Mount Kilimanjaro kit list: What I packed to hike the 8 day Lemosho route
In this blog I detail everything which I took with me on my eight day trek up and down Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route.
Starting at an altitude of 2,100m the 65km route ascends via the west side of the mountain, involves 4,967m of ascent, and takes between 7-8 days to complete.
Rather than just writing out a list of things, I have highlighted key features to look for in each item, alongside listing (and linking to) what specific items I took.
I also want to say a big thank you to Blacks Online who provided me with a significant amount of essential kit for this trek, which went a long way in making me feel both comfortable and safe up on the mountain.
I have broken the kit list down into three sections: Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Extras
I have also included some notes on the weather on Kilimanjaro and my experiences of my trek.
If you did want to read all about my 8-day trek you can find that blog post here or watch the full YouTube video below.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Kit List PDF
The weather on Kilimanjaro
Due to its proximity to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t experience huge changes in temperature across the different seasons. Instead, the temperature differences on the mountain are determined by both the altitude and what time of day it is.
At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is between 21 to 28 degrees Celsius. The temperature then decreases as you move up through Kilimanjaro’s different Ecological zones.
Forest zone: 1,800-2,800m
Moorland Zone: 2,800m – 4,000m
Alpine Desert: 4,000m – 5,000m
Arctic Zone: 5,000m+
At the summit of Kilimanjaro, in the arctic zone, the night temperatures can range between -7 to -29 degrees Celsius.
It’s worth noting that you’ll only spend a short period in the arctic zone and the rainforest zones with the majority of your hiking being done in the Heather and moorland and Alpine desert (2,800m to 4,000m).
Both of these zones are usually above the cloud line, so you should receive plenty of sun and warm temperatures during the day but have cold sub-zero temperatures in the evenings overnight.
Kilimanjaro’s vast height also means its big enough to create its own weather systems. which can be variable and difficult to predict.
Hikers need to be prepared for multiple seasons not only across the trip, but in a single day. You need to be able to account for conditions which are hot and humid, warm and sunny, rainy, windy, cold, and even snow.
Also note that conditions can change very quickly, one moment you can be walking in baking sunshine under a cloud fee sky, then within 10 minutes you’re enveloped in cloud and are layering up against rain and wind.
Finally just because you climb during the dry seasons (between June to September and January to February) it doesn’t guarantee you will not get any rain.
My experience & what I wore
I hiked in early February (6th-14th) and got lucky with the weather
It was sunny everyday, with little to no wind, and it only rained briefly on three of the eight days.
I found the weather followed a similar pattern each day.
We would wake up to clear skies and very cold temperatures, but as soon as the sun popped up the temperature would increase and the layers would come off.
The sunny weather and clear skies meant I was hiking in shorts and a long sleeved base layer (whilst carrying a mid-layer and waterproof) for the first 6 days.
The mountain would then cloud over in the early to mid afternoon, before clearing again around sunset, when the temperature would once again drop.
As the nights were clear, the temperature dropped significantly, meaning I was often sitting around camp with two layers on my bottom half (thermal bottoms and joggers) and three layers on my top half. (T-Shirt, jumper and Insulated jacket)
Summit day I wore a complete different set of clothes and when I reached the summit I was wearing;
Thermal socks, Merino leggings, fleece lined softshell trousers
Thermal Baselayer, 2 mid-layer jumpers, waterproof shell
Merino gloves, second pair of thicker gloves
Face buff + Hoodie
Hiking Clothing
The type and amount of clothing you will need to bring will depend on several things
The duration of your trek
The time of year and weather conditions you are hiking in
The material and quality of your clothes and equipment
Your personal hygiene standards
Your own physiology and how you deal with temperature
If you own high quality kit (such as merino baselayers), don’t mind wearing the same clothes across multiple days, and is someone who doesn’t feel the cold as much, then you are going to need far less kit than someone who is the complete opposite.
Essential Clothing
Walking boots/ shoes: These need to be waterproof, comfortable, and durable, whilst offering grip, protection and stability. You also need to have broken the shoes in, preferably hiking up and down some form of mountain or hill. I wore the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX.
