Mount Kilimanjaro Gear List

Alpine Ascents

Overview

Each item on the list below is required unless specified to be optional.
If seasonal fluctuations impact the requirement for an item on your list, it will be specified.
All other items are required regardless of the forecast to ensure your safety and well-being, as weather and conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
Item images represent one product suggestion for that item.
Item images may or may not reflect the model of item available for rent.

RENTAL RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS

Items with a price & check box may be rented.
Check the box of any item you desire to rent.
Complete the personal detail section at the bottom of the page, and click submit.
If you are a non-Alpine Ascents climber seeking rental equipment, please inquire via email.

FURTHER RESOURCES

If you wish to learn more about any piece of gear, the online Gear Lexicon is available 24/7.
A printable/downloadable PDF version of the Gear Lexicon may also be accessed here.
For in-depth articles, pro-tips, and advice on select subjects, check out our blog.
Our experienced staff are happy to speak with you via phone, or via email.
The Alpine Ascents Gear Store offers a wide range of products to suit your needs. All registered climbers are welcome to utilize the discount code contained in your confirmation materials.

Climbing Equipment

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Trekking Poles

Collapsible skiing/trekking poles. Three section, adjustable-height models are preferred.

Buy from $129.95

Rent It For $56.00

Footwear

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Hiking Socks

Four or five pairs of midweight to heavyweight hiking socks. Choose wool or synthetic socks. Newer socks offer increased loft, warmth, and padding than older socks. Your socks must fit comfortably over liner socks if you choose to use liner socks. Plan to dedicate one pair of socks to use around camp and when sleeping on very cold nights.

Buy from $10.00

Gaiters

Waterproof gaiters sized to fit your boots snugly. Short gaiters that create a tight secure closure lower or mid calf are ideal. Tall tradition mountaineering gaiters will work.

Buy from $89.00

Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots designed for hiking in cool to cold conditions. Modern, lightly insulated boots with room in the toe box and good support should be stressed. Models like the Scarpa Terra GTX are ideal.

Technical Clothing

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Short Underwear

Two to three pairs including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Synthetic or wool fabrics only - no cotton! Bring comfortable athletic styles based on your needs and preferences (e.g., boxers, briefs, sports bras).

Buy from $18.00

Synthetic T-shirt

One or two short-sleeved outdoor t-shirts for hiking on warm days. "Tech tees" work well for this, as they are synthetic and quick-drying.

Buy for $75.00

Baselayer Bottom

Non-cotton baselayer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction. We recommend lighter weight baselayers rather than heavier fleece-type layers. Wool, wool blend, polyester, or other synthetic fabrics all work well. Be sure your baselayer pants are not constructed from cotton.

Buy from $50.00

Heavy Baselayer Bottoms

Heavy, expedition-weight baselayer bottoms designed to be used while climbing in very cold conditions. Fabrics such as Polartec Power Stretch, Capilene 4, and Polartec Power Dry will work well.

Buy from $99.00

Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

One long-sleeved base layer top. This item must be constructed of a non-cotton material such as merino wool or polyester. Note that light-colored, hooded sun shirts are strongly recommended for sun protection, and are worn by guides throughout most climbs.

Buy from $74.00

Trekking Pants

Bring one or two pairs of lightweight nylon trekking pants for the hot portions of the climb. Some prefer to bring zip-off styles, while others bring a pair of trekking shorts instead of a second pair of trekking pants. These also work well on safari!

Softshell Pants

Stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated softshell pants that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms. Please note that "zip-off"-style trekking pants are too light to be considered softshell pants.

Buy from $160.00

Rent It For $65

Hardshell Pants

Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your baselayer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length separating size zippers are generally required; occasionally, 7/8th zippers (extending from the cuff of the pant to the upper hip) can suffice but are strongly advised against. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Buy from $119.00

Rent It For $101.00

Softshell Jacket

This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Buy from $129.00

Rent It For $75.00

Midlayer Top

A midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Grid fleeces generally provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Note that very light puffy jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

Buy from $135.00

Hardshell Jacket

A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. Must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, and softshell.

