Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List: What I Brought

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route (7 days), with weather ranging from dry rainforest humidity to sub-zero summit temperatures.

Why Packing Smart for Kilimanjaro Matters

You’ll pass through 4–5 ecological zones—rainforest to arctic—so layering is essential. Porters carry 15 kg max (33 lbs)in your duffel, and your daypack should stay under 6 kg (13 lbs). Cold nights and summit exposure mean the right gear can make or break your success.

My Complete Packing List (Based on Real Experience)

Clothing

• 8-10 pairs moisture-wicking underwear

• 3-4 long sleeve SPF hiking shirts

• 1–2 short sleeve hiking shirts

• 2-3 pairs hiking trousers/pants

• 1 insulated trekking pants or fleece pants

• 1 waterproof/wind shell jacket (with hood)

• 1 insulated winter/down jacket (Mountain Hardwear Men's Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody)

• 1 fleece and softshell jacket (e.g. Patagonia R1 or equivalent)

• 1–2 base layer tops (thermal)

• 1 base layer bottoms (thermal)

• 4–5 pairs Merino wool hiking socks (Darn Tough midweight or heavyweight)

• 4-5 pair sock liners (Injinji liner)

• 2-3 pairs regular socks for camp

• 1 pair waterproof gaiters (can rent)

• 1 pair hiking boots (waterproof, broken-in, with custom insoles - Merrell Men's Speed Solo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot)

• 1 pair tennis shoes for camp

• 1 sun hat

• 1 warm beanie or knit hat

• 1 buff/balaclava (Smartwool Merino gaiter)

• 1 pair lightweight glove liners (Smartwool liner glove)

• 1 pair warm waterproof outer gloves or mittens

Bags & Sleeping

• 1 large duffel bag (80–90 L, waterproof – can rent)

• 1 daypack (20–35 L) with rain cover

• 1 four-season sleeping bag (rated to 0°F/–18 °C – can rent)

• 1 sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and hygiene - Sea to Summit)

• 1 sleeping mat (if not provided)

• 1 inflatable pillow (TREKOLOGY)

Accessories

• 1 pair trekking poles (collapsible – can rent)

• 1 headlamp with spare batteries

• 2 L CamelBak + 2 L HydraPak

• Sunglasses (UV cat 3–4)

• Sunscreen (SPF 30–50) for high altitude

• Lip balm with SPF

• Aquaphor (for nose and lips in dry/cold air)

• Blister plasters, medical tape, basic first aid kit

• Wet wipes (e.g. Dude Wipes), lightweight toiletries, tissues

• Quick-dry camp towel

• Baby powder (for feet and underwear)

• Dry shampoo

• Hand sanitizer

• Ziploc bags/dry bags for waterproofing and organization

• Passport, visa, travel wallet

• Camera, spare batteries, power bank (optional)

• Electrolyte tablets (Nuun Zero Sugar Hydration Electrolyte Tablets)

• Diamox 500 mg (consult your doctor; 7–8 day supply)

• Journal or pen (optional but meaningful)

Notes & Tips

• July is dry but summit temperatures can drop to –15 °C. Layering is critical.

• Total porter-carried weight must be under 33 lbs (15 kg).

• Most operators provide tents, food, and basic setup—only bring personal gear.

• Rent: sleeping bag, poles, gaiters, duffel if needed to save luggage space.

• Training with full pack in advance is highly recommended.

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Want to know what this gear was really like in action? Read my 7-day Kilimanjaro climb journal.

Ready to train for your own climb? Here’s the zone-based training plan I followed to summit.