Mountain Packing List
Items on this list have been chosen to maximize your comfort and safety while hiking on the mountain. If you have any questions about items on the list, or about the suitability of your own equipment, please contact us, or a reputable mountaineering equipment dealer.
FOR THE HEAD AND FACE:
Pile or Wool hat: Bring one that covers ears, a balaclava type is excellent. Shade Hat: Visor hats with good brims are essential for protection from the equatorial sun. Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection in the tropics, at altitude. Bring a good quality pair, preferably with an IREX protection rating of 100. Attachable side shields are necessary, or bring glacier glasses. Sunscreen: Bring plenty of complete sun block with a protection factor of 15 or more. Unless you have spent time in equatorial sun you will probably underestimate the amount necessary, so bring lots.
Lip Balm: With SPF rating of 15 or more.
Bandanas: Tied around neck they give good sun protection. Cleaning glasses, as wash clothes, etc.They dry very quickly.
For climbing the mountain we recommend you have three warm layers for the upper body. Items must be made of wool, synthetic or pile. Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each other and supply good insulation. A good combination is a long underwear top, a sweater, and a pile jacket or heavy wool shirt. Cotton items do not provide adequate insulation and are completely useless when damp.
T-Shirts: Two T-shirts that you don‟t mind getting dirty while on the mountain. Synthetic is best.
Rain Parka: Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially on the mountain. Bring a good parka of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been “seam sealed”.
Wind Shirt: (optional if you have Gortex rain gear) A nylon wind shell (not waterproof), roomy enough to fit comfortably over all upper body layers. Gortex is good for both this wind shirt and for the rain coat.
Poncho: (Optional) Quick and handy protection for body and rucksack. Poor protection in windy rain.
Gloves or Mittens: Wool or pile. One pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves work well.
Mitten Shells: One pair to go over your mittens. These are for use against the winds sometimes encountered in the crater and on the way to the summit.
FOR LOWER BODY LAYERS:
Quick Dry Hiking Shorts: 1 pair. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain.
Long Underwear Bottoms: One pair. Wool or synthetic. Wool, Bunting or Pile Pants: One pair that fit loosely and are comfortable. These are essential to be worn over the long john bottoms.
Rain Pants: Bring a good pair of rain pants of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been “seam sealed”.
Wind Pants: (optional if you have Gortex rain pants.) One pair. These are used often on the mountain for protection against wind. They should be breathable nylon and roomy enough to fit comfortably over wool or pile pants.
Tights: Lycra or polypropylenes type are comfortable to hike in, provide good warmth on cool misty days, dry fast and prevent sunburn.
Undergarments: Enough for the duration of the trek
FOR THE FEET:
Thin Socks: Two pair of synthetic socks to wear under heavy wool socks. These help to prevent blisters and keep feet dry.
Thick Socks: six pair of heavy wool or synthetic socks to wear for warmth with hiking boots.
Hiking Boots: One pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one liner sock and one heavy wool or synthetic sock.
Gaiters: One pair of either high or low gaiters made of breathable material to keep dirt and snow out of your boots.
Tennis Shoes or sandals: These are to wear in camp after a day of hiking.