Interactive Kilimanjaro Packing Checklist Tick items as you pack. Print the completed list or reset to start again.
Packed:
0 / 0
5,895m
Summit height
−20°C
Summit night low
6–9
Days on mountain
~15kg
Your pack weight

Before you start packing

Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free-standing mountain and one of the most extreme environments you can walk into without technical mountaineering experience. At 5,895 metres, the temperature can drop to −20°C on summit night; the altitude reduces oxygen to roughly 50% of sea-level concentration; and you will be on the mountain for 6–9 days in conditions that range from equatorial jungle heat at the base to arctic cold at the summit glaciers.

Getting your kit right is one of the few things you fully control before you start climbing. Our guides see thousands of climbers pass through Moshi every year. The advice in this list is based on what we observe actually working — and the gear mistakes that end climbs prematurely or simply make them miserable.

The most common gear mistake: underestimating the cold

More climbers fail or suffer unnecessarily on Kilimanjaro from being underprepared for the cold than from any other single cause. Summit night temperatures between −15°C and −20°C are normal. Your base layer, mid layer, outer shell, gloves, and sleeping bag are not interchangeable. Each has a specific job. Do not economise on cold-weather gear.

The golden rule: your day pack vs your duffel bag

Your day pack (20–30 litres) is what you carry yourself during every hiking day — it should contain only what you need access to on the trail: water, snacks, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, summit headtorch, and your personal small items. Your duffel bag (80–100 litres) is what your porter carries — it contains everything else including your sleeping bag, camp clothes, and extra food. Do not confuse the two. Porters are limited to 20 kg total.

Kilimanjaro temperatures by camp

Understanding what temperatures you will actually encounter is essential to packing correctly. The mountain spans five distinct climate zones, each with different conditions.

Camp Altitude Day Temp Night Temp Zone
Machame Gate / Start 1,640 m 25–30°C 15–18°C Rainforest
Machame Camp 2,980 m 15–20°C 5–10°C Heath/Moorland
Shira Camp 3,840 m 10–15°C 0–5°C High Moorland
Barranco / Karanga 3,970–4,050 m 8–12°C −5 to −3°C Alpine Desert
Barafu High Camp 4,673 m 5–10°C −8 to −5°C Arctic
Summit (Uhuru Peak) 5,895 m −5 to −10°C −20 to −15°C Arctic/Glacial

The Kilimanjaro layering system

Kilimanjaro demands a proper three-layer system — not because mountain guides enjoy explaining it, but because the temperature range you will experience (from +30°C in the rainforest to −20°C on the summit) is simply too wide to address with any single garment. The layering system lets you add and remove precisely as conditions change throughout each day.

1
Base Layer — moisture management
Worn directly against skin. Must wick sweat away from your body and dry quickly. This layer keeps you dry throughout the day's hiking.
Merino wool (best) · Synthetic moisture-wicking polyester
All
All camps
2
Mid Layer — insulation
Traps body heat. Usually a fleece or lightweight down/synthetic jacket. This is your primary warmth layer at camp and in cold mornings.
Fleece jacket (100–200wt) · Lightweight down or synthetic puffer
3°C+
From Shira
3
Outer Shell — wind & waterproof
Blocks wind, rain, and snow. Does not need to be heavily insulated — the layers beneath do the warming. Must be fully waterproof (not just water-resistant) and breathable.
Gore-Tex jacket · Hardshell with taped seams · Min. 10,000mm HH rating
Rain+
All weather
4
Heavy Down Jacket — summit insulation
Worn at Barafu High Camp, on summit night ascent, and at Uhuru Peak. This is your primary warmth layer in arctic conditions. Do not use a light puffer here — you need serious insulation.
800+ fill power down · At least −10°C rated · Loose enough to layer over fleece
−10°C
Summit night

Complete Kilimanjaro packing list

Select a category below to view and tick off items. All items are tracked across categories. Use the print button above to save your completed list.

