Top Tips for Kilimanjaro: Your Essential Packing & Preparation Guide

Trekking Kilimanjaro is an epic adventure, but packing smart can be the difference between a successful summit and a slog up the mountain. With weather shifts, high altitudes, and conserving energy at every turn, it’s essential to be fully prepared.

Here’s everything you need to know about gear, layering, taking on summit night and some all-round top tips.

1. Kit Bag & Daypack – Efficiency is Key

Daypack (30 – 35 litre):

Know where everything is – so you can find it when you need it
Only bring the essentials – warm layers, waterproof jacket & trousers, gloves (liner gloves & mountain hiking insulated, water resistant gloves), beanie, sun & UV protection (hat, sunscreen – you should apply SPF 50 to your nose, face, neck, ears and back of hands at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply regularly, buff, lip balm with SPF50), sunglasses category 4 (ideally wrap-around sunnies), snacks for the day – sweet & savoury (you’ll be burning an extra 2,000 or more calories a day), 2 litre hydration bladder, water bottle (with electrolytes or flavouring as you wish), hand sanitiser, biodegradable nappy-sacks & loo paper, personal first aid & any personal medication, mobile phone/camera & power-bank + cables, rain cover (optional – and ensure it is securely fastened to your bag so it does not blow away).
Use a big dry bag inside to keep gear protected. Keep gloves in separate small dry bag for easy access.

Main Kit Bag (Osprey Air or Similar):

Leave main kit bag at hotel and
Take lightweight kit bag on the mountain (eg. Osprey AirPorter) – porters will carry this, but you still need to pack light (under 15kg).
Padlocks – ensure you have a small padlock for your main kit bag (use during travel and on the mountain) and the bag you leave at the hotel (whilst on the mountain).

2. Master the Art of Layering

The key to staying warm is knowing how to layer effectively:

- - - Waterproof Jacket (with hood). No running jackets! A high-quality, breathable shell (like Paramo or Gore-Tex) is essential. It must fit over your down jacket for extra insulation. Jackets with ventilation zips are ideal too.
    - Down Jackets – Two is better than one bulky jacket. Two thinner, lightweight down jackets (ie. one lightweight down and one PrimaLoft) give more flexibility than one bulky coat. It is cold in camp during the evenings.
    - Gilet – Extra warmth without bulk. Gilets add core warmth and under-arm zips help with ventilation.
    - PrimaLoft Skirt – A secret weapon. Offers an extra layer of warmth around your butt.
    - Gloves – Bring insulated, waterproof mountain hiking gloves (not ski gloves). These should be roomy enough to fit over your liner gloves, allowing for proper air circulation between layers to improve insulation. Avoid tight-fitting gloves, as they can restrict circulation and make your hands colder.
    - Thick socks – have a fresh pair of thick socks to wear on summit night. Ensure your hiking boots allow for these thick socks allowing for proper air circulation in your boots to improve insulation. Avoid tight-fitting boots when wearing thick socks, as they can restrict circulation and make your feet colder.

3. Summit Night – This is when your gear will be tested

- - - Fresh socks are a welcome change. Change into thick, warm merino wool socks for summit night. But make sure they allow for circulation.
    - Gloves matter. Choose ones that trap heat but allow airflow, so hands stay warm without sweating.
    - Water-proof jacket and trousers will be worn. Great wind breakers too.
    - Proper Hiking Boots – No Trainers! No Hoka-style/running trainer boots – they don’t retain enough warmth and can jeopardise your summit bid.
    - Wear a buff – Great for stopping cold air entering your lungs when worn over your nose & mouth. Also handy for a dusty scree descent.

4. Sleeping Essentials – Stay Warm, Stay Comfortable

- - - Synthetic Sleeping Bag V’s Down. See our Kit List for the differences. Synthetic keeps you warm even if damp, whereas down doesn’t work if it gets wet.
    - Keep Your Bag Dry. Ensure you pack your sleeping bag in a waterproof dry bag.
    - Sleeping Bag Liner = Extra Warmth. Plus, keeps it clean for the entire trek.
    - Sleeping Mat? Go for Insulated. Use a self-inflating mat (you will still need to inflate these) but they are comfier and provide better insulation from the cold ground than a yoga mat.
    - Ear plugs are a must. There’s always snoring on the mountain and tent walls are not soundproof!