Buy from $279.00

Rent It For $120.00

Lightweight Insulated Jacket

We recommend a lightweight insulated jacket to serve either as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. This may be filled with down or synthetic insulation.

Buy from $259.00

Rent It For $70.00

Insulated Down Parka

This jacket or parka should be heavily insulated with high-quality down fill. We recommend an overall parka weight between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds. For warmth, a hood is required. Down sweaters or light puffy jackets will not be sufficient. Check out our write-ups here and here to learn more about down fill and down weight.

Buy from $385.00

Rent It For $120.00

Insulated Synthetic Pants

A synthetic insulated pant with full-length separating side zips. Ski pants are typically not appropriate for this layer.

Buy for $200.00

Rent It For $80.00

Handwear

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Lightweight Liner Gloves

Very lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a snug, comfortable fit. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection. Black or dark-color gloves are also acceptable.

Buy from $39.00

Softshell Gloves

Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Buy from $59.95

Rent It For $41.00

Insulated Mittens

Waterproof shell mittens with insulating liners. We recommend that your liner gloves can fit inside the mitten system as well.

Buy from $119.95

Rent It For $64.00

Headwear

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Buff

A must-have for all outdoor activities, the UV Buff is a versatile replacement for the bandana and serves a multitude of purposes. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Buy from $24.00

Sun Hat

Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well. Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

Buy for $24.99

Wool/Synthetic Ski Hat

A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

Buy from $26.00

Sunglasses

High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection are recommended. A good fit is critical for comfort- try on glasses to check for a comfy fit and good light blockage. Keep in mind that high-quality lenses are an absolute must due to mountain sun.

Buy from $99.95

Headlamp

A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output. Freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. Rental headlamps do not include spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred. Check out our write-ups here to learn more.

Buy from $34.95

Rent It For $40.00

Personal Equipment

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Sleeping Pads

A comfortable, robust sleeping pad setup is included for you on the mountain. We use a combination of foam pads and inflatable pads to ensure a warm, comfortable night's rest. You do not need to bring your own sleeping pad.

Boundary Bag

Before departing for the mountain, we will provide a large fully waterproof Boundary Bag. You will pack all of your belongings into this bag, and porters will carry this pack on the mountain for the duration of the trip. Alpine Ascents provides these bags at no charge, so there is no need to bring your own.

Small Pack

An internal frame climbing/trekking pack of approximately 32-40 liters in carrying capacity. Emphasize simple, lightweight designs.

Buy from $199.00

0° Fahrenheit Sleeping Bag

Whether filled with down or synthetic insulation, your sleeping bag should be rated to approximately 0° Fahrenheit and feature a collared hood for warmth. Be sure to include a compression stuff sack. Weather conditions and your body temperature needs may effect what rating of sleeping bag you require. Please call with questions.

Buy from $380.00

Rent It For $95

Water Bottles

Two one-liter capacity bottles. Bottles should be wide mouth made of co-polyester (BPA free plastic). No water bag or bladder systems (they freeze or are hard to fill) and no metal bottles (they have a tendency to freeze).

Buy for $11.95

Pee Bottle

Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models can work well. If opting for a collapsible model, please pick a 1.5-2 liter model as it allows for more space while using in your sleeping bag. For longer expeditions and colder mountains (Everest, Vinson, Denali, etc..) we strongly recommend a hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene as the collapsible models tend to crack in extreme temperatures. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee bottles and funnels.

Buy from $11.99

Pee Funnel (for Women)

Optional. Practice is critical for the use of this item. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee funnels and bottles.

Buy for $25.95

Insect Repellent

One small bottle of insect repellent.