Clothing packed:
0/0
Moisture-wicking base layer top × 2 Merino wool or synthetic. Long-sleeved preferred. One to wear, one drying. Cotton kills — absolutely no cotton on the mountain.
Essential× 2
Moisture-wicking base layer bottoms × 2 Long thermal underwear. Merino or synthetic. Worn at night and on cold mornings. Essential for summit night.
Essential× 2
Fleece mid layer jacket (200wt) 100–200 weight fleece. Your primary mid layer for hiking in cold conditions. Worn under the shell or over the base on warm days.
Essential
Heavy down or synthetic summit jacket 800+ fill power down or equivalent synthetic. This is your primary summit-night insulation layer. Must fit over your fleece. This item is non-negotiable for safety at −20°C.
Critical — do not skip
Hardshell waterproof/windproof jacket Fully waterproof (10,000mm+ HH rating), windproof, and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent. Taped seams. The rainforest zone will test it — so will the summit wind.
Critical
Waterproof over-trousers Full-length waterproof trousers that go over your trekking trousers. Side-zip preferred so you can put them on over boots.
Essential
Trekking trousers × 2 Lightweight, quick-drying trekking trousers. Zip-off legs are useful. One pair for hiking, one pair for camp. Do not bring jeans.
Essential× 2
Warm fleece or thermal trousers × 1 Worn at camp in cold evenings and on summit night. Worn over your base layer bottoms below the waterproof shell.
Essential
Heavyweight summit gloves (−15°C+ rated) Waterproof outer, insulated inner. Must cover your wrists. Frostbite risk to fingers is real at Uhuru Peak. Ski/mountaineering gloves are ideal. This is not the place for thin running gloves.
Critical — frostbite risk
Lightweight liner gloves Thin merino or fleece gloves worn under summit gloves or alone on cold mornings below High Camp. Also useful for handling equipment.
Essential
Warm beanie hat (covers ears) A wool or fleece beanie that covers your ears completely. Worn at High Camp and during the summit ascent. Essential — significant heat loss through an uncovered head.
Critical
Balaclava or neck gaiter A balaclava covers your face, neck, and head in one. Alternatively a neck gaiter (buff) plus beanie works well. Summit wind on exposed sections is severe.
Essential
Sun hat with brim Equatorial UV above 4,000 m is extreme. A wide-brimmed sun hat for the daytime hiking sections is essential to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion on the lower mountain.
Essential
Hiking shirts (long or short sleeve) × 3 Quick-dry synthetic or merino hiking shirts. Long-sleeved provide sun protection. Three shirts for 6–9 days is sufficient with your base layers.
Essential× 3
Merino or wool hiking socks × 4–5 pairs Cushioned hiking socks, merino preferred for warmth when wet. At least one heavyweight pair for summit night. Liner socks (thin nylons) under hiking socks help prevent blisters.
Essential× 4–5 pairs
Underwear × 4 + camp shorts or light trousers Comfortable moisture-wicking underwear. A pair of light camp shorts or trousers for evenings in camp on the lower mountain.
Essential
Footwear packed:
0/0
Waterproof hiking boots (ankle support, B1/B2 rated) Stiff-soled, ankle-high waterproof boots. Must be fully broken in before the climb — blisters from new boots end more climbs than altitude. Gore-Tex lining preferred. B1/B2 crampon-compatible rating for summit ice.
Critical — must be broken in
Camp sandals or lightweight shoes To rest your feet at camp after hiking. A pair of lightweight sandals, Crocs, or trail runners. Do not hike in them — your feet need the rest.
Essential
Waterproof gaiters (ankle to mid-calf) Keep mud, scree, and snow out of your boots. Particularly important on the rainforest paths and the scree slopes of the summit approach. Ankle or mid-calf gaiters are sufficient. Available to rent.
EssentialAvailable to rent
Neoprene overboots or waterproof socks (optional) For additional warmth and waterproofing on summit night if your boots are older or not fully waterproof. Most climbers do not need these if their boots are in good condition.
Optional
Break your boots in properly — minimum 40 hours

New boots cause blisters. Blisters end climbs. You need a minimum of 40 hours of walking in your boots before arriving in Moshi. This means hiking in them on weekends for 2–3 months before your trip. This is the single most important footwear advice we give.

