Packing
All of the camp equipment needed, including tents but excluding sleeping bags, will be provided. Luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum. You will need a daypack (around 35 litre capacity) while the porters carry your main baggage (70-90 litres capacity). This should be a soft-sided bag or rucksack as the porters often carry luggage on their heads and hard suitcases are impractical. The maximum weight each porter will carry is 15kgs and the Park Authorities weigh your luggage at the gate. If you have excess weight you will have to hire additional porters.
We recommend you bring a separate bag to hold the things you don’t need for the climb. This can be left in Moshi and collected at the end of the climb. Please make sure it is locked.
Although the choice of what to take is yours there are some things we consider essential and as a guide you should plan to take the equipment and clothing listed below. With technical clothing you tend to get what you pay for and good quality clothing is more likely to keep you warm and dry. It is much harder to remain positive on the mountain if you are cold and wet. There will be no opportunity to wash and dry clothes during the climb, nor will you be able to replenish supplies of anything you run out of, so you will need to take enough consumable supplies to last the duration of the climb.
Make sure you have enough waterproof bags to hold your spare clothes and sleeping bag so they stay dry during the day. Needless to say there is no electricity supply so you should bring spare batteries for your camera and any other electronic items you are taking. Be aware that battery life is shortened by exposure to cold.
Clothing
Boots, Walking - medium weight, waterproof and worn in
Gaiters
Gloves, Waterproof Mittens or Gloves (ski gloves)
Hat, Balaclava
Hat, Wide Brimmed Sun
Hat, Woolly/Fleece
Jacket, Down or Ski
Jacket, Fleece
Jacket, Waterproof, Breathable & Windproof (Gore-Tex or similar)
Poncho (useful at lower levels if it rains)
Shirts, Long Sleeved (ideally moisture wicking fabric)
Shirts, Short Sleeved or T-Shirts (ideally moisture wicking fabric)
Shoes/Trainers for overnight camps
Shorts
Socks, Thermal for summit day
Socks, Walking - several pairs for the climb
Thermal Bottoms
Thermal Top
Trousers, Fleece
Trousers, Walking (not jeans)
Trousers, Waterproof, Breathable & Windproof (Gore-Tex or similar)
General Gear
Antibacterial and Biodegradable Soap
Bag to be left at the hotel with spare clothes, etc
Camera (bring spare batteries and memory cards)
Day Backpack (20 - 35 litres)
Ear Plugs and Eye Shade (useful when resting during the day)
Energy snacks and sweets
Gaffa Tape for Running Repairs to Kit
Head Torch (preferably LED) with spare batteries and bulb
Insulated Water Bottle that wont freeze on summit day
Large Rucksack or Kit Bag (not a suitcase)
Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool
Powdered water flavouring to disguise taste of purification tablets
Sleeping Bag (4 season)
Sleeping Bag Fleece Liner
Small Sewing Kit
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags to keep gear dry and separate
Sunglasses with high UV protection (wraparound)
Tampons/Sanitary Towels
Thermal Sleeping Mat
Thermos Flask, small and unbreakable
Toilet Paper (enough for the duration of the climb)
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Towel (microfibre trek type ideal)
Walking Poles
Water Bottles/Platypus/Camelbak (capacity 2-3 litres)
Medical and First Aid Supplies
Anti Inflamatory Tablets
Anti Malaria Prophylactics (get advice from your GP)
Antiseptic cream
Any current medication you are on
Compeed for blisters
Diamox (for mountain sickness but only if recommended by doctor)
Diarrhoea treatment (something like Imodium)
Headaches Tablets
Insect Repellent containing DEET (only needed at lower levels)
Plasters/bandages for small cuts
Total Block or High Factor Lip Salve
Total Block or High Factor Sun Screen
Underwear
Wet Wipes
Water purification tablets
