Sleeping
+ sleeping bag and stuff sack: night-time temperatures on Kilimanjaro can be as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit so bring a warm bag
+ sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalent Head and Face
+ pile or wool hat: it must cover the ears; a balaclava works well
+ shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun
+ bandannas: various uses - cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.
+ sunglasses with side shields or glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water

 

Upper Body
+ t-shirts: two t-shirts that will get dirty; polypropylene is best; no cotton
+ upper body layers: three warms layers for the upper body. These must be made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Layers must fit over each other and provide good insulation. A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.
+ rain parka: a good parka made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in
+ poncho: quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; poor protection in windy rain
+ wool gloves or mittens: wool or pile; one pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves works well
+ mitten shells: one pair to go over mittens; provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountainOptional
+ down or synthetic jacket: although not required some individuals may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights.

 

Lower Body
+ undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb
+ hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
+ tights: comfortable to hike in, protection from vegetation and sunburn, warm on cool misty days; Lycra are best
+ long underwear bottoms: one pair, either wool or polypropylene
+ pile, bunting or wool pants: one comfortable pair that fit loosely over the long underwear bottoms
+ rain pants: a good pair of Gortex or nylon pants (nylon pants must be made of breathable, water resistant nylon); must be roomy enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants

 

Feet
+ thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
+ thick socks: six pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks
+ hiking boots: one pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock
+ gaiters: one pair of high gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots
+ tennis shoes: to wear in camp after a day of hiking

 

Personal Health and Comfort
+ toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, footpowder, handcream, etc. Bring enough for the entire trip as few are available

General
+ sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 30 or more. It’s easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.
+ lip balm: must have SPF rating of 30 or more
+ ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night’s sleep
+ flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries
+ adjustable ski poles: required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain
+ pocket knife: simple Swiss Army type with scissors
+ personal first aid and drug kit: see Health and Medical Information
+ towel: for wash up in camp
+ towelettes: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene
+ spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set
+ umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; most guides use one
+ portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs. Stools are provided in camp for dining
+ snacks: (optional): bring a supply of your favorite snacks to eat on the climb. It is a nice treat for the porters as well to receive a small snack on the climb
+ fingernail brush (optional): for removing dust from your nails, clothes or boots
+ plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry
+ water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition. These can be used in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag (example: Nalgene ).
+ water treatment tablets: two bottles of Portable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use
+ water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler’s lemonade make treated water taste better.

 

Carrying
+ large day pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 2500-3500 cu. in. (40-50 liters) serves most people needs well
+ large duffel bag: with a lock; mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel will weigh between 10 kilos or 22 lbs.
+ medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel
+ baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels
+ plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.