Sleep gear packed:
0/0
Sleeping bag — minimum −10°C comfort rating A 4-season sleeping bag rated to −10°C comfort (or lower). You will sleep in this at up to −8°C at Barafu High Camp — wearing your base layers and down jacket inside the bag. A 3-season bag is not sufficient. Available to rent in Moshi.
Critical — min. −10°C comfortAvailable to rent
Sleeping bag liner Adds 3–5°C to your sleeping bag's warmth and keeps the bag cleaner. Silk or merino. Particularly valuable if renting a sleeping bag.
Recommended
Sleeping mat / foam pad Provided in tents on standard packages but worth checking with your operator. A closed-cell foam mat provides insulation from the cold ground that is essential at high altitude. Available to rent.
EssentialUsually provided
Gear packed:
0/0
Trekking poles (telescoping, both types) Telescoping aluminium or carbon fibre. Two poles. Reduce knee stress on descents by up to 25%. Essential for the steep scree descent from Stella Point. Interchangeable baskets (small for rock, large for snow). Available to rent.
Strongly recommendedAvailable to rent
Headtorch + spare batteries × 2 sets The summit push begins at midnight. You will hike 5–6 hours in complete darkness. A good headtorch with fresh batteries is critical. Lithium batteries perform significantly better than alkaline in extreme cold. Spare set essential.
Critical — summit night
Day pack — 20–30 litre Your day pack for hiking. Comfortable hip belt. Rain cover included or purchased separately. Do not use a large backpack as your day pack — your porter carries the heavy duffel. 20–30L is ideal.
Essential
Large duffel bag — 80–100 litre Your main luggage bag carried by your porter. Must have lockable zips (not padlocked, but lockable to prevent accidental opening). Soft-sided bags are easier for porters than rigid suitcases. Available to rent.
EssentialAvailable to rent
Water bottles (2 × 1-litre insulated) + hydration bladder You need 3–4 litres capacity per day. Insulated bottles prevent freezing on summit night — wide-mouth bottles are easiest to fill from streams. A hydration bladder tube freezes above 4,500 m — insulated sleeve required or use bottles above High Camp.
EssentialInsulated for summit
Water purification tablets or filter Water is available from streams on the mountain but must be purified. Iodine tablets or SteriPen UV purifier. Your cook boils water for hot drinks — purification is for drinking water during the day.
Essential
Sunglasses — UV400 / Category 3 or 4 High-altitude UV is severe — at 5,000 m you are receiving 50% more UV than at sea level. You need Category 3 (very dark) or Category 4 (glacier glasses) lenses. Side shields are recommended above the snowline. Snow blindness is a real risk.
UV protection critical
Personal trekking snacks — 6–9 days supply Energy bars, trail mix, chocolate, gels, dried fruit. Your operators provide meals but personal snacks are important at altitude when appetite decreases and you need to fuel the climb with small, frequent calories.
Essential
Pack rain cover A fitted rain cover for your day pack. The rainforest zone experiences daily afternoon rain. Keep your electronics and spare clothing dry.
Essential
Sun cream SPF50+ × 2 tubes + lip balm SPF High-altitude UV burns through cloud cover. Apply before leaving camp every morning. Lip balm with SPF prevents painful summit-day chapping. More than you think you need.
EssentialSPF50+ minimum
Camera + spare batteries + dry bags Keep electronics in waterproof dry bags or cases. Cold kills batteries rapidly — keep spares in an inner pocket against your body at High Camp. A waterproof case or dry bag for all electronics.
Recommended
Power bank (10,000+ mAh) No mains power on the mountain. A power bank charges your phone and camera. 10,000 mAh gives approximately 3 full phone charges. Keep it inside your sleeping bag at High Camp to maintain charge in the cold.
Recommended
Toilet paper + hand sanitiser + waste bag Leave No Trace on Kilimanjaro. Toilet facilities exist at camps but are basic. Carry toilet paper and a small waste bag for used paper on the trail between camps.
Essential
Medical packed:
0/0
Resilience Expedition guides carry emergency oxygen and a pulse oximeter

Your guide carries supplemental oxygen, a pulse oximeter, and a comprehensive first aid kit throughout the climb. Do not bring your own oxygen unless specifically advised by your physician. The items below are your personal medical kit.