Waterproof Outer shell: One quality jacket is more than enough. I would recommend one with a hood which has a hydrostatic head rating of least 15,000mm. I ended up carrying two jackets which varied in size and weight. I had this Föhn Packable 2.5L Hooded Jacket which I ended wearing or carrying in my bag on days 1 to 6, and then the more robust OEX Tirran Waterproof Jacket, which I wore on summit day. A few people in our group also carried a lightweight poncho.
Insulated synthetic/down Jacket: This will be needed on summit day and around camp in the evenings. If you are easily affected by the cold it can also be carried in your day pack. You want one which is lightweight and packable so it doesn’t take up much space in your bag. I had the OEX Kintra jacket.
Midlayers x 1-2: These provide warmth and insulation; I would recommend carrying two just in case on gets wet or becomes smelly. Look for a synthetic mid layers which is lightweight, breathable, has a hood, alongside a full zip to allow for better temperature regulation. I wore the OEX Alpine Full-Zip Fleece.
Long sleeved baselayers x 2-4: Long-sleeves provide extra protection from the sun and the wind. I would recommend a a base layer which is made of quick drying, moisture wicking, material which is anti-odour, with merino or bamboo being a great choice. Synthetic materials are great but do tend to smell. Always avoid wearing cotton. I ended up taking four baselayers, one for every two days. Two of the tops included Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip and the OEX Barneo Long Sleeve Baselayer.
Softshell Hiking Trousers x 1-2: I would recommend softshell trousers which are wind and water resistant and carrying two pairs, just in case one gets wet. I took a pair of Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Active Trousers (which I didn’t actually end up wearing) and the OEX Men's Winter Strata Trousers, which are insulated and what I wore for summit day.
Waterproof Overtrousers: You want a pair which have ankle or side zips so you can get them on and off without having to take your shoes off. I had the OEX Arimo Waterproof Overtrousers
Thermal base layer leggings: These will be needed for summit day alongside wearing in the evenings at camp. Again, I would recommend a material which is either synthetic or merino. I had these from Smartwool.
Walking Socks x 3-4: You want these to be cushioned, breathable, moisture wicking, and quick drying. Look for a material which is either merino or has a merino and synthetic blend. I wore these from Smartwool
Thermal socks: These will be for summit day and for wearing around the higher camps.
Underwear: How many comes down personal preference and hygiene, but I would recommend a pair per day. I’d recommend synthetic material or merino, avoiding cotton. I had merino boxer briefs from Smartwool and synthetic boxers from Under Armour.
Liner Gloves: You want a thin, lightweight pair to wear in the lower zones and in the evenings. I wore these running gloves.
Insulated Gloves for Summit day: Ideally they should have a water proof/ resistant outer and should be big enough that you can wear the thin pair underneath. I used the Forclaz MT900 stretch gloves
Hiking shorts: I was only person out of my group of 10 to wear them. I’m very glad I took them as I ended up wearing them for 7 of the 8 days. I wore the Craghoppers NosiLife Cargo II Shorts which are unrestrictive, quick drying and have anti-odour properties.
Buff/Snood/Scarf: Protects the face from sun, dust, and wind
Beanie: Make sure it covers your ears and isn't too tight.
Cap or wide brimmed hat
Polarised Sunglasses
Clothes for camp
In addition to the clothes listed above, you might want some additional clean and comfortable clothes for changing into for camp and for sleeping in.
Camp shoes: I wore crocs
Joggers: I had these synthetic joggers from Under Armour
T-Shirts x 2-3 - I had 3 synthetic/merino t-shirts which I also slept in.
Hoodie – I had a separate hoodie for camp
Clothes to sleep in – I wore shorts and long-sleeved t-shirt
Additional socks – I rotated the two insulated pairs I listed above
Hiking equipment
22-35L Hiking Backpack
This is for carrying personal gear during the days which will include waterproofs, extra layers, snacks and water, medication, sun cream, and any camera equipment you may have. You will want to invest in a proper hiking backpack which has following features:
Padded and vented back panel
Chest and shoulder straps to help disperse weight
Side pockets to hold water bottles
Water bladder compatible
Rain cover
You will not need a backpack bigger than 35 litres (probably even 30 Litres). I had Lowe Alpine AirZone 30L, It is extremely comfortable, has all the features listed above as well as air zone back panel, walking pole attachments, and was more than big enough to carry all gear.
