Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, and its fame is global. Climbing this beautiful peak is a notion of pride for mountaineers while the attempts have been made for years and years. While climbing comes as the biggest achievement, preparing to climb, this mountain is the major thing to be discussed. Preparation with clothes, gear, physical abilities, permits, and budget are some things to be considered. But what should be included in Kilimanjaro Packing List?
There are several things to include inside Kilimanjaro Packing List. From gears to warm clothes and from sunscreen to hats, gloves, and scarves, climbing this peak demands strategic preparations from all sides. Here are some things you need to consider before finalizing your packing list for Kilimanjaro.
Gear And Equipment
Let’s start with preparing gear and equipment for the Kilimanjaro climbing expedition. We all know that climbing Kilimanjaro is almost impossible without proper mountaineering gear and equipment. From a safety point of view, it is strictly recommended to have prepared with the essential items. So what gear is needed for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Let’s find out below!
Sleeping Bag And Sleeping Pads
Kilimanjaro Packing List does not complete without sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Enough rest and sleep is the major source of retaining energy. And for sound sleep, climbers must be prepared with sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Almost all the areas around Mount Kilimanjaro are freezing, so you don’t want to get caught in the cold at night. To get a warm sleep, climbers need a sleeping pad that can withstand the cold of below 0 Degree Celsius. Similarly, climbers should pack their sleeping bags accordingly so they don’t get in trouble at night while sleeping. Sleeping pads are usually laid inside the tent, while a sleeping bag is used as a blanket to keep your body warm.
Tent
While sleeping bags and sleeping pads are necessary to keep your body warm during the night, tents are even more important. Mount Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountain with over 6000 meters elevation. And in high-altitude locations, such as Kilimanjaro Base Camp, there are no facilities for lodges and other hospitality services. So climbers have to accommodate in a tent for their overnight stays. Having a quality tent that can withstand the cold temperature of below 0 Degrees Celsius should be on the climber’s Kilimanjaro Packing List. It helps climbers to retain heat and get rid of storms, snow, and many other natural phenomena.
Backpack
Backpacks are essential for carrying gear, equipment, snacks, and other items during Kilimanjaro Climbing. Climbing this peak needs great preparation in several aspects, such as gear, physicality, tents, and many others. So to carry those essential items, mountaineers should always carry a handy backpack with a large storage capacity and compartments.
Climbing Poles
Climbing poles come under Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List since the land topography is steep and sloppy. While climbing this mountain, climbers might have the drawbacks of gravity, which lags in proper climbing, even risking their lives. So having climbing poles help balance the climber’s body on steep slopes and treacherous ridges.
Clothing And Apparel
Kilimanjaro Packing List consists of proper clothing as well. It is simple to understand the fact about need for proper and warm clothes during this expedition since the temperature around Mount Kilimanjaro is below 0 Degree Celsius. So what should climbers consider in clothes for Kilimanjaro Packing List? Let’s find out!
Windproof/Waterproof Jackets
Be prepared for the extreme weather conditions while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Strong winds, snowfall, and cold temperatures are the most common aspects. To keep yourself away from being struck by the effects of rainwater, snow, and sharp winds, it is recommended to pack windproof/waterproof jackets in Kilimanjaro Packing List.
Flexible Mountaineering Pants
Mountaineering pants are designed to withstand extreme weather and climate conditions. And the problem of cold temperatures and others will be minimized by its usage. So all the mountaineers pack their mountaineering pants to keep themselves warm and out of any danger. Remember, while purchasing these items, you should always choose flexible and quality ones.
Hats | Gloves | Scarfs
At high altitudes, the sun is bright and strong. On top of that, the change in freezing and hot temperatures might cause several skin problems. So to be far from those issues, wearing a hat will be a solution. Similarly, the freezing temperature is one of the major problems while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers must opt for gloves and scarves to stay safe from frostbite and other cold-related issues.
Underclothing | Footwear
Underclothings include the types of mountaineering clothes that are worn mostly below the hip. So clothing items such as shorts, mountaineering boots, camping shoes, and sandals all fall under this group. Here are some of them:
Hiking and Mountaineering Boots
Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List highly demands hiking and mountaineering boots. To reach the base camp before starting the expedition, mountaineers should hike for several days. And with a pair of sturdy hiking boots can cause several physical defects in your feet. From base camp, the real expedition starts. But remember, you cannot use hiking boots to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Mountaineering boots, which are solely designed for climbing mountains, should be used. These boots come with a special and strong grip and can resist cold and extreme temperatures as well.
Camp Shoes and Sandals
Climbers cannot always wear mountaineering and hiking boots throughout the expedition. While resting at the tents and hiking spots, they must remove heavy boots. And to get aligned with safety measures on your feet, packing camp shoes and sandals is essential.
Safety Kits
Safety is the main focus during Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition. So all the climbers should be attained with the safety measures before starting the expedition. Here are some points regarding what you should pack for this expedition:
First Aid Kits Essentials
Most of the time, the weather is unpredictable around Mount Kilimanjaro. So due to extreme weather conditions, we cannot say what will happen. And since the route to the summit of Kilimanjaro is strenuous, the risk of falling and getting injured is also high. So climbers should pack bandages, thermometers, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, blood pressure cuffs, etc. They should have the basic knowledge of applying first aid treatment.
Other Required Items
Besides all these listed things, there are some items that you should not miss packing. Here are the lists of them:
Maps and Guidebooks:
Maps and guidebooks are other necessary items in Kilimanjaro Packing List. While embarking on the expedition of Mount Kilimanjaro, mountaineers tend not to get lost on the route. That’s why they hire professional guides and porters. Similarly, there is also a high requirement for maps and guidebooks to give you a notion of your location. It can help your navigation while reaching the base camp and the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Satellite Phones for Communication
Kilimanjaro Expedition is a multi-day package, and it takes you to a place without network coverage. So having satellite phones in Kilimanjaro Packing List is compulsory. It helps you to connect with your crew and your friends, allowing you to get stuck up throughout the journey. With its help, there will be minimal chance of you climbers getting lost.
Binoculars and Camera
One of the exciting things to do while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is sightseeing. Climbers can have extraordinary views of surrounding snow-capped peaks, mountains, green hills, and towns at far sight. So make sure that you capture this moment on a camera. If you are interested in having these views widely, you can opt for having binoculars in Kilimanjaro Packing List.
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Conclusion
Lastly, one of the most important things to know about the Kilimanjaro Packing List is that mountaineers should be self-aware regarding the packing list. They should know the physical and mental demands of the expedition so that they can prepare for the journey accordingly. The most important preparation you need to have is clothes and gear. Make sure that your Kilimanjaro Packing list consists of weather-friendly materials that will make your journey more lively.
