When George Mallory was asked why he was attempting to climb Mount Everest, he famously said, “Because it’s there.” But that’s not really an answer. To the general public, mountaineers are often seen as thrill seekers who take unnecessary risks for seemingly trivial reasons….
Exploring the world on foot is one of the purest ways to connect with nature. Across the globe, there are trails that stand out as the world’s best hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual walker looking to step up…
When it comes to the grandeur of nature, few things can rival the breathtaking beauty of mountains. They are nature’s biggest masterpieces. Some of these mighty peaks are quite famous, but there are lesser-known, yet equally stunning mountains across the globe. In…
Most people think endurance is just physical. The fitter person lasts longer. The stronger person keeps going. Eventually, the body reaches its limit and the person stops. But endurance research suggests that’s not what often happens. People frequently quit while their bodies…
Kilimanjaro is known as a “walk up” mountain. The climb is essentially a long hike on established trails. No technical mountaineering skills are required. If you can walk, you can climb Kilimanjaro. Some people hear this and assume that training is unnecessary….
Summit night on Kilimanjaro can sometimes play tricks on the mind. You start around midnight. It’s cold. It’s dark. You’re sleep deprived. And you have to ascend 4,000 feet at a slow, steady pace. For hours, the only things in your world…
Looking for gear to fill your Kilimanjaro packing list? Mount Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano, with its peak touching the sky at 19,340 feet above sea level. To climb it, you’ll need the right clothing, accessories and equipment to stay safe, warm,…
Ask any climber what he or she is most concerned with when climbing Kilimanjaro and the majority of the time the answer is the midnight summit attempt. While every other night on the mountain is spent sleeping in tents, this night is…
If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro, then you should know that you need to have the proper gear for the high altitude adventure. There are three types of jackets required to protect you from wind, rain and cold in the alpine environment….
How do I keep warm while climbing Kilimanjaro? At higher elevations, Mount Kilimanjaro can be brutally cold. A down jacket is a heavy mid layer used for chilly to extremely cold weather. They are usually worn at camp in the evenings, during…
Which rain jacket and rain pants should I bring to climb Kilimanjaro? Almost every Kilimanjaro routes begins in the rainforest (Shira is the one exception). One can assume that the rainforest tends to receive rain. It is important to be prepared. Being…
What are the Best Boots for Climbing Kilimanjaro? Having the right footwear is very important. Because you are spending many hours each day hiking in your boots, if they don’t fit right or work as expected, they can be the source of…
On Kilimanjaro, it is acceptable to wear boots, trail shoes or both, as we discussed here. Compared to boots, the main advantage of wearing shoes is that they weigh less. This conserves energy in the long run, which you will need to…
The primary purpose of a mid layer is to provide warmth. Fleece jackets, soft shells and down jackets are all considered mid layers. It’s basically any garment which provides insulation and is worn between a base layer and outer layer. The Ultimate Kilimanjaro® gear list includes…
Shirts that are made for hiking are pretty different from everyday casual wear. Unlike regular shirts, hiking shirts are made with technical fabrics and have specific features that serve functional purposes when spending time in the great outdoors. In this article, we’ll…
What is the best backpack for climbing Kilimanjaro? Everyone is familiar with backpacks. After all, we lugged around our things in classic book bags as children as we walked from classroom to classroom and traveled to and from school. There are many…