60-90 Litre Duffel bag
This will hold everything that you don’t have in your backpack and will be carried by the porters up and down the mountain.
Under Tanzanian law the porters can only carry 20kg so this bag must weigh less than 14kg. It will also be carried on their head so it shouldn’t. be made of hard material
I recommend a waterproof duffel bag which is at least 60 litres in capacity.I took this OEX 90 Ballistic cargo bag which was perfect.
OEX X-Lite Trigger Trekking Poles: An underrated piece of equipment which helps with both ascending and descending. If you are lacking mountain fitness, they will be a huge help. Look for a pair which are lightweight and collapsible.
Petzl Swift RL Headtorch: Essential for navigating around camp and for summit day. This provides 900 lumens of brightness , weighs only 100g, and is rechargeable.
Osprey 3L water reservoir: Allows you to drink on the go to properly stay hydrated.
Dry Bags: Keeps your kit safe from the rain and helps with organisation
1–1.5 litre water bottles x2: These are for drinking in at camp but also for summit day as the hose of your water reservoir will freeze.
Forclaz Foam Seat Pad: Also acts as a changing mat and a doormat for your tent
Waterproof Gaiters: I didn’t take them as my shoes and trousers were waterproof, however plenty of people on the hike were wearing them.
Sleeping Equipment
Sleeping Bag: Comfort rating between 0 to -15°C
The comfort rating will depend on your own physiology and whether you get cold easily or run hot.
Most Kilimanjaro kit guides will recommend you get a bag which is rated down to -20 degrees Celsius or 0 Fahrenheit.
I took the Rab Ascent 900 which is rated down -18°C and I was far too hot.
After the first night I swapped my sleeping bag with another hiker which had a comfort rating of only 0°C. I used this alongside a thermal liner and I slept perfectly well in it for the rest of the trip.
The camp heights for the Lemosho route are as follows: 2,650m | 3,610m |3,850m | 3,995m | 4,673m | 3,900m or 3,100m. You only sleep above 4,000m once, and half of that sleeping is done during the day, when the sun is up.
If you run on the warm side I would opt for a comfort rating of-5°C and pair it with sleeping bag liner.
Thermal Sleeping bag liner: For added comfort, warmth, and hygiene
Pillow: Can be an inflatable pillow or a small memory foam pillow
Earplugs: The camps are very noisy and snoring tends to travel
Accessories & Extras
Toiletries: Toothbrush & paste, wet wipes, lip balm, Face moisturiser, deodrant
Personal medical kit: Antimalarials, prescriptions, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, blister plasters, Antiseptic cream,
Hand sanitiser gel
High factor sun cream
Wash Kit: Flannel and soap for cleaning your pits and bits
Quick drying microfibre towel
Insect repellent containing DEET
Insurance: Make sure it covers you for trekking Kilimanjaro
Passport: needed to sign into the parks records
Money: To tip the porters
Pee bottle: Altitude makes you need the toilet more so this saves you having to get out of your tent at night. I didn’t have one but others did.
Electrolytes: Help keep you properly hydrated and replace lost salts
Camera: Its worth taking one especially for sunrise and sunset
Portable Power bank: I recommend one with at least 10,000mAh of power. I ended up taking 4 power banks to charge my camera gear
Snacks
Whilst you will be provided with three meals a day, you will often be walking on the trails for anywhere from 3 to 7 hours, and in the case of summit day, up to 15 hours
To keep energy levels up to help combat altitude sickness, I recommend you bring your own snacks to eat on the trail.
As well as adding extra calories, the snacks act as extra-motivation or a reward after a long day of hiking.
I would choose snacks which are easy to carry, palatable, and high in calories.
I took Snickers bars and Higates Chocolate Flapjacks. They cost 39 pence, taste great, and contain over 500 calories per bar.
So there we have it, my Kilimanjaro Packing kit list. You can download the full list below.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Kit List PDF
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If you did want to read all about my 8-day trek you can find that blog post below or watch the full YouTube video below
For more hiking inspiration check out my other guides below