GEAR LIST FOR KILIMANJARO

GENERAL CLOTHING
[ ] Travel clothes for plane rides and ground travel. Loose-fitting cotton or nylon pants; cotton or nylon shirts; cotton or CoolMax socks; CoolMax underwear; CoolMax undershirts. One complete set for outbound, one set for return.
[ ] 2 pairs pants for trek. 1-pair convertible hiking pants, 1 pair long pants. Nylon not cotton.
[ ] 1 or 2 shirts for trek. Nylon not cotton. Mesh panels for ventilation. SPF protection capability is a plus.
[ ] CoolMax (or equivalent) boxers and/or briefs. At least 3 for Kili hike (lower and mid-slopes). 4 for travel and hotel.
[ ] CoolMax (or equivalent) t-shirts. At least 3 for Kili hike.
[ ] Bathing suit. For hotel swimming pool.

FOOTWEAR
[ ] Footwear for Flights/off-mountain use. 1 pair sneakers or shoes.
[ ] Running or tennis shoes and/or Teva Sandals. 1 pair to wear around camp in the evenings.
[ ] Trekking Boots. 1 pair of warm, sturdy, medium-weight trekking boots in which you can wear a light synthetic sock under a heavy sock comfortably, either wool or synthetic. Shoes should be very waterproof and very warm.
[ ] Gaiters. 1 pair. Used to keep scree and mud out of boots.
[ ] Wool or Pile Socks. 3 pair heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (wool is warmer) to be worn over the liner socks. When layering socks, check fit over feet and inside boots. Remember to keep one fresh, dry pair of socks available at all times. It is very important to buy new socks regularly as they lose their cushioning over time. Socks with padded shins are especially nice with boots.
[ ] Liner Socks. 3 pair of smooth thin polypropylene or CoolMax to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and hot-spots and makes the outer sock last longer before needing to be changed. They should fit well with your heavyweight socks.

TECHNICAL CLOTHING
[ ] 2 pair Lightweight long underwear. Tops & bottoms; Capilene, Polypropylene, or Polartec PowerDry. No Cotton. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder). Zip tee-neck tops allow more ventilation options. One set of white for intense sunny days and one pair of dark for faster drying gives the most versatility.
[ ] Pile jacket. Mid- to Heavyweight pile (Polartec 200-300 depending upon cold tolerance, with pit-zips. A full-zipppered version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pullover.) OR Light Pile (Polartec 100) zip-tee pullover plus a Gore Windstopper Fleece jacket w/pit-zips.
[ ] Pile pants. Lightweight pile (Polartec 100 or Gore Windstopper fleece) with full separating side zippers (This is very important for both ventilation and ease of dressing up/ down when conditions change in the middle of climbing).
[ ] Down or Synthetic-fill jacket. Medium to heavy-weight.
[ ] Shell jacket. 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR OR Gore-Tex PacLite 2 are recommended. Must have good hood. Preferably with a long front zipper, a roomy rather than snug fit, and underarm pit-zips which go well below the armpit. Large internal pockets for cameras and water bottles are a plus.
[ ] Shell pants. 1 pair Gore-Tex with full separating side zips.
Shell Jacket and pants must fit over pile insulation comfortably.
[ ] Rain jacket. For rain forest and occasional rains on the mid-slopes. Should be waterproof and breathable.[OPTIONAL: you can use your shell jacket]

MITTS & GLOVES
[ ] Light synthetic gloves. 1 pair, quick-drying material like Polartec Power-Dry. Wear for use with trekking poles; cold evenings and mornings.
[ ] Gore-Tex shell mitts plus pile glove liners. 1 pair each. Mitts insulate better than gloves. Take off the shells when you need the dexterity afforded by the glove liners, e.g,, for taking photos.

CLIMBING TOOLS
[ ] Ski or Trekking poles, adjustable two or three section. 1 pair.
[ ] Trekking pole accessories. Rubber caps for steel tips; clip; snowflake baskets. (optional)
[ ] Headlamp, spare bulbs and lithium batteries. A good quality climber’s headlamp. Use lithium batteries; bring extras!

HEADWEAR
[ ] Balaclava. Gore Windstopper or plain fleece.
[ ] Warm Lightweight pile/wool hat. Hat should cover ears.
[ ] Baseball cap or other sun hat. One with a good visor to shade the nose and eyes. Synthetic is nice as it dries quickly. SPF protection capability is good to have.
[ ] Bandana. Used to shade your neck.
[ ] Mosquito-resistant mesh headgear.
[ ] Glacier glasses. 100% UV, IR, high quality optical lenses designed for mountain use, must have side covers, leashes, and a nose guard is particularly helpful. Prescription models are available from specialty opticians,

CAMPING
[ ] Sleeping bag with synthetic stuff sack. Good to 0° Fahrenheit/-18° Celsius or colder. Synthetic. Polarguard 3D or Polarguard Delta.
(Use stuff sack filled with clothing for pillow!)
[ ] Sleeping pad. 1 full length closed-cell foam.
[ ] Synthetic or silk sleeping bag liner. (optional)
[ ] Water Bottles: 2 liters minimum capacity. Two 1 liter & one 0.5 liter wide-mouth recommended. Alternate option: a cold-weather hydration pack (see below)
[ ] Water bottle parkas. 1 or 2 for summit day. Yellow or red color for visibility is helpful.
[ ] Water purification tablets and/or water purifier.
[ ] Coffee filters. Use to strain sediment from stream-water. (optional)
[ ] Hot Sauce (1 bottle) and/or spices. To "doctor" meals on mountain.

LUGGAGE/PACKS/CONTAINERS
[ ] 2 large water-resistant Boundary Bags or Duffel bags. 1 for transporting gear on mountain (carried by porters). A second duffel for storing things at the hotel during the expedition.
[ ] Backpack. A day pack big enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing. 25-35 liter capacity max.
[ ] Hydration pack. 2-liter capacity or more. Insulated versions for cold weather are best. See which models will fit in your day pack or get a combo model.
[ ] Rain cover or plastic bag for day pack.
[ ] Large plastic garbage bags. To line stuff sacks to keep gear dry and to line duffel. Also good for for dirty laundry at end of trip. Trash Compactor bags are best.
[ ] Ziploc bags. For personal effects, photo equipment and electronics; also to keep airline tickets, passport and travelers checks dry.
[ ] Mesh bags.To dry wet clothing as you hike.
[ ] Toiletries bag. For toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, towel, etc.
[ ] Ticket pouch or money belt. For airline tickets, cash, traveler’s checks.
[ ] Passport pouch. Necklace variety that is water-resistant.
[ ] Camera bag. Not too bulky or heavy.
[ ] Lead-lined film pouch. Forget hand-inspection of film. Won’t happen.

TOILETRIES
[ ] Shampoo (leave at hotel)
[ ] Bio-degradable liquid camp soap
[ ] Deodorant
[ ] Lotion/Cream for dry skin
[ ] Nail Clippers (leave at hotel)
[ ] Q-tips
[ ] Anti-bacterial hand wipes. Use before meals, after toilet.
[ ] Toilet paper. 1-2 rolls.
[ ] Moist towelettes. To supplement toilet paper.
[ ] Pack towel. Synthetic, quick-drying.
[ ] Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss/toothbrush cover.
[ ] Razors/shaving cream (leave at hotle unless you must shave)
[ ] Disinfectant spray. (optional)
[ ] Paper toilet seat covers. 1 package. (for airports)
[ ] Pee Bottle. Large mouth, clearly-marked water bottle. (optional). Good for exceptionally cold nights when you don’t want to leave the tent.

