Kilimanjaro trekking  Equipment Checklist

Here is a suggested list of clothing and accessories for climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro:

• insulated, waterproof hiking boots with rigid uppers and thick sole
• (Boots must be WELL BROKEN IN. WE ALSO ADVISE THAT YOU WEAR YOUR CLIMBING BOOTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT OVER, IN CASE YOUR LUGGAGE IS LOST BY THE AIRLINE. YOUR CLIMBING BOOTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.
• 3 pairs of warm socks
• 3 pairs of lightweight socks (to wear under warm socks)
• 1 or 2 pairs of lightweight walking or running shoes for walking
  around camp (with appropriate socks)
• 1 warm hat (or balaclava) with a brim to keep the sun off face and
  neck and a sun hat (you will need both types)
• 1 pair of insulated hiking or ski gloves
• 1 down-filled, hooded parka or Gore-Tex anorak
• 2 sets of thermal underwear (preferably a lightweight pair to
  wear next to the skin and a heavier second pair for extra warmth)
• 1 pair of warm, windproof slacks
• 1 pair of lightweight slacks
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 woolen or flannel shirts with long sleeves
• 1 or 2 warm sweaters (fleece-type)
• 2 lighter-weight shirts (or tee-shirts)
• 3 or 4 sets of underwear
• Lightweight rain gear with hood (Rain can occur at any time on
  the lower slopes.)
• lightweight personal water container
• a water purification kit and/or iodine pills
• a lightweight daypack for carrying your own water, camera, film, etc.;
  (A pack that has a hydration system with an insulated water
  the bladder is suggested.
• A medium-sized, sturdy duffel bag to contain all your gear and
  clothing (Porters will carry this for you, but they will NOT carry
  framed backpacks.)
• Well-insulated sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of
  20-degrees Fahrenheit (The sleeping bag should fit in your duffel
  bag.)
• camping pillow (if desired)
• emergency foil blanket (optional)
• flashlight (with extra batteries); a headlamp will be
  especially useful for the last part of the climb, which is done at
  night
• 2 walking sticks
• One pair of mud gaiters
• dark sunglasses with high UV ray protection or snow goggles
• (Polarizing glasses are not sufficient to prevent snow blindness.)
• sunscreen with high SPF
• lip balm containing a sunblock
• small hand towel, soap, and 2 rolls of toilet paper
• tissue and “wash and dry” wipes
• UV filter for your camera (which is necessary for high-altitude
  photography)
• -high-energy snacks (such as muesli bars, chocolate, or instant
  hot drinks)
• a small reference book on plants (if you are interested in botany)

IN ADDITION, it is suggested that you assemble a basic medical kit. Your doctor can advise you on specific items to include. The following items may be useful:

• a good supply of aspirin (for altitude headaches)
• altitude medication — as prescribed by your doctor
• an antibiotic to use if needed (such as Septra DS) as prescribed
  by your doctor
• anti-biotic cream (for cuts and scrapes)
• band-aids and bandages
• moleskin
• scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer
• cold/flu tablets and throat lozenges
• medicine for stomach ailments and dehydration salts

Clothing of various weights is suggested because you will want to dress in layers (removing layers as you heat up from walking, adding layers as you cool down from resting). During the first two days,
climbers may find it comfortable to wear shorts and t-shirts.

However, temperatures will change at higher altitudes. By the third day of your climb, it can be very windy and the temperature can fall to freezing at night.

A limited selection of equipment is available for rental at the base of the mountain. It is, however, suggested that climbers bring all of their own equipment.