Buy for $5.99

Trash Compactor/Contractor Bags

Three heavy plastic garbage bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. Trash compactor or contractor bags are made from a heavier plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use. Alternatively, a reusable waterproof pack liner can be used provided it completely fills the inside of your pack.

Buy for $1.99

Camera

Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR's) are ideal & work well at altitude. Alternatively, many opt to use a smartphone camera. Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large dSLR cameras are discouraged.

Solar Panel + Power Bank (Optional)

Small portable solar panel and power bank for charging personal items like a cell phone on longer trips when access to power is not available. Solar panels with 10-20 charging watts that weigh no more than 2.5lbs are handy, lightweight, and cost-effective. We recommend bringing a small lightweight power bank like the Goal Zero Flip 36 or Venture 35 to store the solar power, and charging your devices directly from this power bank. For more information please see our blog post.

Buy from $39.95

Water Purification Tools

We double-treat all drinking water. Bring several bottles of chemical-based water treatment, such as AquaMira, as well as one Steri-Pen device per person. The Adventurer-Opti Steri-Pen is the recommended version due to long battery life and reliability.

Buy for $14.99

Toiletry Bag

Include toilet paper (stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and wet wipes. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip. Female climbers should bring an appropriate amount of feminine hygiene products for the duration of the trip (for international trips, these can be difficult to find last minute in-country).

Buy from $1.25

Sunscreen

Two to four ounces of SPF 30+ sunscreen. Varieties with zinc-oxide are more protective! Two to four ounces per week is typically sufficient, but several small tubes can offer insurance against lost or exploded tubes. Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

Buy from $9.99

Lipscreen

Several tubes of SPF 30+ lipscreen. As with sunscreen, be sure your lipscreen is new.

Buy for $3.99

Running Shoes

Lightweight, comfortable running or walking shoes are recommended for off-mountain use and pre-and-post trip travel. In some situations, these may also serve as approach shoes.

Altimeter/Smart Watch (Optional)

Altimeter and Smart Watches are increasingly popular and a great way to track your trip in the field. Models with GPS tracking, altimeter, and activity mode options are most common in addition to having traditional watch features like an alarm clock. Smart watches can be a very helpful tool in training for your climb. For a long trip, we recommend bringing a power bank and charging cable into the field as GPS tracking requires a significant amount of a battery power. For more information on altimeters and smart watches please read our blog post.

Safari and Lodge Clothing

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing used for safari activities and while staying at lodges. Nicer garments can be ideal for dinners at lodges. Swimsuits are also recommended for hotel and lodge pools.

Small Personal First-Aid Kit

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

Buy from $6.49

Medications & Prescriptions

Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Immodium, Cipro, Metronidazole, Z-Paks, Diamox, and a variety of standard painkillers like Ibuprofen.

Earplugs

Always recommended for getting high-quality rest. Soft foam rather than wax models are recommended as they are light and disposable.

Buy for $0.60

Hand Sanitizer

Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well. Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

Buy for $1.65

Face Mask

While on the mountain, all climbers are required to have a face mask easily accessible in a waterproof bag (Ziploc, etc.). When social distancing measures are not feasible, you may be requested to wear your mask. Cloth or surgical masks are both acceptable.

Hand and Toe Warmers

Bring three sets of each. Please note that toe warmers are different than hand warmers. They are formulated to work in a lower oxygen environment, like the inside of a boot, they also burn out more quickly.

Buy from $1.29

Lightweight Poncho or Travel Umbrella (Optional)

Even in the dry season, it can be wet at times in Tanzania and on Kilimanjaro. A lightweight poncho or travel umbrella can be very useful during the first few days if it is raining and too hot to wear hardshells.

9-Day Lemosho Trip Add-On Items

For those joining us on the extended Lemosho itinerary, we recommed bringing a total of 4-6 pairs of socks, 5-7 pairs of underwear, 3 short-sleeved baselayer tops, and 3 long-sleeved baselayer tops. This small number of extra items will allow you an additional change of clothing.