Altitude medication — Acetazolamide (Diamox) if prescribed Consult your doctor before travelling. Acetazolamide (Diamox) at 125–250mg twice daily is commonly prescribed for altitude acclimatisation. Must be started 24–48 hours before ascent. Not suitable for everyone — discuss with your GP or travel medicine clinic.
Prescription required
Blister kit (Compeed, Moleskin, needle, antiseptic) Compeed blister pads, moleskin, a sterilised needle, and antiseptic wipes. Treat blisters early — an untreated blister becomes a wound. Your lead guide has a medical kit but your own is faster to access.
Essential
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol For headaches, muscle pain, and general discomfort. Ibuprofen has mild anti-inflammatory properties that may help with altitude headaches. Follow dosing instructions and do not exceed recommended doses.
Essential
Anti-diarrhoeal medication (Imodium) Altitude and unfamiliar food can cause digestive issues. Imodium provides fast relief and is essential kit on a 6–9 day expedition. Anti-nausea medication (Cyclizine) is also recommended.
Essential
Eye drops (lubricating) + antibiotic eye drops Dust and high UV at altitude cause eye irritation. Lubricating eye drops provide relief. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic drops for conjunctivitis, which is common after altitude exposure.
Recommended
Personal prescription medications + doctor's letter Bring your full supply of any regular medications plus a 5-day buffer. A doctor's letter explaining any prescription medications is helpful for customs. Keep medications in your day pack — not your porter's duffel.
If applicable
Documents ready:
0/0
Passport (valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates) Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Tanzania. Check the expiry date now.
Critical
Tanzania tourist visa (e-visa or on arrival) Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. Apply online at evisa.go.tz before travel. Cost approximately $50 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter.
Required for most nationalities
Travel insurance with mountain rescue cover Your travel insurance must specifically cover mountain climbing/trekking at altitude and helicopter evacuation. Generic travel insurance often excludes activities above a certain altitude. Check the policy wording carefully. Print your policy number and emergency phone numbers.
Must include helicopter evacuation
Yellow fever certificate (if travelling from endemic country) Required if arriving from a yellow-fever endemic country. Check requirements for your route. Tanzania may require proof of vaccination on arrival.
Check if required
Booking confirmation + emergency contact list Print your booking confirmation from Resilience Expedition, the guide team contact number (+255 742 119 753), and the emergency contacts for the Kilimanjaro National Park authority.
Essential
Cash for guide and porter tips (USD or TZS) Tips are culturally important and form a significant part of your crew's income. Our recommended tips: Lead guide $20–25/day, assistant guides $15/day, cook $10/day, porters $8–10/day. Prepare in envelopes before the summit ceremony. USD is preferred.
Strongly recommended
Rental confirmed:
0/0
Sleeping bag rental confirmed If you are renting rather than buying, confirm your sleeping bag rental with Resilience Expedition before arrival. Specify a −10°C comfort rating minimum. Inspect the bag on arrival for cleanliness and warmth.
Rental itemConfirm before arrival
Trekking poles rental confirmed Telescoping aluminium or carbon fibre poles. Adjust to wrist height on flat ground. Two poles required. Confirm rental includes both snow and trekking baskets.
Rental item
80–100L duffel bag rental (if needed) If you are travelling light without a large duffel bag, Resilience Expedition can provide one. Confirm before arrival.
Rental item
Gaiters rental (if not purchasing) Mid-calf waterproof gaiters available for rent. Confirm sizing (S/M/L) before arrival.
Rental item

What to leave at home

Weight matters on Kilimanjaro. Your porter carries a maximum of 20 kg total (including their own gear and your duffel). Every unnecessary kilogram you bring makes the climb harder for your crew and wastes porter carrying capacity on things that will not help you summit.

Do not bring:

Cotton clothing of any kind (jeans, cotton t-shirts, cotton socks — cotton holds moisture and causes hypothermia when wet). Unnecessary electronics (laptops, tablets, large cameras unless you are a photographer). Multiple pairs of everything (you will wash clothes at camp). Alcohol (massively worsens dehydration at altitude — no alcohol above 3,500 m). Large rigid suitcases (impossible for porters to carry efficiently). Perfume or heavily scented products (attract insects and can cause reactions for fellow climbers in tents).

Final packing tips from our guides

Pack your day pack the night before summit

On summit night you leave Barafu High Camp at midnight in darkness and below-freezing temperatures. Your day pack for the summit should be packed the afternoon before — headtorch on top, snacks accessible, water insulated, down jacket ready to layer. Fumbling with a cold, dark pack at midnight is unpleasant and delays your team.

Keep essentials in your day pack — always

Your down jacket, shell jacket, headtorch, medication, sun cream, and water must always be in your day pack — never in the porter's duffel. Weather on Kilimanjaro changes in minutes. The difference between a warm day and a freezing rain event at 4,000 m can be 20 minutes. Your essential items must be on your body at all times.

Keep weight out of your day pack

The ideal day pack weight is 5–8 kg. Heavier than this and the added physical work compounds with altitude. Everything not needed on the trail goes in the duffel. This means: spare clothes, sleeping bag, extra food, camp shoes, and everything else. The discipline of keeping your day pack light pays off on the long summit days.

Test everything before you leave home

Wear your boots. Test your headtorch. Inflate your sleeping mat. Adjust your poles. Try your full layering system in cold conditions. A piece of gear that has never been tested before arriving in Moshi has no place on the mountain. Kilimanjaro's summit is not a place to discover that your boots give you blisters or your shell jacket's zipper is broken.

More Kilimanjaro guides

Kilimanjaro routes comparison
Kilimanjaro Guide All Kilimanjaro Routes — Which is Right for You? Read guide →
Kilimanjaro acclimatization tips
Kilimanjaro Guide Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro — Prevention & Treatment Read guide →
Kilimanjaro training fitness guide
Kilimanjaro Guide Training for Kilimanjaro — 16-Week Fitness Programme Read guide →