Kilimanjaro Packing List
On Kilimanjaro you walk from warm rainforest to a summit that is often well below freezing, so the secret is layers, not bulk. This list covers what you carry in your daypack, what goes in the bag our porter carries, and what to leave at your hotel.
How your luggage works on the mountain
You carry a small daypack with what you need during the day. Everything else goes in one soft duffel bag that a porter carries to the next camp; please keep it to about 15 kg, so your porter's load stays reasonable. Anything you do not need on the mountain, such as city clothes or a laptop, stays at your hotel in Moshi.
Important: Tanzania does not allow plastic carrier bags. Use dry bags or stuff sacks to keep things dry, and avoid bringing plastic shopping bags into the country.
Clothing: dress in layers
- Base layer: 2–3 moisture-wicking tops and 1–2 thermal leggings (no cotton next to the skin).
- Mid layer: a fleece jacket and a second warm layer such as a light down or synthetic jacket.
- Outer layer: a waterproof, breathable jacket and waterproof trousers.
- Summit night: a thick insulated (down) jacket, warm trousers or an extra layer for your legs.
- Hiking trousers: 2 pairs, light and quick-drying; shorts for the warm first day if you like.
- Head and hands: a sun hat, a warm beanie, a buff or neck gaiter, thin liner gloves and thick insulated gloves or mittens.
- Socks and underwear: 4–5 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic) and quick-drying underwear.
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support: do not climb in new boots.
- Light shoes or sandals for camp in the evening.
- Gaiters, useful on dusty scree and in mud or snow.
Sleeping
- A warm sleeping bag; nights at high camps can drop well below freezing.
- A sleeping bag liner for extra warmth, and a small pillow or a stuff sack filled with clothes.
In your daypack
- A 25–35 litre daypack with a rain cover.
- Water bottles or a hydration bladder holding 3 litres in total; on summit night keep a bottle inside your jacket so it does not freeze.
- Sunglasses with good UV protection, sun cream with a high SPF and lip balm with SPF.
- A headlamp with spare batteries; summit night starts around midnight.
- Trekking poles, which help a lot on the steep way down.
- Snacks you enjoy, a small towel, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
Health and personal items
- Your personal medicines and a small first-aid kit with blister plasters, painkillers and anything your doctor recommends; ask your doctor about altitude medicine.
- Water purification tablets as a back-up (our crew boils and treats drinking water).
- Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, toilet paper and small rubbish bags to carry out your waste.
- Insect repellent for the lower slopes and for Moshi.
Documents and money
- Your passport, visa and travel insurance details (copies stored separately).
- Some US dollars in small notes for tips at the end of the climb; see our tipping guide.
Common questions
How heavy can my bag be on Kilimanjaro?
Keep the bag our porter carries to about 15 kg. Leave everything you do not need on the mountain at your hotel in Moshi.
Do I need a down jacket for Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Summit night usually starts around midnight, often in temperatures well below freezing and with wind, so a thick insulated jacket is essential.
Can I bring plastic bags?
No. Tanzania does not allow plastic carrier bags. Use dry bags or stuff sacks instead.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are not compulsory, but most climbers find them very helpful, especially on the long, steep descent after the summit.
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