5. First Aid & Footcare – Don’t let small problems become big problems

- - - Headaches? Hydrate. Altitude can cause mild headaches – become friendly with enduring mild headaches and keep drinking water.
    - Blister Prevention is Key. Zinc oxide tape is your best friend. Apply it before hotspots form.
    - Malaria Tablets & Altitude. If you’re taking them, check with your doctor as they can cause effects at altitude. For more info on the different malaria medications available and their positives and negatives visit https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/hcp/drug-malaria/index.html

6. Hydration – Imperative to help with altitude

- - - Bring 2 litre hydration bladder AND a water bottle.
    - Hydration bladder pipe – Even with an insulation cover, your bladder hose is likely to freeze on summit night. Carry a backup water bottle inside your jacket to prevent freezing. Your waist strap on your day-pack should help keep you bottle in position
    - Electrolytes – Help replenish essential minerals lost at altitude by bringing electrolyte tablets. Be sure to trial them before the trek to find a brand that suits you and tastes good, ensuring you’ll want to use them when needed.

7. Sun Protection

- - - Category 4 Sunglasses (Wrap-Around). Essential for high UV exposure and snow glare.
    - Buffs & Hats for Extra Protection. Cover your neck and face to prevent sunburn at altitude.

8. Trekking Poles – Your Best Friend for Ascent & Descent

- - - Become friends with trekking poles and learn to use them before you go! They take pressure off your knees both on the ascent & descent and make a real difference on summit night.

9. Snacks & Nutrition – Keep Your Energy Up

- - - Nuts & Trail Mix – Pre-Portioned. Pack them in a wide-mouthed half-Nalgene bottle for easy snacking.
    - As you’ll be burning an extra 2,000 or more calories a day, it’s important to carry plenty of small snacks with you to eat between meals. Chocolate, nuts and seeds, biscuits, jelly-babies, savoury snacks and sweets are a good choice but avoid anything with honey or syrup higher on the mountain as they are likely to freeze solid above 5,000m.
    - Pack your favourite treats – As you ascend to higher altitudes, you may lose your appetite, so bringing a variety of snacks and treats can help keep your energy levels up and make eating more enjoyable.

10. The Must-Have reminders

- - - Ear Plugs. Camps can be noisy.
    - Eye Drops. The dry mountain air irritates eyes.
    - Padlocks for kit bag & hotel bag. Keep your gear secure – there are many different groups on the mountain and it’s just a precaution to keep your stuff safe.
    - Ensure you kit has multiple uses
    - Conserve energy at all times – know where your kit is packed to save wasted energy and stress looking for things, always walk slowly around the campsites and to the loo. Slow is the way to go!

11. FAQs

How Cold is Kilimanjaro at Night?

Temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F) on summit night. Layering correctly, using a high-quality sleeping bag and being well insulated from the cold ground at night are essential.

How Many Layers Do You Need for Kilimanjaro?

At minimum, pack three key layers:

- - 1. Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (merino wool is ideal – Jo Bradshaw uses M&S thermals).
    2. Mid-Layer: Fleece or lightweight PrimaLoft jacket.
    3. Outer Layer: Insulated down jacket and waterproof shell.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes on Kilimanjaro?

- - - Not training properly – you need strong legs for the descent.
    - Wearing new boots – break them in well before your trip.
    - Not drinking enough water – dehydration worsens altitude sickness.
    - Overpacking – keep it light and essential.

What Do You Sleep in on Kilimanjaro?

- - - Sleepwear – Wear underwear and a t-shirt to bed to allow your sleeping bag to insulate you properly. Ensure your skin is warm before getting in, as your body heat will help warm up the bag.
    - Stay warm – A beanie and thick socks can help retain body heat during cold nights.
    - DIY pillow – Use a pillowcase or your sleeping bag cover and stuff it with your down jacket or extra layers. This keeps your warm gear easily accessible in case you need to get up during the night.
    - Battery preservation – Keep all charging devices (head torch, power bank, phone, camera, etc.) inside your sleeping bag at night to prevent them from losing charge in the cold.

Diamox?

- - - Diamox. If you plan to use Diamox, speak to your GP or Travel Doctor. Trial before you depart so you become familiar with the side effects – peeing, tingling extremities, etc. Take ¼ tablet twice a day.

Final Thoughts – Pack Smart, Summit Strong

Trekking Kilimanjaro isn’t just about fitness – it’s about preparation. Layer up, protect your feet, drink plenty of water, and embrace the journey. With the right gear, attitude and mindset, you’ll have a great experience trekking to Uhuru Peak, knowing you’re ready for the adventure.