the summit evening. They need to be heat and waterproof, whereas snug to make use of. Mittens are higher – the summit normally takes round eight hours, and on a regular basis you can be holding trekking poles in your fingers. Due to that, it’s crucial to maintain them heat at -15°C / 5°F (lowest temperature within the summit zone).
Sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro
Irrespective of which season you might be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a sleeping bag shall be obligatory in any camp and on all routes.
Your sleeping bag ought to be heat. To start with, your sleeping bag has three temperature ranges.
- “Consolation stage” means the temperature at which you’ll sleep comfortably in your sleeping bag with solely your thermal underwear on.
- “Restrict stage” stands for the temperature when you need to use your sleeping bag whereas carrying some layers of additional garments. Sleeping baggage shouldn’t be utilized in situations past that temperature restrict.
- “Excessive stage” means the temperature at which a sleeping bag can be utilized as an emergency measure to avoid wasting a climber from hypothermia till the emergency companies arrive.
It is rather chilly at evening within the higher camps of Kilimanjaro. Thus, the consolation stage of your sleeping bag ought to be a minimum of -10°C / 14°F. If you may get a sleeping bag hotter than that, you received’t remorse it! Nobody has ever complained that it was too scorching in his or her sleeping bag.
Ideally, your sleeping bag ought to have a hood to cowl your head for higher sleep at evening. Our Kilimanjaro advice is Lamina Z Blaze (Consolation Stage -15°F / -26°C) by Mountain Hardwear and The North Face sleeping baggage.
- Sleeping bag liner Optionally available
A sleeping bag liner will add further heat on the ultimate days of your climb. Mummy-shaped liners are higher than rectangular ones. Both a fleece or an insulated liner shall be nice on your Kilimanjaro hike. A great liner can add from 3 to eight°C to your sleeping bag consolation stage, which allows you to take your individual sleeping bag if it doesn’t match the -10°C consolation stage requirement.
- Inflatable pillow Optionally available
An inflatable pillow shall be of nice use for individuals who like studying in a tent. On the identical time, nevertheless, you might put your again pack or some garments underneath your head to make an improvised pillow.
- Private & Medical objects Optionally available
Moist wipes will assist preserve private hygiene if you happen to determined to climb Kilimanjaro with out hiring a private moveable bathe. Take two packs – put a small one into your daypack to make use of on the way in which, and a bigger one will go to the duffel bag for use for the night hygiene. Suncream. With out it the open components of your fingers and face will simply get sunburnt. Private medicine – you need to undoubtedly deliver any medication you might require comparable to nausea, headache, stomachache, and many others. Do not forget that a few of the drugs that you could simply purchase within the residence international locations is likely to be unavailable in Tanzania.
Optionally available Devices
A number of the devices that shall be helpful in your Kilimanjaro journey are:
- Digicam
The surroundings opening from Mt Kilimanjaro is actually spectacular! Taking nice footage is without doubt one of the important causes folks join this journey. You could take a smartphone with an influence financial institution or a Go-Professional digicam with spare batteries to seize probably the most improbable moments of your journey. - Energy banks
As stated above, in case you are taking any devices with you, taking an influence financial institution is a should. There aren’t any energy shops on Kilimanjaro, and it’s the solely option to preserve your smartphone, e-reader or different units charged. - E-book
For individuals who prefer to learn earlier than going to sleep, it’s a must-have merchandise within the packing record. - Mp3 Participant
This may make your Kilimanjaro Trek actually nice, particularly on the summit evening. Your favourite songs will definitely sustain your spirits and make the moments on the highest of Africa much more great. (Optionally available)
REMEMBER: Communal gear (tents, meals, utensils, and many others.) is offered. You’re chargeable for bringing the required, really useful and elective private gear and gear listed. The most typical mistake that climbers make is that they overpack. Be selective in what you’re taking with you. Our porters are restricted to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your belongings.
NOTE: This stuff may be rented on location – payable in USD money solely. There’s a normal ban on plastic baggage in Tanzania, however Vacationers are permitted to make use of Ziploc-type baggage.
E book Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb with Kili Climb Africa Safaris
As you put together on your Kilimanjaro journey, think about reserving your climb with Kili Climb Africa Safaris, one in every of Africa’s main journey specialists. With a popularity for reliability and a deep understanding of Western tradition and desires, Kili Climb Africa Safaris is dedicated to offering distinctive personalised companies at an reasonably priced finances.
Based by a staff {of professional} safaris and mountain consultants, Kili Climb Africa Safaris provides genuine cultural experiences based mostly on native information and Tanzanian sensibilities. Our guides, born and raised in Africa, present true narrations and deep insights that enrich your journey and make it actually unforgettable.
Once you select Kili Climb Africa Safaris, you join straight with educated guides who’re consultants within the locations you’ll discover. Whether or not you’re touring solo, with mates, or as a household, we will customise a visit to fit your preferences and supply an genuine native expertise.
With climbs on varied routes starting from 4 to 9 days, Kili Climb Africa Safaris ensures a protected, memorable, and rewarding journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro. E book your journey with us and embark on the expertise of a lifetime.
Get in contact with Kili Climb Africa Safaris to e book your Kilimanjaro Climb: