GEAR(!) (Fab!)
Easily the most costly part of the trip. My ever-changing gear list was a Frankenstein monster cobbled together from various sources: Kili tour company gear lists, invaluable tips passed on by previous Kili climbers, and an assortment of guidebooks, magazines and web sites. It went through at least 10 editions dating from sometime in late March 2001 to the day before we left for Kili.

Shopping was a months-long process. I found some great deals on the internet and caught some good sales in New York City and environs. Nik and I did most of our Kili shopping at a small store in a northern suburb of New York City whose owner had considerable outdoors experience and was always willing to special-order equipment that he did not ordinarily stock. At times we joked that we almost felt appreciated as customers there.

Don't forget that you will be hiking through 5 or more climatic zones as you traverse the mountain from base to (hopefully!) summit. (Rain Forest, Upper Forest, Heath/Moorland, Alpine Desert, Summit Zone)

During the trip Nik and I accused each other of under-packing or over-packing depending on what sort of situation or mood we were in at the time. Between the two of us, and our group's pharmacist Andrea, we were well supplied.

The one thing in retrospect that I wish I'd brought is a hydration bladder/pack. Having to constantly stop then ask someone to grab one of my water bottles from my daypack was an inconvenience surpassed only by my having to remove my pack and retrieve them myself. Our guide Godi used his hydration pack constantly on Kili. Staying hydrated is a good thing! As a note, one should be careful bringing hydation bladders on the actual summit attempt as they freeze easily. Newer technology and careful use reportedly minimize the likelihood of this, but I have not yet researched the subject "in the field".

I have attached a printable copy of my excessive gear list here.

CASH
U.S. dollars are more than welcome in Tanzania. It is recommended by several guidebooks that one bring a collection of recent, i.e., post-1995, notes as older ones are not accepted by the banks and businesses there. Also, bring as many singles as possible. There is an old game of the accepter pretending not to have enough change for larger bills. Also realize that Caucasians, particularly Americans of that ilk, are seen as little more than walking ATMs to the majority of most East Africans. That’s just the way it is.

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