Below is a recommend packing list for hiking Kilimanjaro based on one provided to me from the hiking company with a few updates. This is mostly all required gear that you will use most every day (which should be inspected by the guide before departure), well hopefully except for the first aid kit. However, keep in mind that the most common mistake is over packing and bringing too much gear. Be selective in what you take with you especially if you are going with a company that has porters, which are typically limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. Below are links to several products I used on this hike and was particularly pleased with that are worth checking out!
Travel Documents
-Valid passport- Visas available on arrival for $100
-International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever)
-Travel and medical insurance- required for most companies
-US$ cash printed in and after 2006 / Credit Card
Essential Items
-Hiking bag w/waterproof cover – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. I used my Deuter backpack, the same from many past hikes, which worked perfect.
-Day backpack w/waterproof cover – between 20 – 35 litres. Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, snacks & warming layers
-Sleeping bag (recommend up to -7C but depends on the time of year- the North Face up 1o -7 worked perfectly)
-Water bottle / containers (2-3 bottles that hold 32oz each)
High Altitude Gear
-1 Waterproof, breathable & windproof jacket- mine from Columbia has worked through many rainy days hiking!
-1 Waterproof, breathable & windproof pants - I used new ones from North Face that were excellent
-1-2 Polar fleece (middle layer- number depending on weather)
-1 set of Thermal underwear (under layers)
-1 Waterproof warm gloves
-1 Glove liners (if necessary)
-1 Pair thermal (polertex) socks
-1 Warm Hat
-1 Balaclava - this was my first time using one on a hike and this was recommended to me because it offers protection without being too thick and making breathing at high altitude more difficult
-1 Neck Gaiter
Hiking Gear
-1 Pair of shorts
-2-3 Pairs hiking pants
-Regular underwear
-2-3 T-shirts
-1-2 Long Sleeve warm shirts
-Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – Merrell mids are excellent (my highest recommended item on the list!)
-Shoes for overnight camps – sneakers and flip flops
-Socks – at least one pair per day (it is also a good idea to carry an extra pair in a ziplock in your day pack to keep your feet dry)
-Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters (optional)
-Baseball cap or hat with a brim
Equipment
-Collapsible ski/walking stick (optional but many people used them throughout)
-Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries
-Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap
-Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
Personal Items
-Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, etc.)
-Towel
-Sun screen and chapstick, SPF 30+
-Ziploc bags, to protect camera, passport, etc. from water
-Toilet paper/wet wipes
Medical and First Aid
-Headache tablets/Painkillers
-Altitude sickness-Diamox (if not allergic to sulpha), Nausea – Valoid
-Diarrhoea – Imodium
-Malaria – Prophylaxis
-Abrasions, blisters, and cuts –bandages, moleskin, hydrogen peroxide wipes
-Flu and cold (I brought a bag of vitamin C cough drops)
-Eye drops
-Insect repellent
-Sunscreen
Optional Items
-Camera
-Solar powered battery charger
-Sports drinks for the climb (Mio Energy or Gatorade powder)
-Pocket knife
-Notebook & pencil, book or cards for evenings
-Compression bags to keep clothing airtight
-Hand Warmers (to break open and use at night/altitude)
-Energy snacks and sweets (small chocolate bars, granola bars, nuts)