What to carry in daypack
What to carry in your daypack on Kilimanjaro
Inside Your daypack for Kilimanjaro will include waterproof gear, a sun shelter, extra warm clothes, drink, food, a packed lunch, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, and a camera. When you get on the mountain, the majority of your stuff will be stowed in your huge duffel bag, which our porters will transport.
You’ll be travelling through five distinct temperature zones during your climb, from the warm, humid jungle to the ice and snow of the glacier-covered summit, so you’ll need a range of gear to keep up with the changing Kilimanjaro weather.
Our porters will take your 15kg (max) duffel bag after breakfast and you won’t see it again until you reach camp in the afternoon. You’ll be carrying a daypack (25-35 liters is ideal) containing everything you’ll need for the day’s hiking.
At the daily briefing on Kilimanjaro, the guides will let you know the weather conditions to expect and advise you of any specific items you’ll need to keep you safe and comfortable on the trail.
It’s a good idea to have a waterproof stuff sack or something similar to line the inside of your daypack; in case of heavy rain, it’ll give another line of defence against your gear getting soaked.
Always make sure your daypack has a built-in rain cover. If it doesn’t, buy one separately and have it handy in case of an unexpected deluge.
Get your complete Kilimanjaro Packing List, which includes everything you’ll need for your climb.
Basic Essentials to carry in your daypack on Kilimanjaro
Clothing
The hiking conditions might fluctuate considerably during the day, ranging from scorching sunlight to cold wind. Layering your garments allows you to add and remove layers throughout the day, keeping you warm and comfortable without sweating. Sweat may become quite chilly when you stop moving.
Rain jacket (totally waterproof, with hood)
Rain pants (full-length side zippers work nicely to go on and off fast)
Fleece insulation layer.
Optional: Softshell breathable windbreaker. down jacket to keep you warm while you pause for lunch.
Sun hat
Warm headgear (e.g., beanie) that covers your ears
Gloves
Sunglasses (extremely needed because the sun’s rays are harsher in the thinner atmosphere).
(Optional) Knee Supports
It’s a good idea to bring an additional layer or two because exhaustion makes you feel the cold more severely, and the weather on the mountain changes frequently.
What to carry in your daypack: Food, Water & Snacks
On most days, when we stop for lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to refill your hydration bladder and water bottles, but some days this isn’t possible. You’ll need to be able to carry 3-4 litres of water. Hydration bladders work well, as they encourage you to take regular sips instead of stopping frequently to drink from a bottle.
Water bottles and/or hydration bladder
Energy snacks (candy, trail mix, energy bars)
Packed lunch (provided by our chef)
You’ll also be carrying your packed lunch (if we’re not stopping for a hot lunch along the route) and any snacks you brought from home, such as energy bars, candies, or your favourite trail mix.
Other Bits & Bobs
You’ll need a basic first-aid package to treat blisters, small cuts, and scrapes, as well as any personal medications and sunscreen. Always have sunscreen on hand and reapply it as needed. Don’t forget about your lips: the intense sun and dry air can cause chapping and pain, so use chapstick periodically.
Hand sanitizer is essential; we will not be washing our hands on the path!
You may wish to use mosquito repellent for the first day or so, but as we go higher, this will become unnecessary.
Toilet paper (remove the cardboard core for easier storage)
Tissue or handkerchief
Hand sanitiser
Basic first aid kit (blister plasters, ibuprofen, and personal meds).
Sunscreen
Chapstick (or other lip balms) with sunscreen
Insect repellant
Cameras, replacement batteries, and other technological devices
Spare bootlaces (essential!)
Top Tips for Packing Your Daypack
Your guides will advise you on what to pack for each day according to the altitude and circumstances.
Do not overstock your backpack. Take only what you need for the day.
Water will be the heaviest thing, so drink it often to decrease your weight.
Keep sunscreen and chapstick in the hip belt of your daypack for convenient access.
Batteries don’t function well in the cold, so always bring extras.
Gloves can protect your hands from both the sun and cold.
If your daypack does not come with a rain cover, remember to bring one.
Use a waterproof stuff sack as a liner to keep your equipment dry.
See more about packing for Kilimanjaro and essential gear and grab your printable checklist
