We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice. However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the first questions people usually ask is,”how cold does it get?” 

The highest camps that most sleep at are about 15,000 to 16,000 feet high, in the alpine desert zone.  Nightime temperatures here hover around freezing, but can easily be much colder than that, as Kilimanjaro’s weather is volatile and unpredictable.  So when choosing a sleeping bag, you want a warm, four season bag.  

We recommend getting a bag with a temperature rating of 0F to -20F.  Some people tend to sleep “warm” or “cold” – meaning that some get hot at night while others, in the same conditions, get cold.  Someone who sleeps warm can use a bag with a higher temperature rating than someone who sleeps cold.  However, we recommend the warmer bags (-20F) because the temperature can always be regulated by wearing less clothing while inside the bag, unzipping the bag partially or all the way, using the bag as a sheet, or not using the mummy hood.

Sleeping bags are constructed of feathers (down bag) or foam (synthetic bag).  A down bag is lighter, has a warmer warmth to weight ratio, and is more compressible, while a synthetic bag is heavier and more voluminous.  Down’s warmth efficiency comes at a price premium to synthetics.  

For a quality constructed, toasty down bag at a reasonable cost, we like the REI Kilo Expedition.  The REI Kilo Expedition -20 Sleeping Bag retails for $359 and can be purchased at REI.

REI Kilo Expedition -20 Sleeping Bag - Regular

With smart goose down insulation distribution and a waterproof shell, this cold-weather bag is warm, weatherproof and very compressible. Goose down is efficiently distributed for maximum warmth and comfort—800-fill-power goose down on top and 700-fill-power goose down underneath. Ultralight nylon shell features Gelanots® waterproof, breathable coating for superior weather protection. Vertical Baffle construction lets the goose down remain fully lofted and keeps it from shifting and migrating, preventing cold spots. Vertical Baffles also prevent down from shifting to the sides and keep more down on top of the bag where it keeps you warmer. Exclusive dual Regulator zippers adjust temperature as needed—fully close both zippers to increase warmth, open inner zipper to decrease warmth. Multi-chambered hood and contoured, insulated draft collar seal in heat; trapezoidal foot box increases comfort and provides more space. Relaxed fit from hip to knees increases comfort by providing space to move around in. Includes nylon stuff sack and large cotton storage bag.

We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice. However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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While climbers are responsible for carrying a daypack during their trek, our porters will carry their other belongings from campsite to campsite. These belongings should be stored inside a duffel bag. You want to be sure to use plastic bags to separate and waterproof your gear.It is not necessary to purchase an expensive duffel bag for this purpose. The REI duffel bag is made of strong Cordura Plus nylon, and has 2,900 cubic inches of space (50L), a perfect size for climbing Kilimanjaro. The duffel bag retails for $29, and can be found at REI.

REI Duffel Bag - Medium

Climbers often carry their water in two ways - using a water bottle, such as a Nalgene, or inside a water bladder, such as a CamelBak. 

There are several benefits of using a water bladder.  1) high capacity: the bladders come in various sizes which allow you to carry a large supply of water. 2) hands-free operation: all you need to do is bite down on the valve.  3) encourages consistent hydration: there is no need to stop to drink, so using a bladder increases performance because climbers consume water by consistent sipping rather than gulping periodically. 

There are drawbacks to using a bladder as well. 1) inconvenient to refill: refilling the bladder requires removal of your backpack and at least partially taking out the bladder. 2) durability: bladders can leak.  3) difficulty to monitor intake/supply: because the water is out of sight, it is hard to know how much water you have consumed and how much is left, 4) hard to clean: cleaning the bladder is cumbersome.  If water is left inside, mold can develop.  5) taste: bladders can make water taste like plastic. 


We recommend using both systems while climbing Kilimanjaro, using the bladder (70 oz.) for pure water and a supplementary bottle for an electrolyte drink (such as Gatorade, Propel, etc.). 

