Kilimanjaro New Years Packing List

Overview

The items below are only recommendations; please keep in mind your own personal needs when packing. If there are items listed that you do not already own and do not wish to purchase, contact your Program Manager for a list of equipment rental organizations. For those items that you wish to purchase, you may find outfitters who offer student discounts, such as Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), which offers a 15% discount to all students. 

If you purchase or rent new equipment for your trek, try it out before you leave. This is particularly important for hiking boots, which should be well broken in before departure. Do not bring sneakers or running shoes to wear on your trek, hiking boots with good ankle supports are vital. NO BOOTS NO TREK. 

Remember to travel light; do not bring anything you do not need, particularly valuables such as jewelry and expensive electronics. 

Bring clothing that washes and dries easily; jeans are generally not a good choice for trekking. 
When boarding your flights, it is a good idea to bring a change of clothes, toiletries, medicine and your hiking boots with your in your carry-on luggage in case the airline temporarily loses your luggage. 

Weather and temperatures can vary widely on your expedition; please be prepared for cold and wet weather. When you are packing, pay attention to suggestions for warm clothing, as this is one of the most essential items. 

Documents

• Passport & photocopy (with 6 months to run from the end of the expedition)
• Visa & photocopy
• Flight tickets (collect at the airport from Adventure Challenge rep)
• Cash (minimum $300 - $500) - bills 2004 or later
• Credit card
• Travel/other insurance policy information
• Vaccination certificates (not needed as a condition of entry but is useful in case of injury or medical emergency)
• Emergency contacts (you will be sent these prior to departure)

Baggage and Sleeping

• Sleeping bag - A good four-season bag - temperatures can be minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit at night on Kilimanjaro. A fleece liner is useful for extra warmth and will upgrade a 3-season bag to a 4-season. Full-length zip allows ventilation on warm nights.
• Sleeping bag mat (suggest renting)
• Large backpack (this will hold your personal belongings and will be carried by a porter during your trek)
• Big black trash bag to put bag that porter carries into
• Daypack (for carrying sunscreen, camera, plastic bags, water bottles etc).
• Rain cover for small pack
• Waterproof garbage bags to go inside your dry bag
• Small plastic bags to carry personal trash you may generate during the day
• Travel pillow or pillowcase to stuff your clothes in to create a pillow

First Aid and Health (Should be carried with you in daypack at all times)

• Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or asprin (aspirin also aids altitude acclimatization)
• Amoxicillin (If recommended by your doctor)
• Antihistamine
• Prescription medications including prescribing information
• Anti-diarrhea medication such as Imodium or Pepto Bismol)
• Re-hydration packets such as Gastrolyte (2 per trekking day)
• Vitamins and any other medications you normally use
• Band-Aids and blister pads/second skins
• Antiseptic spray or cream
• Nail scissors
• Antiseptic Gel

Clothing

• 1 set waterproof jacket and pants (preferably Gor-Tex)
• 2 Long-sleeved shirts
• 3 T-shirts
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket (highly recommended) you must have a heavy jacket for temperatures as cold as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, ask Adventure Challenge about rental options
• Thermals underwear (for cold nights) - top and bottom
• 2 pair Pants (such as lightweight cargo pants with zip-off bottoms, avoid jeans)
• Trekking trousers
• Tracksuit for extra layer of warmth at camps
• Shorts & swimwear
• At least 7 pair underwear (light and loose)
• 4 pair socks - both hiking and light
• Extra pair of thermal socks for cold days
• Bandana /scarf (to avoid dust and sunburn)
• Waterproof Walking boots (sturdy well worn in hiking boots)
• Sneakers or other comfy closed-toe shoes for evenings
• Wide brimmed hat
• Sunglasses (good quality with high 100% UV protection)
• Woolly hat (you will need to cover your head in its entirety)
• Waterproof Gloves (thermal lined)
• Thin gloves
• Gaiters (really nice to have)
• Sports bras

Hygiene

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Washcloth
• Quick Dry Travel towel
• Soap/shower gel (anti bacterial & bio-degradable)
• Shampoo/conditioner (bio-degradable)
• Contact lenses/prescription glasses (bring spare lenses, and glasses in case of dust)
• Lip salve with sun protection
• Antiseptic wipes
• Sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• Razor & cream
• Sanitary products
• Deodorant
• Toilet paper
• Hairbrush/comb
• Washing line

Other

• High-energy snacks (dried fruit and nuts, etc.)
• 2 Padlocks for locking your luggage
• Adjustable rubber tipped walking poles (highly recommended)
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb (head lamp type highly recommended)
• Water bottle (one should be aluminum to hold boiling water and one plastic) - 2 to 3 (plus consider one 3Ltr bladder)
• Iodine water purification tablets
• Water flavoring
• Thermos
• Re-sealable plastic bags (for dirty washing & to protect items from damp etc.)

Optional Items

• Camera & camera film with dust-proof camera bag (for charging cameras it is a good idea to bring a charger adaptable to cigarette lighter sockets in cars
• Binoculars
• Sewing kit
• Note book and pen
• Alarm clock, watch
• Whistle
• Spare shoe/boot laces
• Umbrella for sun and rain
• Games/cards
• Wet wipes
• Pocket Knife
• Memory Cards

Note: Any containers sealed at low levels (sun cream, contact lens solution, toothpaste etc.) will tend to expand as you climb higher and external air pressure decreases. Carefully release the build-up of pressure each night as you go higher so that they don't burst in your pack.