Kilimanjaro takes you from humid rainforest to arctic summit conditions in less than a week, so layering is everything.
Base layers: two to three moisture-wicking base layers, top and bottom. Cotton is the enemy here — it holds moisture and chills you fast.
Insulation: a fleece or softshell mid-layer, plus a down jacket for summit night, when temperatures regularly drop below -15°C.
Outer shell: a waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Rain in the forest zone is close to guaranteed on most routes.
Footwear: broken-in waterproof hiking boots — never brand new — plus warm socks and gaiters for the scree sections near the summit.
Other essentials: a headlamp with spare batteries for the midnight summit push, trekking poles, sunglasses rated for high UV, and a 3-liter hydration system.
We provide a full gear checklist with every booking, and can arrange rental equipment locally for anything you'd rather not fly with.
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