MEDICAL
[ ] Prescription eyeglasses with clip-on sun-shades OR prescription eyeglasses AND prescription sunglasses. If these apply to you. They are in addition to the glacier glasses mentioned above.
[ ] Sunscreen. SPF 40 or better, broad spectrum with Parsol 1789, at least 2 tubes. Make sure that the sunscreen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
[ ] Lipscreen. SPF 30 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months.
[ ] Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Extra-strength Acetaminophen, antibiotic ointment, anti-histamines, Moleskin, molefoam, Spenco Second Skin, waterproof first-aid tape, athletic tape, Band-Aids, personal prescriptions, etc. Please let your guide know about any medical issues before the climb.
[ ] Personal Prescriptions. Whatever applies to you.
[ ] Saline solution (sterile). To rinse dust out of nostrils and eyes.
[ ] Malaria prophylaxis. e.g., Malarone (Atavaquone & Proguanil) or Lariam (either requires a prescription).
[ ] Decadron (Dexamethasone) tablets (requires prescription). To aid in high-altitude acclimatization (and for temporary relief of Acute Mountain Sickness in Emergency SItuations. Always Descend immediately!)
[ ] Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) (requires prescription). Anti-biotic pills for diarrhea.
[ ] Immodium (Loperamide) or Lomotil (Diphenoxylate). (for diarrhea)
[ ] Pepto-Bismol tablets. (for nausea/G.I. upset)
[ ] Oral re-hydration powder. (for severe diarrhea) (optional)
[ ] Multi-vitamins with anti-oxidants. (optional)
[ ] Gingko biloba. To aid acclimatization. Start taking one week prior to climb.
[ ] Airborne tablets. To prevent catching cold on plane, train and bus rides.www.airbornehealth.com
[ ] Insect repellent. 30-35% DEET concentration at maximum.
[ ] Permethrin. Insect repellent to spray on clothing.
[ ] Foot massage ball. Provides acupuncture-like relief to tired, sore feet.(Great to have, but optional)
[ ] Medical bracelet or necklace listing medical conditions, allergies.

MISCELLANEA
[ ] Wristwatch.
[ ] Lithium batteries for headlamp, cameras, flash.
[ ] Mini Heat packs. Warmers for hands and feet.
[ ] Cameras, lenses, filters.
[ ] Micro-fiber cloth to clean glasses, camera lenses.
[ ] Lens/glasses cleaning fluid. Safe for multi-coated lenses, e.g., ROR or Formula MC.
[ ] Mini-tripod. (e.g., Velbon MAXi 343E) (optional)
[ ] Film. 10 rolls (at least), 36-exposure. ASA 400; ASA 800 (one roll) for night shots (Print film is easier to shoot than slides due to slightly wider exposure range)
[ ] Pocket knife or Multi-tool. (e.g., Leatherman Micra)
[ ] Notebook/journal and pens/pencils. (keep in plastic bag)
[ ] Powdered sport drinks for the climb. (e.g., Gatorade, Gookinaid E.R.G., Revenge)
[ ] Snacks. Trail mix, CLIF bars, ginger candy (aids digestion).
[ ] Tea. Non-caffeinated; herbal and/or green tea.
[ ] Paperback book. (for flights) e.g., Kili guides
[ ] Travel alarm clock. (for hotel)
[ ] Emergency whistle. In case you get lost.
[ ] Citronella candles for rain forest camps. (optional)
[ ] Ear plugs for flights and windy camps on the mountain.
[ ] Eyeshades for flights.
[ ] Lighter OR windproof/waterproof matches w/waterproof container.
[ ] Duct Tape. (essential for field repairs) Manco or 3M brands.
[ ] Gaffers tape. To secure garbage bag/rain cover to daypack. (optional)
[ ] 3-4 mini-combination locks. To secure duffel bags, daypack.
[ ] Gifts. NY sports-related t-shirts for porters; candy or pens for local kids. (optional)
[ ] Rag(s) to clean shoes/boots
[ ] Deodorant spray. For tent. (optional)

DOCUMENTS [Keep in ziploc bags!!!]
[ ] valid U.S. Passport
[ ] 4 photocopies of first 2 pages of passport. Keep separate from passport. Used to obtain replacement. Leave one at home; give one to a traveling companion; two extra to aid in emergency replacement of missing passport.
[ ] Emergency contact and medical info.
[ ] Airline tickets.
[ ] Appropriate tourist and travel visas.
[ ] International health card showing Yellow Fever immunization certification. (keep with passport)
[ ] Medical insurance.
[ ] Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage and trip-cancellation insurance provisions; emergency contact phone number(s).
[ ] Address book. (Use for sending out postcards.)
[ ] U.S. cash: $1s, $5s, $10s, $20s. Recently minted.
[ ] Traveler’s checks. VISA brand.(optional--not used widely in Tanzania)
[ ] Credit card. VISA and MasterCard.
[ ] Tanzanian shillings. For bottled water, hotel dinners, drinks, souvenirs, postcards, postage. (optional—but helpful)
[ ] Luggage Tags with Itinerary printed on back (in case bags get lost).