Clothing and Layering Essentials

Kilimanjaro is all about layering. Think: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer. Avoid cotton—go synthetic or merino wool.

• Top Base Layer

• Bottom Base Layer

• 4–5 Pairs of Underwear

• 3–4 Short Sleeve Shirts

• 1–2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts

• 1 Insulated Trekking Pants

• 1–2 Hiking Trousers

• 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket

• 1 Insulated Winter Jacket

• 1 Hard Shell Waterproof Jacket

 Basic Equipment

• Daypack (30–40L) – Osprey recommended

• Waterproof Duffel Bag (80–90L) – Carried by porter

• 4-Season Sleeping Bag (-20°C/0°F) – Available to rent

• Trekking Poles – Adjustable Black Diamond preferred

• Water Bottles/Bladder (3L total capacity) – No plastic bottles allowed

• Neck Gaiter or Scarf – Buff or Hoo-Rag preferred

 Headgear

• Warm Beanie or Fleece Hat – The North Face, Berghaus, Columbia

• Sun Hat – Wide-brimmed for sun protection

• Headlamp – Petzl or Black Diamond, with extra batteries

• Sunglasses – High UV protection (Julbo recommended)

Hands & Feet

• Insulated Gloves or Mittens – Waterproof recommended

• Light Gloves – Fleece or quick-dry

• Trekking Boots – Midweight, broken-in, with ankle support

• Camp Shoes or Sandals – For evenings at camp

• Hiking Socks – Merino wool; 3–4 outer + 2–3 liner + 1 thermal pair

• Gaiters – Keep mud and dust out

Upper Body Clothing

• Thermal Base Layer – Merino wool (Icebreaker)

• Short Sleeve Hiking Shirts – Lightweight, moisture-wicking

• Long Sleeve Shirts – Light to mid-weight

• Fleece Jacket – Midweight Polartec

• Insulated Jacket – Down or synthetic (The North Face, Rab, etc.)

• Hardshell Outer Jacket – Waterproof and breathable

Legwear

• Thermal Leggings/Base Layer

• Trekking Trousers – Convertible trousers optional

• Waterproof Overtrousers – Preferably Gore-Tex

 Toiletries & Personal Care

• Plug Adapter (Type D / G – 230V, 50Hz)

• Toothbrush + Toothpaste

• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer

• Lip Balm + Sunscreen (SPF 40+)

• Quick-Dry Towel

• Toilet Paper (remove center roll)

• Pee Bottle (optional but helpful at night)

 Sleep System

• Sleeping Bag (-15 to -20°C) – Rent or bring your own

• Sleeping Mat – Provided (bring extra if desired)

• Sleeping Bag Liner – Optional for warmth and hygiene

• Compression Sack – Waterproof preferred

• Inflatable Pillow – Optional

 Miscellaneous Gear

• Camera & Spare Batteries

• Snacks – Energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit

• Electrolyte Drink Mix – Enhances hydration

• Ear Plugs – Camps can be noisy

• Pocket Knife – Swiss Army or Leatherman

• Travel Documents – Passport, visa, insurance, yellow fever certificate

• Reusable Stuff Sacks – For organized packing

• Medical Kit – Basic personal first aid items

 Health & Medical Supplies

• Prescription Medications

• Diamox (if using)

• Blister Plasters

• Antibiotic Ointment

• Anti-diarrhea Meds (Imodium)

• Anti-nausea Meds

• Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)

 Lighting & Electronics

• Headtorch with Extra Batteries – Essential for summit night

• Small Flashlight (optional)

• Power Bank or Solar Charger – For phones or small devices

 Pro Tips for Packing

• Start prepping gear early and take advantage of seasonal sales

• Practice with your daypack and boots before the trek

• Label and organize your packing cubes/stuff sacks

• Keep important gear like boots and outerwear in carry-on luggage

• Leave extra luggage at the hotel during your climb

• Reach out to Chance Venture Tours anytime for help—our team is always happy to guide you!

 Reminder: Plastic Ban in Tanzania

Single-use plastic bags are banned. Do not bring Ziplocs or plastic shopping bags.