We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice. However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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All Kilimanjaro routes pass through the rainforest. Being drenched can be a real damper on the mountain, so you need a rain jacket to keep you dry when the clouds roll in.  The Marmot PreCip jacket is a waterproof, windproof, yet breathable, lightweight jacket.  The jacket has a standard fit and can be worn over a baselayer or an insulating layer.  

The PreCip features an adjustable hood that tucks into the collar, pit zips to allow body moisture to escape, side pockets and an elastic drawcord hem. The Marmot PreCip rain jacket retails for $99, and can be found at REI, along with the matching Marmot PreCip rain pants.

Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket - Men’s
Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket - Women’s
Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pants - Men’s
Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pants - Women’s

We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice. However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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On Kilimanjaro, you won’t need a huge backpack because our porters carry most of your gear from camp to camp. The only things you need to carry are those that you may need while on the trail. This includes extra layers of clothing, water, snacks, sunscreen, and other small items. A medium-sized pack is recommended.We like the Gregory Z35. It is the right size, and sits very comfortably on your body, as all Gregory packs do. It has a mesh back panel to keep your back dry, several back and side pockets, compression straps, and is hydration bag compatible. The Gregory Z35 Backpack retails for $149 and is available at REI.

Gregory Z35 Pack - Men’s

Gregory Jade 35 Pack - Women’s

We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice.  However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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When it comes to mid-layers, the top choice for extreme cold is a down jacket.  With a superb warmth to weight ratio, down is a great insulator that is also highly compressible.  We like the Sub Zero Down Jacket by Mountain Hardwear. Stuffed with 600-fill power goose down, the jacket is toasty warm and lightweight. A drawcord cinches the waist to trap in heat and fleece-lined pockets keep your hands warm.The Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Jacket retails for $170, and is available at US Outdoor.

Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Jacket

We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice.  However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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Boots used on Mount Kilimanjaro should be warm, waterproof and comfortable. And for these characteristics, we find that the Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boot is a top performer. These heavy duty boots are high cut, constructed of full grain leather, and have a breathable Gore-Tex membrane.  Many rave about the comfort of these boots, right out of the box.  However, always break in your boots before using them for extended periods of time. 

These boots retail for $230.  You can purchase them online at REI.

Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boots - Men’s

Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boots - Women’s

On Kilimanjaro, most of your personal gear will be carried by hardworking porters.  As climbers begin their trek in the morning, the porters stay behind to break down the tents and clean the campsite.  Then, the porters proceed ahead of the climbers at a faster rate, beating the climbers to the next campsite to set up, prepare meals and boil water.  Therefore, climbers will often not see their porters again until they have reached their overnight destination and thus will not have access to the gear that the porters have transported until then. 

Climbers are expected to prepare their own day packs and to place all other items into a duffel bag for the porters.  As far as what goes into the day pack, it depends on what you may need during the day.  This typically includes rain gear, some extra layers of clothing in case the temperature drops, and clothing accessories.  Additionally, climbers should carry sunscreen, insect repellent (at lower altitudes), first aid kit, toilet paper, snacks and water.  The general rule is only carry what reasonably can be expected to be needed.  For instance, you do not need to carry fleece, insulated jackets, and gloves in the rainforest.  The sleeping bag and pad should not be carried, and probably would not fit, in your day pack.

To pack your day pack efficiently, you should use plastic bags to separate items based on categories.  For example, small bottles such as prescriptions, sunscreen, lip balm and hand sanitizer should be secured in a zip-lock type bag.  Extra layers of clothing should also be put into larger bags.  Paperwork, such as your passport and insurance documents into another bag.  Heavier items should be placed close to the midpoint of your back to keep your center of gravity in-line with your spine.  Placing heavy items near the top, bottom, left, right or rear of your day pack will cause you to lean forward, back, or to the side.  If your day pack has compression straps, tighten them so that your items do not move around as you walk.  Lastly, be consistent as to where you store your items (main compartment, side pockets, pant pockets, etc.), so that you do not fumble for your items when needed.  A medium sized backpack, with the capacity of  about 1,800 cubic inches (30 liters), is appropriate.

