The Top 5 Kilimanjaro Equipment You Better Pack
As the big adventure moves closer, the question remains what equipment is necessary for the Kilimanjaro trek. We collected the 5 most underestimated and neglected items by mountain climbers. Make sure you don’t forget them at home. Better have, than need!
The Top 5 Kilimanjaro Equipment You Better Pack
1. Poncho
The poncho and the gaiters always result in a lively discussion at our Viva Africa Tours office. It causes us quite some energy to convince climbers that a poncho is a very useful item to have. Trust us if you want to leave something at home, because your backpack has no more space – leave that 5th pair of hiking socks behind. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable. A poncho is a light item to pack with big effect.
2. Head torch including spare batteries
We are blessed in Tanzania as our days and nights are equally 12 hours long. But this also means it gets pitch dark between 6-7pm no matter what time of the year. A head torch for the evenings is important, but it’s main purpose is on your last ascending day to Uhuru Peak. To experience the sun rise at the summit, we have to leave the campsite at midnight. For the next 5 hours we hike by the light of our head torches. That’s why a pack of spare batteries shouldn’t be missing in your luggage either.
3. Camel back water bag
Our guides and porters will provide you with drinking water on your trek. The easiest and most comfortable way of consuming the refreshing liquid is a camel bag. Lashed to your back, with the tube always in reach, you can walk and drink at the same time.
4. Day Pack
Your big rucksack will be carried by our porters. After every day’s climb they return it to you in the evening. So whatever you need during the day should be packed in your day pack, e.g. camera, sunscreen, poncho, drinking water, snacks etc.
5. Gaiters
The peak of Kilimanjaro receives quite some snow depending on the time of year. With gaiters to put over your shoes you will ensure that your feet stay dry and increase the chances of reaching the summit.
Download Viva Africa Tours’ complete Kilimanjaro equipment list and be best prepared for your trek.