Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trekking expedition that takes you through five climate zones, from rainforest to arctic summit conditions. Success on the mountain comes down to preparation, sensible pacing, and having the right kit whilst not overpacking.  This guide outlines everything we recommend you bring, how your kit is carried during the trek and what is optional but useful.

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HOW YOUR BAGS WORK?

Understanding how your kit is carried is essential for packing correctly.

 

1. Daypack (You Carry This)

Your daypack stays with you at all times while walking. It should be comfortable, well-fitted, and light enough to carry for several hours a day. Your daypack should contain:

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• Water

• Snacks

• Waterproof jacket

• Warm layer

• Sun protection

• Camera or phone

• Personal medication

• Small personal items needed during the day

• Recommended size: 30–36 litres

• Target weight: 5–7kg maximum

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2. Duffle Bag (Carried by Porters)

Your main duffle bag is carried by the support team between camps and will be waiting for you when you arrive each afternoon. Important guidelines:

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• Soft-sided duffle bags only (no suitcases or hard frames)

• Maximum weight: 15kg

• Must be weather-resistant or packed with dry bags

• Packing correctly ensures porter welfare and keeps your kit dry and organised.

 

Your duffle bag should contain:

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• All spare clothing

• Sleeping bag

• Camp shoes

• Toiletries

• Personal first aid kit

• Anything you do not need while walking

 

3. Hotel Bag (Left Behind During the Climb)

You may bring a separate bag or suitcase containing items you do not need on the mountain. This will be securely stored at the hotel while you are on the trek and will be waiting for you on your return. This bag is not carried on the mountain and does not count towards porter weight limits. Typical items to leave at the hotel include:

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• Travel clothes

• Clean clothes for after the climb

• Toiletries not needed on the mountain

• Chargers and electronics

• Non-essential personal items

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KIT CHECK LIST

These items are required for every climber

 

1. Bags & Carry System

• Daypack (30–36 litres) with rain cover

• Large soft-sided duffle bag (70–85 litres)

• Waterproof dry bags or stuff sacks for organisation

 

2. Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots, well broken in before departure

• Hiking socks (minimum 4 pairs, wool or technical)

• Liner socks (recommended for blister prevention)

• Camp shoes, booties or trainers for evenings

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3. Clothing – Layering System

• Lightweight trekking trousers or convertible trousers

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• Long-sleeve thermal tops

• Short-sleeve technical tops

• Fleece or insulated mid-layer jacket

• Insulated jacket for cold evenings and summit night

• Waterproof jacket (fully seam-sealed)

• Waterproof trousers

• Underwear for the full duration of the trek

• Sports bras suitable for multi-day trekking

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3. Cold & Summit Protection

• Warm insulated beanie or hat

• Sun hat or cap

• Buff or neck gaiter

• Balaclava (strongly recommended for summit night)

• Insulated gloves

• Lightweight liner gloves

• Optional insulated mitts for summit night

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4. Sleeping Equipment

• Four-season sleeping bag rated to at least –10°C (–25°C recommended)

• Sleeping bag liner for added warmth and hygiene

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5. Trekking Equipment

• Adjustable trekking poles

• Headtorch with spare batteries

• Sunglasses with full UV protection (glacier-grade recommended)

• Water bottles (4 × 1L) or hydration system (3L)

• Insulated bottle cover (recommended to prevent freezing on summit night)

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6. Hydration, Nutrition & Altitude Support

• Electrolyte tablets or powder

• Rehydration salts

• High-energy personal snacks

• Throat lozenges

• Diamox (Acetazolamide) if prescribed by your GP (optional)

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7. Personal First Aid & Medication

• Personal first aid kit

• Blister care (Compeed or zinc oxide tape)

• Pain relief medication

• Anti-diarrhoea medication

• Any prescription medication

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7. Personal Hygiene (All Climbers)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Small quick-dry towel

• Hand sanitiser

• Lip balm with SPF

• High-factor sunscreen

• Insect repellent (DEET based)

• Anti-chafe balm

• Nail clippers

• Moisturiser for dry, cold conditions

• Razor or trimmer optional (shaving during the trek is not recommended)

• Sealable disposal bags (we leave no trace)

• Biodegradable wet wipes / Toilet paper / Intimate wipes (daily supply)

• Sanitary products (pads, tampons or menstrual cup). Periods can become irregular at altitude. Always pack more supplies than expected. Nothing is left on the mountain.

• Pain relief for cramps if required

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8. Travel & Documentation

• Passport

• Visa or visa-on-arrival documentation

• Travel insurance documents

• Immunisation documentation if required

• Copies of key documents stored separately

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9. Optional Extras (Useful items that add comfort but are not essential)

• Power bank (high capacity recommended)

• Camera and spare batteries

• Hand and foot warmers

• Lightweight travel pillow

• Eye mask

• Ear plugs

• Magnesium supplements

• Flavour sachets for hydration

• Lightweight flip-flops for night toilet trips

• Small laundry line or safety pins

• Duct tape, zip ties or spare boot laces

• Permanent marker for labelling kit

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10. Provided by the Expedition Team

• Tents, sleeping mats and dining tent

• All meals and drinking water

• Cookware and cutlery

• Professional mountain guides and support team

• Group first aid equipment

• Oxygen and altitude monitoring e.g. 'Pulse oximeter'

• Porters for main duffle bags

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OUR RECOMMENDED KIT

To make things simple, we’ve curated a Sweet Adventures Amazon Kit List featuring gear we genuinely recommend and regularly see working well on our adventures. These are reliable, good-value items that strike the right balance between performance, durability, and cost, not unnecessary “pro-level” kit, and not cheap gear that fails when conditions turn.

 

You don’t need to buy everything new or follow the list word for word, but it’s a great starting point if you’re unsure what to look for, want trusted options in one place, or are upgrading older kit. Where it makes sense, we’ll always flag items that are better borrowed, hired, or upgraded later, and we’re happy to sense-check anything you already own before you spend a penny.

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​STILL GOT QUESTIONS
Have more questions or need to discuss your trip in detail? We’re here to help! Feel free to give us a call at 0161 399 1018 or send us an email at sweetadventures@mail.co.uk. Our team is always happy to provide the information you need and answer any questions you may have!

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