When choosing your footwear for Kilimanjaro, you should consider these factors:

1. warmth
2. waterproofness
3. ankle support
4. weight
5. traction

For most people, the appropriate footwear is boots.  Compared to trail shoes, boots offer superior warmth, which will be immensely important should temperatures dip below zero.  Additionally, boots support the ankles that can help prevent the risk of injury.  Because of the height of the boots, your feet are less likely to get wet while stepping in puddles, snow or ice.  Lastly, the tread on a boot is also deeper, enabling a better grip on the terrain, whether it be mud, scree or rock. 

So given the above, why would anyone choose trail shoes?  The main reason is weight.  It is said that a pound on your feet is equivalent to carrying five on your back.  Therefore, an average pair of boots, which weighs more than three pounds is like adding fifteen pounds to your pack.  Walking with boots can be much more tiring when you think about how many steps you take on the climb.  But unless you are comfortable and used to hiking in trail shoes, in perhaps extremely cold weather, then Kilimanjaro is not the place to experiment. 

It is said that the trek from the gate to the peak of Kilimanjaro is like walking from the equator to Antarctica. The temperatures you may encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro can be over 100 degrees to well below zero. Therefore, it is important for all climbers to understand how to best dress to cope with the mountain weather. By following the provided gear list, you already have everything you need to stay comfortable and warm. 

Layering is a systematic, logical approach to wearing multiple layers of clothing. The advantages of layering are that it is versatile (a climber can add or remove layers to adapt to changing weather, activity level and body temperature), thermally efficient (multiple thinner layers are warmer than an equal thickness single layer), and space efficient (takes up less space in your backpack).You should follow the layering principle when you suit up for Kilimanjaro.

Base Layer

A base layer is moisture-wicking item that is worn against the skin. By moving sweat away from your body, the base layer should keep you dry and provide some insulation. They are available in different thicknesses, although light-weight is recommended for its versatility over medium-, heavy-, and expedition-weight clothing.

Base layers can be worn alone in warm weather, and can be doubled-up (worn on top of one another) during cold weather.

Several types of fabric or blends of fabric are used to construct base layers, including silk, wool, and polypropylene, which are usually sold under registered trademarks by outdoor gear companies. Cotton is not a good base layer material! It does not have any moisture-wicking properties, does not dry quickly, and will actually increase your heat loss when wet

2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 - Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 - Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
1 - Bandana (optional)
1 - Balaclava
3 - Sock liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn underneath to prevent blisters
1 - Gloves, light, thin, synthetic, worn underneath for added warmth (optional)
1 - Arm Warmers, synthetic (optional)

Mid Layer

The primary purpose of a mid layer is to provide warmth. Therefore, while searching for mid layers, you should look for those that have good insulating qualtities. Insulation is best created by materials that trap tiny air pockets, or dead air, between you and the elements.

Wool or synthetic fabrics can be used as a mid layer in cool weather. However, for cold conditions, use fleece, down or heavier synthetics. Fleece provides good insulation because it is relatively thin, fast-drying, comfortable, and light-weight, but lacks wind protection. Down is the most efficient insulating material, with respect to its warmth per ounce ratio, but loses its insulating qualities when wet. It is very compressible for packing, but bulky when worn. Therefore, select lightweight down products when used as a mid layer. Synthetic insulated jackets are not as warm or light as down, but they function even when wet.

1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 - Fleece Pants
3 - Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
2 - Hiking Pants* (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Shorts* (optional)
*considered mid layers simply because they are worn on top of the base layer (underwear).

Outer Layer

The outer layer is designed to provide protection from the wind, rain and snow. Some outer layers have built in insulation, but I recommend obtaining each layer separately for greater versatility.

1 - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
1 - Knit Hat, for warmth
1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 - Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
1 - Hiking Boots, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 - Gym shoes, to wear at camp
1 - Gloves (waterproof recommended)

With the above listed gear, you should be able to withstand whatever weather conditions Mount Kilimanjaro has in store for you. It is important that you be cognizant of changing conditions as you hike and adapt accordingly (unzip/shed layers before you sweat, zip up/add layers before you get cold, wear waterproof gear before you get wet, etc.)