The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires proper preparation to ensure safety and comfort. From the warm, humid forests to the freezing summit, you’ll experience five climate zones with varying weather conditions. To help you pack effectively, we’ve put together this comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing checklist.
✅ We Provide: Tents, camp equipment, food, cooking facilities, and other shared items. Your duffel bag (carried by porters) will hold all your gear, while you’ll carry your daypack during the trek.
🔽 Download your printable Kilimanjaro packing checklist here!
Essential Gear Checklist
- Sleeping bag (rated 0°F to -15°F)
- Sleeping mat (provided)
- Sleeping bag liner (for added warmth)
- Compression sack (for easy packing)
- Waterproof duffel bag (80-100L)
- Daypack (25-35L)
- Waterproof pack cover
- Compression sacks / waterproof bags (6-8 recommended)
- Optional: Packing cubes for organization
- Bag lock for duffel bag
- Waterproof hiking boots (mid-weight)
- Camp shoes (light hikers or running shoes)
- Gaiters
- 5-6 pairs of liner socks (wool or synthetic)
- 4-6 pairs of thick socks (thermal for summit night)
- Spare boot laces
- Trekking poles
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear
- Hiking shorts or convertible pants
- 1-2 lightweight base layers
- Hiking pants (no cotton)
- Winter hiking pants
- Waterproof shell pants (full-length zippers recommended)
- Sports bra (for women)
- 1-2 lightweight t-shirts (no cotton)
- 1-2 long-sleeved shirts (no cotton)
- 2-3 base layers (light to mid-weight)
- 1-2 fleece jackets (insulation layer)
- Insulated shell jacket
- Down jacket (750-fill or similar)
- Waterproof shell jacket (fits over all layers)
- Brim hat or cap (with neck protection)
- Warm hat (with ear flaps)
- Neck gaiter or Buff
- Sunglasses (100% UV protection)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Hydration bladder (2-3L, e.g., Camelbak)
- 1-2 wide-mouth water bottles (1L each)
- Electrolyte powder or sports drink mix
- Energy bars (2-4 per day)
- Water purification tablets or filter pen (boiled/filtered water provided)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, soap, etc.)
- Baby wipes & antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Any personal medication
- Sunscreen (SPF 40+)
- Small quick-dry towel
- Pee bottle (for nighttime use)
- Toilet paper (1-2 rolls, cardboard removed for packing)
- Camera/phone/electronics + spare batteries
- Blister plasters (various sizes)
- Antibiotic cream
- Band-Aids for minor cuts
- Pain relief (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
- Skin healing ointment (e.g., Aquaphor)
- Anti-diarrheal medication (Immodium)
- Anti-nausea medication
- Prescription medications
- Diamox (if using for altitude sickness)
- Sanitary products (carry in Ziplock bags for disposal)
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes or heavy-duty wipes
- Pee funnel (optional but useful)