Food

Bring 8-10 pieces (total) of your favorite Clif Shot Bloks, energy chews, Gu packets, energy gels, etc. These easily-digestible and quick to consume foods are helpful for keeping your energy up during the climb to the summit. You may also bring a limited quantity of other favorite snacks (~1 piece per day), keeping in mind that there are strict weight limits for portered bags so do not overpack snacks. Finally, we recommend a few Ricola or other cough drops for the cold, dry air higher on the mountain.

Traveling

Description

Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit

All climbers must bring two (2) Covid-19 Antigen Testing Kits. Tests are to be used at guides discretion such as the gear check and/or when symptoms arise. We recommend kits like the Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen Self-Test that deliver quick results and are easy to use.

Covid-19 Vaccination Card

All climbers must bring a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card . Please reference the logistics page for protocols and other requirements specific to your trip.

Small Duffel

This item can double as carry-on luggage for your flight, and is used to store any items you do not plan to take into the mountains. Think light and simple, with 40-50 liters of total capacity. Bring a travel lock for peace of mind.

Buy for $129.00

Large Duffel Bag

For traveling to your start location, a large soft-sided duffel is recommended. Purchase a travel lock for peace of mind. Do not bring wheeled nor hard-sided models.

Buy for $185.00

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Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions

I promise to return all equipment rented from Alpine Ascents International, Inc. in good condition at the end of my climb/course. I agree and authorize Alpine Ascents International, Inc. to charge my credit card on file for repairs and/or replacements of damaged, lost or stolen gear. And I agree not to hold Alpine Ascents International, Inc. responsible for any injuries incurred through the use of its rental equipment.

Rental Information

Reserving: Please submit one reservation per person per departure. We recommend submitting reservations at least one month in advance to ensure adequate time for processing. Incomplete reservations may cause delay or failure to reserve requested items. Cancellations must be made three weeks in advance of your departure.

Washington Rentals: All rental equipment for trips taking place in Washington will be picked up during your gear check at our Seattle headquarters. For trips with an off-site gear check please contact the Gear Department to pick up your rentals in Seattle. At that time, payment will be taken for all rented items. No security deposit will be charged for Washington rentals; however, Alpine Ascents reserves the right to assess fees for the replacement or repair of any damaged items.

Alaska Rentals: Due to the unique nature of Alpine Ascents' Alaska program, some items requested may be picked up in Talkeetna at your gear check rather than shipped directly to you. However, not all rental items are available for pickup in Talkeetna. Payment for Alaska rentals will be charged to the on-file credit card after your gear check, including a $50 security deposit per item. Alpine Ascents reserves the right to withhold all or part of your security deposit for the replacement or repair of damaged items. All equipment, whether shipped to you or picked up in Alaska, may be de-issued at the Alpine Ascents Alaska facility at the end of your trip.

International Rentals: All rental equipment for trips taking place internationally will be shipped to you approximately two weeks prior to your trip departure date. A USA address must be provided for rental shipments. Rental equipment may not be shipped internationally. At the time of shipment, charges will be assessed to the credit card on file, including shipping charges, rental fees, and applicable security deposits. Please immediately contact the Gear Department with any questions.

Confirmation: Allow 48-72 hours for rental confirmation via email. If you have any questions or have not heard back from us within three (3) working days, please email [email protected] or call (206) 378-1927 and ask for the Gear Department.

Payment: The credit card on file will be used to process rental payment. For climbs in Washington, payment will be taken at your gear check and no security deposit will be required. For climbs taking place outside of Washington, charges are processed at the time of shipment (approximately two weeks prior to departure date) and will include a $50 security deposit per item plus shipping. Shipping cost is based on size and weight and can only be determined at the time of shipment.

Security Deposit: Fees are fully refundable upon a timely return (one week from the end of trip). Fees may be assessed for repair or replacement of damaged item(s). Please allow up to two weeks for your refunded to be credited. Please note that for items not returned within one week after a trip end date Alpine Ascents reserves the right to withhold all or part of your security deposit.

