Whichever route you’re planning to trek, Kilimanjaro requires a range of essential gear to keep you warm and comfortable…
Because of the different temperate zones on Kili, you need a range of clothing to cope as you may encounter everything from hot and sunny weather to wind and rain, to sub-zero temperatures. Luckily, you’ll have porters to carry your kitbag in which you will keep your sleeping gear and any clothing you’re not wearing, leaving you free to carry the essentials in your daypack. If you’re trekking the Western Breach (as we did in issue 37/Mar ’13) then you’ll also need a helmet, trail crampons and, ideally, 4-season boots.
Below you will find the complete list of kit we used on Kilimanjaro, with links to the actual products on the right. Helly Hansen, as sponsor of our Kili The Hard Way 2013 trek, supplied much of the clothing we used from its top of the range Odin line.
CLOTHING
Sunhat/cap – Helly Hansen Crew Cap
Warm hat – Helly Hansen Outline Beanie
Sunglasses
Fleece gloves Karrimor Thermal Gloves
Insulated Gloves – Helly Hansen Odin Insulator Glove
Short-sleeved baselayers x 2 – Helly Hansen Dry Stripe T
Long-sleeved baselayer – Icebreaker
Underpants x 3 – Smartwool NTS Micro 150 Boxer Briefs
Socks x 3 – Smartwool
Trekking pants – Mountain Equipment Stretchlite Guide Pant
Softshell pants – Helly Hansen Odin Guide Pant
Fleece jacket – Helly Hansen Odin Fleece Jacket
Softshell jacket – Helly Hansen Odin Rapide
Lightweight waterproof jacket – Arc’teryx SL Hybrid Jacket
Lightweight waterproof trousers – Berghaus Velum Gore-Tex Pant
Lightweight insulated jacket – Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody
Puffa jacket – The North Face Shaffle
Casual clothes for rest days (T-shirts, jeans etc)
FOOTWEAR
3-4 Season Boots – Zamberlan Vioz GT
Comfy sandals/shoes Teva Mush Frio Lace Canvas
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Backpack (30-35L)
Hydration Bladder
Water bottles (2 x1litre)
Trekking poles
Headtorch
Multi-Tool
Sunblock and lip salve
Mosquito spray
First aid kit
Camera, spare battery, spare memory card
Rucksack liner – Podsacs
SLEEPING
4-season sleeping bag – Rab Ascent 900
Sleeping mat – Thermarest NeoAir All-Season
Earplugs
Pee bottle
WASHROOM
Tissues
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Travel towel
Earplugs
Antibacterial gel
Wet wipes
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Flight ticket/boarding pass
Insurance policy
Photocopies of passport/insurance policy
Cash (US dollars) / credit cards
ADDITIONAL GEAR FOR WESTERN BREACH
Helmet – Grivel Salamander
4-Season Boots – Zamberlan Vioz Plus GT
Trail Crampons – Hillsound Trail Crampons
RELATED LINKS
www.hellyhansen.com
www.rjseven.com