What to carry in your daypack on Kilimanjaro
Inside Your daypack on Kilimanjaro you will have: waterproof gear, sun hut, extra warm clothing, water, snacks, Packed lunch, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent and camera. When you’re on the mountain, most of your gear will be packed in your large duffel bag, which our porters will carry.
Over the course of your climb, you’ll be trekking through five different climate zones, from the warm humid forest to the ice and snow of the glacier-covered summit so you’ll need a variety of kit to cover the varying Kilimanjaro weather conditions.
Our porters will take your 15kg (max) duffel bag after breakfast and you won’t see it again until you reach camp in the afternoon. You’ll be carrying a daypack (25-35 liters is ideal) containing everything you’ll need for the day’s hiking.
At the daily briefing on Kilimanjaro, the guides will let you know the weather conditions to expect and advise you of any specific items you’ll need to keep you safe and comfortable on the trail.
It’s a good idea to have a waterproof stuff sack or similar to line the inside of your daypack, in case of heavy rain it’ll give another line of defense against your gear getting soaked.
Always check that your daypack has a built-in rain cover. If it doesn’t, purchase one separately and keep it accessible at all times in case of a sudden downpour.
Get your full Kilimanjaro Packing List which guides you through everything you’ll need to bring on your Kilimanjaro climb.
Basic Essentials to carry in your daypack on Kilimanjaro
1. Clothing
During the course of the day, the hiking conditions can change dramatically from baking sunshine to a freezing wind. Layering your clothes gives you the flexibility to add and remove layers throughout the day so you stay warm and comfortable without getting sweaty. Sweat can turn bone-chillingly cold when you stop moving.
It’s better to have a layer or two extra, tiredness makes you feel the cold more intensely, and weather can change quickly on the mountain.
2. Food, Water & Snacks
On most days, when we stop for lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to refill your hydration bladder and water bottles but some days this isn’t possible. You’ll need to be able to carry 3-4 liters of water. Hydration bladders work well, as they encourage you to take regular sips instead of stopping frequently to drink from a bottle.
You’ll also carry your packed lunch (if we’re not stopping for a hot lunch on the way) and any snacks you’ve brought from home, such as energy bars, candy or your favorite trail mix.
3. Other Bits & Bobs
You’ll need a basic first aid kit to cover blisters, minor cuts, and scrapes, any personal medication you’re taking and sunscreen. Keep your sunscreen handy at all times and reapply it regularly. Don’t forget your lips: the harsh sun and dry air can cause chapping and soreness, keep applying chapstick regularly. Hand sanitizer is important; we won’t be washing our hands on the trail!
During the first day or so, you might want some bug repellent, but as we hike higher, this won’t be necessary.
Before setting out each day, your guides will advise you what to bring, based on the altitude and conditions.
