For a comfortable body temperature it’s important you layer your clothes. So make sure the items fit easily over each other and they are made of synthetic, wool or pile.
Clothes
Shirts: 2 or 3 short-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved shirts, preferable synthetic.
Shorts: 1 pair of hiking shorts for the lower altitudes on the mountain.
Underwear bottom and top (long): 1 pair of both, wool or synthetic.
Base layer
Pants: 1 or 2 lightweight pairs of hiking trousers that you can wear over long underwear bottom.
Rain pants: 1 pair of waterproof nylon or Gortex.
Rain jacket: 1 pair of Gortex or waterproof nylon.
Fleece or synthetic jacket (insulation layer): 1 pair
Synthetic-fill pants: 1 pair
Down insulated jacket (core jacket): 1 pair
Undergarments: enough for the duration of your trek.
Footwear
Hiking boots: leather with sturdy mid-sole and a vibram sole. Boots should be warm and fit well over light and heavy sock combination. Break them in well.
Gaiters: short, simple gaiters are the best for mud in the forest and scree on summit.
Trekking sandals/ sport sandals: that you can slip on in camp during evenings.
Lightweight socks: 3 pairs synthetic/wool blend
Heavy socks: 3 pairs synthetic/wool blend
Head, face and hand
Bandana: good sun protection for neck, with useful in many ways.
Wool or fleece hat: one that covers ears (balaclava works well).
Gloves or mittens (wool or pile): bring pair of light gloves and pair of heavy mittens.
Sun hat: lightweight hat with good brims.
Sunglasses: good quality for eye protection.
Lip balm: SPF of 20 or more.
Sunscreen: choose sun block with high SPF (greater than 30).
Trekking poles: Useful for going up and down steep, muddy trails and trekking at higher altitudes.
Sleeping
Sleeping bag: we recommend bags that have a rating at a minimum of -10 degrees Celsius (14 Fahrenheit).
Thermal mat (optional): your tour company should provide a thin mattress, but if you are concerned about the cold you can bring a thermal mat.
Medical
Blister plasters
Ibuprofen/ Aspirin
Insect repellent
Band aids
Disinfectant
Bandages and tape
Diarrheal medicine
Tweezer
Other items
Headlamp/flashlight: bring plenty batteries.
Duffle bag: this waterproof bag will be carried by your porter who will transport your gear from one camp to the next. Bag needs to be soft and weighs no more than 20 kg.
Daypack: you will be carrying your own daypack where you keep items like sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water, camera, money.
Rain cover for your daypack
Water bottle: 2 pairs of 1 l bottles
Baby wipes: to clean yourself
Zip lock bags: to protect your valuables
Energy bars: take 2-3 energy bars per day to keep your energy level up.
Toilet paper
Toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer
Trekking towel: to dry your face, hands, hair
Pocket knife
Small mirror
Games (cards) or books
For more information about Kilimanjaro and the itineraries check Mountain Trekking.