Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List

I was recently reading the blog of Google’s famous head of web spam, Matt Cutts, and came across his blog post about him participating in a Mount Kilimanjaro hike in early August to raise money for my charity:water.

Following on from Matt’s Kilimanjaro blog post, I decided to create a list of some bare essential and useful items that you should be aware to take with you if you are contemplating a Mount Kilimanjaro trek in the future:

• First Aid Kit – This is the first item on my equipment list, as safety comes first! Bring some blister bandages to apply to your feet after a day of hiking. Also, ask your health professional or doctor about the effects that climbing a mountain such as Kilimanjaro can have on your mind/body, and ensure that you are prescribed medication suited to you for each possible sickness.

• Sleeping Matt – I don’t mean an asleep Matt Cutts… In the case of sleeping in tents, you will require a comfortable ground matt to ensure you are comfortable at night. It is important to make sure your muscles and spine are getting the rest they need after hard days hiking.

• Sleeping bag – A good quality thermal sleeping bag will ensure that you are warm enough at the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro. When in freezing temperatures, it is especially vital to keep warm at night when the temperature drops to avoid frost bite or hypothermia.

• Sun protection – Ensure to bring and use the following items for protection against the strong African sun: SPF 50+ Sun lotion, sun block and UV resistant sunglasses.

• Head torch – You may need your hands free sometimes, so a head torch can be much more beneficial than a regular hand held torch.

• Water bottles – Bring along 3 x 1 litre water bottles to fill up between stops. Some people may prefer to use a hydration pack.

• Hiking/walking stick(s) – This can help you remain balanced and stable on the uneven surfaces of the Mountain.

• Warm fleece – The peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro can be very cold, so a good fleece is a necessity.

<• Thermal undergarments – These make a huge difference to help keep you warm whilst in the cold temperatures.

• Misc clothing – Some other clothing items you should take for protection against the cold and wind can include a hat that covers your ears, a good pair of gloves and a pair of thermal socks.

• Hiking boots – Some well worn in walking boots are essential as you will be on foot for most of the day and regular shoes won’t be able to cope!

• Rain and wind resistant poncho and trousers – You will appreciate not having soaking wet clothing, trust me!

Remember when climbing the Mountain it is important to pace yourself. There is no point in rushing such a large and exhausting climb. Taking your time will not only give you more of a chance to take in the beautiful and diverse surroundings, scenery and views, but it will also allow you to climatise and get used to the altitudes that you will be hiking at.

For anyone who is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I wish you all the best of luck and hope it goes well! You can see some of the results in pictures of Matt’s climb at his latest blog post.