Kilimanjaro Packing List: This is What You Really Need

When you book a Kilimanjaro trek through Bookatrekking.com, this is already sorted:

Tent (on camping routes)
Sleeping mat
Dining gear, tables, chairs
All meals on the mountain
Filtered water
Qualified guide, porters, cook
First aid kits

You just bring yourself, a sleeping bag (can be rented), a good dose of determination, and 15 kg (33 lbs) of your own gear — which will be carried by a porter. You’ll carry your own daypack.

When I climbed Kilimanjaro, I wanted to be prepared but without carrying anything I didn’t actually need. With this mountain, every item counts. That’s why we created this packing list: it’s practical, field-tested, and based on what really matters up there. No nonsense, no clutter. Just what you need to get to Uhuru Peak. Scroll down and use this as your guide: it’s the same checklist I’d pack from if I were going again. Obviously, everyone is different. Apply some nuance. I can imagine this is not your first hike.

After climbing Kilimanjaro myself and helping hundreds of others do the same, I’ve learned a few practical lessons that don’t always make it onto checklists. Here are my top tips to help you get it right from the start.

Stick to the 15 kg rule – That’s the weight limit for the porter-carried duffel bag. It includes your sleeping bag, so pack smart. But don't worry, there is a briefing before your climb, so you won't have to unpack on Day 1. Our guides are nice.

Layers, bro – Kilimanjaro gives you rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit — all in one week. Base layers, mid layers, a puffy, and a good shell are non-negotiable. Think versatility, not bulk.

Label your gear – You might not be the only one with black trekking poles or a red duffel. A name tag or colored tape goes a long way, especially when gear is unloaded in the dark or shared among groups in crowded camps.

Test everything – That brand new pair of boots might look great in the shop, but Kilimanjaro is not the place to break them in. Same goes for your daypack, rain gear, and anything else you’ll use daily. If it rubs, leaks, or doesn’t fit — you’ll feel it on the mountain.

Less is more – Trust us. Most trekkers end up rotating through their 2 or 3 favorite layers. Focus on function, comfort, and easy layering — not on having something different for every day. You’re not climbing Kili for the Instagram outfits.

Don’t own everything on the list? No stress. In Moshi, you can rent just about anything: from sleeping bags and trekking poles to waterproof gear. It’s affordable, decent quality, and a smart option if you don’t want to buy gear just for one trek. When you arrive, your guide will help you double-check your kit and sort out any last-minute rentals. Easy does it.

Still not sure what to pack? That’s completely normal. Even experienced hikers can feel unsure when preparing for a mountain like Kilimanjaro — especially when the weather shifts, the altitude kicks in, and the gear list starts looking long. But you’re not doing this alone. Our trekking experts have climbed the mountain, supported thousands of hikers, and know exactly what matters. Whether it’s about layering, rentals, or choosing the right boots, we’re just a message away. We will help you get sorted so you can focus on the adventure ahead.