Shipment: Rental items for climbs taking place outside of Washington are scheduled to ship two weeks prior to your trip departure. Once received, please verify that all items are correct and fit appropriately. Please note that sizing information provided is used to determine the sizes of items shipped. You are responsible for rentals once items are shipped and until items are received back at Alpine Ascents. We encourage you to insure your shipment.

By checking this box, I certify that I agree to all TERMS & CONDITIONS of the agreement.

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Bags, Porters, and Luggage

During this journey you’ll pack and repack a few times, living out of your backpack during the day and accessing the rest of your gear in your portered boundary bag at night.

You will find several different types of luggage on your gear list:

Small Pack – 32-40 liters, enough to carry light snacks, layers, water, and any other accessories during the day.
Small Duffel – carry-on luggage for travels to Tanzania. This item is not needed on Kilimanjaro, so feel free to use an alternate carry-on sized item you already own instead. Note that this duffel also makes great luggage for the safari!
Travel Luggage – whether in the form of a large duffel or suitcase, you’ll check some kind of luggage when you fly to Arusha. We prefer duffel bags, although hard-sided suitcases are OK.
Boundary Bag – provided by Alpine Ascents during your gear check in Arusha, this 115-liter, waterproof pack will contain all of your gear and is portered from camp to camp so that you do not have to carry it.

There is some flexibility to how you might choose to pack for this trip. Read the below to gain an understanding of the logistical flow.

STAGE 1 – TRAVEL TO TANZANIA

Pack everything (except for a few items mentioned below) into your travel luggage and check it in with your airline. We prefer to flat pack our small pack inside this luggage.

Pack your small duffel (or similar) as your carry-on, being sure to include any usual comfort items for international air travel. Staying relaxed in the days prior to your expedition will contribute to your acclimatization! Pro tip: we typically fly with our hiking boots, insulated pants, and parkas in our carry-on baggage. In the event of lost luggage these items are difficult to replace in Arusha.

STAGE 2 – TRIP PREP IN ARUSHA

Situated beneath Mount Meru, Arusha is mid-sized town in close proximity to Kilimanjaro, Ngorogoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. Here, we take the time to do a thorough gear check. At the gear check, you will be issued an Alpine Ascents boundary bag to use during the trek.

After our gear check, we’ll pack as outlined below:

Small duffel & travel luggage – pack up anything you want to leave behind, and plan to store it at your hotel during the climb.
Small pack – your trekking clothes and footwear go in this bag, along with your water bottles, trekking poles, hydration mixes for your water bottles, some extra snacks, camera, and a few layers sufficient for an all-day trek. Your guide will assess the weather forecast and give specific coaching.
Boundary bag – everything else is packed into this duffel bag, which will be ported for you from camp to camp on the trip. Note that you will not have access to it during each day as it is portered for you.

STAGE 3 – CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

Day by day, gradually ascending to allow our bodies time to acclimatize, we’ll climb Kilimanjaro with the all-too necessary assistance of our porter team. Each day, we’ll pack our boundary bags and hand them off for the day. During the day, everything we need must be packed into our small packs, including layers, water bottles, cameras, etc.

Upon arriving to each camp, we will again have access to the gear in our boundary bags. After descending from the top of the mountain, we will return to Arusha and de-issue boundary bags.

OPTIONAL – SAFARI/SERENGETI BALLOON RIDE

After the climb, some will go on to participate in a safari and/or balloon ride over the Serengeti. During these portions of the trip, you will be using only your personal luggage, having already returned the boundary bag. The small duffel is useful for this state of your journey, as there is a 15kg weight limit for the flight back from the Serengeti.

I’ve got a few small trips on the radar with Alpine Ascents later in 2019, but I think the most concise statement of praise I can offer is that I’m truly excited to see where things go from here as we look forward into 2020 and beyond.

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