There are numerous gear lists that are for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Some are quite complicated and some are quite basic. On mountains – especially Kilimanjaro – it’s good to air on the side of safety, and bringing a little of everything.

Recently one of my clients sent me this master gear list that he developed for his recent adventure in East Africa. Overall, it’s an amazing gear list with everything and every brand you could possibly need. The only downside is that it would be very expensive to buy all of these name brand items. You could get buy with less expensive generic mountaineering clothing. But if you want the best of the best, this would be a great way to go.

OUTERWEAR
Arc’Teryx Black Outter Shell
North Face Red Down Parka
Parka Stuff Sack
Mountain Hardware Windstopper Tech Fleece Jacket
Mountain Hardware Black Tenacity Pants
Mammut Champ Pants
OR Crocodile Gaiters
Nylon Yellow Rain Pants

BASE LAYER
Underwear: Jockey Shorts – 3 Synthetic Briefs – 3
Lightweight Polypro Bottom
ThermaDry Tight Mild Weight Synthetic Bottoms
Lightweight Polyprop Top REI
ThermaDry Zip T Mid. weight Synthetic Top

APPROACH CLOTHING
Ex-Officio Shirts
Underwear: Jockey Shorts – 5
Ex-Officio Pants
Belt
Handkerchiefs
Sun Cap with Neck Protector Flaps
Hat

ACCESSORIES
Mountain Hardware Andinista Black Windstopper Helmet Liner
Mountain Hardware Black Butter Balaclava
Leather Gloves
Patagonia Blue Capaline Liners
Mountain Hardware Black Absolute Zero Mitt

FOOTWEAR
Hiking Boots: Zamberlan Leather 636 Baffin GT RR
Boot Bags: Large Zip Lock Bags(2)
Blue & White Polypro Liner Socks
Smartwooo Mountaineering Socks
Camp Shoes
Camp Shoe Sox
Keen Brown Sandals
Sandal Sox
Read more…

Here is a great stock photo of Karanga Camp on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Karanga Camp is typically Day 4 or Day 5 on the Machame or Lemosho Route. Sometimes hikers skip Karanga Camp – and hike from Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp to shorten their time on the mountain – and this can be an extremely long day. I, however, recommend including this camp, as it will increase your odds of getting to the summit.

Here is a Kilimanjaro training program that someone sent me as they prepared to climb Africa’s highest mountain.

There are a number of things I like about this program. First, it’s extremely consistent – meaning he is training on a regular basis. Second, it includes elevation gain, which is key for climbing a mountain. Third, in includes weight, which you technically do not need to have on Mt. Kilimanjaro, but will definitely help you your overall stamina. You will carry a day-pack that could have anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds. Fourth, he documents his program, and can look back at it over the months. Often people start planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro 1 year in advance and their work out program can take many twists and turns. It’s easier to think you worked out a lot harder than you did. Read more…

This is the classic picture of Kilimanjaro from Moshi or somewhere in the villages below.  The mountain typically shows itself early in the morning and late the evening. Through much of the year, the mountain is hidden by clouds during the day.