Clothing
It is recommended you have moisture-wicking, quick-dry, and breathable clothing. Cotton clothing is strongly discouraged. Once something gets wet at cold altitudes, it is difficult to dry. Using quick-dry materials is your best chance to improve your comfort if you experience rain or sweat a lot. Here is the recommended list of clothing:
- Underwear Briefs x 5
- Sports Bras x 2 (for ladies)
- Light-Weight Base Layer Bottoms x 1
- Light-Weight Base Layer Top x 1
- T-Shirt x 4
- Long-Sleeve T-Shirt x 2
- Hiking Pants x 2
- Poncho or Lightweight Rain Suit x 1
- Mid-Weight Base Layer Top and Bottom x 1
- Fleece or Soft-Shell Jacket x 1
- Synthetic or Down Insulated Jacket x1
- Waterproof Outer-Shell Pants and Jacket w/ Hood x1
Hand, Foot, & Headwear
Protecting your extremities from the elements is the most difficult because they are the most exposed part of your body. The rule of moisture-wicking and quick-dry also apply to your socks, gloves, and headwear. Here are the recommendations to keep your toes, fingers, and nose toasty on summit night:
- Glove-Liners for added warmth x 1 (optional)
- Waterproof Gloves or Mittens x 1
- Waterproof Hiking Boots x 1
- Spare Boot Laces x 1 (optional)
- Thin SmartWool socks x 3
- Thick Merino Wool Socks x 3
- Gaiters x 1 (optional)
- Brimmed Hat or Baseball Cap x 1
- Stocking Cap x 1
- Balaclava x 1
- Bandana x 1 (optional)
Equipment & Accessories
These are personal camping gear items that are essential. Focus on getting gear that is high quality and that are preferably made from lightweight materials: Tents will be provided.
- Polarized Sunglasses x 1
- Headlamp x 1 (w/extra batteries)
- Daypack x 1
- Water Bladder x 1
- Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover x 1
- Lightweight Trekking Poles x 1 set (telescopic for easy
packing)
- 32oz Hard Plastic Water Bottle x 2 (x 3 if you do not use
water bladder)
- Lightweight, Quick-dry Towel x 1
- 32oz Pee Bottle x 1 (optional for nighttime)
- Pee Funnel x 1 (optional for the ladies)
- Compact Sleeping Bag x 1 (10 degree or warmer)
- Sleeping Bag Liner x 1 (for added warmth, optional)
- Sleeping Pad x 1 (Closed-cell foam or self-inflating)
- Stuff Sacks or Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags to keep clothing dry
inside duffel bag
- Large Duffel Bag x 1 (Recommended Waterproof)
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen
- Toilet Paper
- Prescription Medicines
- Altitude Sickness Medicine
Miscellaneous
These are simply extras. They may not be required to reach the top, but they can certainly enhance your experience. Just remember not to overdo it with too much weight:
- Camera (w/ extra batteries)
- Small Notebook and Pen to log your trip (optional)
- Personal Toiletries (Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste,
etc.)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet-Wipes and/or Body-Wipes
- Small First-Aid Kit (Band-Aids, ace wrap, alcohol pads,
etc.)
- High Calorie Snacks
- Flavor tablets or powder for water
- Plastic Baggies for Trash
- Ibuprofen/Tylenol
Other Items
Remember to bring these items as well:
- Visa (can obtain upon arrival into Tanzania or purchase in
advance from TZ Embassy in Washington D.C.)
- Printed Airline Itinerary
- Copy of Immunization Papers
- Documentation for Insurance
- Cash (for souvenirs or extra purchases during stay in
Tanzania)