You're only responsible for carrying items from your gear list that you might require before reaching your next campsite. Our porters will handle all other belongings. A small to medium-sized backpack, with a volume capacity of around 2000 cubic inches (30 liters), is suitable.
Climbers should organize their own daypacks or backpacks and place all other items in a duffel bag for the porters. The contents of the daypack depend on your potential needs throughout the day.
The general guideline is to carry only what you're likely to use. For example, you don't need cold weather gear in the rainforest. Similarly, bug spray isn't necessary at higher elevations.
What to Pack in Your Day Pack for Kilimanjaro Trek
Preparing your day pack with the right essentials is crucial for a successful Kilimanjaro trek. Below, we'll guide you through the recommended items to include in your daypack.
Assuming you're already wearing a complete trekking outfit, including a hat, shirt, underwear, hiking pants, socks, and boots, let's delve into what goes into your daypack.
Weather Protection:
● Sunglasses for eye protection
● Buff or Neck Gaiter (optional)
● Knit Hat for warmth
● Soft Jacket (fleece or soft-shell)
● Waterproof Jacket (breathable with hood)
● Thin Gloves
● Waterproof Pants (breathable)
● Trekking poles (optional, but recommended, especially for the summit)
Hydration and Energy:
● Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
● Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
● Snacks (lightweight, high calorie, high energy - optional)
● Electrolytes (powder or tablets - optional)
Essential Miscellaneous:
● Camera (with extra batteries - optional)
● Lip Balm
● Sunscreen
● Hand Sanitizer
● Toilet Paper
● First Aid Kit
● Assorted Bags
These items form a solid foundation of what you'll need in your daypack. Keep in mind that the specifics might change based on factors such as travel time to camp, terrain, weather conditions, and your personal requirements.
Always feel free to consult your guide if you're unsure about what to pack. Their expertise will ensure you're well-prepared for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
How Should I Pack My Day Pack?
To ensure a well-organized day pack, avoid haphazardly tossing items into your backpack, which can lead to them falling out or becoming misplaced. Instead, employ a strategic approach using various plastic bags, dry bags, or stuff sacks to categorize and secure your belongings. For instance, group small bottles like prescriptions, sunscreen, lip balm, and hand sanitizer within a zip-lock bag. Similarly, organize snacks in a separate bag, while clothing accessories such as hats, gloves, and neck gaiters can be placed in a stuff sack.
Maintaining a well-balanced load is key.
Position heavier items, such as water bottles, near the center of your back to maintain a balanced center of gravity aligned with your spine. Avoid placing weighty items off-center, which can cause awkward tilting forward, backward, or to the side. Utilize compression straps, if available, to secure your items and prevent shifting as you walk.
Lastly, maintain consistency in the placement of your items, whether in the main compartment, side pockets, or pant pockets. This ensures easy access when needed, without fumbling around for essentials.
What Gear Goes Into My Duffel Bag?
All the gear that doesn't belong in your day pack should be carefully packed into your duffel bag.
Your duffel bag will be carried by the porters as you trek from one campsite to another. While climbers set off in the morning, porters stay behind to dismantle tents and clean the campsite. They then move ahead at a quicker pace, arriving at the next campsite ahead of the climbers. Here, they set up camp, prepare meals, and boil water. Consequently, climbers typically won't reunite with their porters until they reach their next overnight stop. This means access to gear carried by the porters is only available at the end of the day.
The weight limit for your duffel bag is 15 kilograms, a rule set by the Kilimanjaro park authorities. To keep your belongings organized and dry, use plastic bags or dry bags. While a backpack is an acceptable alternative to a duffel bag, the latter is preferred due to the way porters bundle and carry loads on their heads. This arrangement makes a duffel bag more suitable for the journey.
