Good packing suggestions

Africafreak offers some offers some good ideas to consider when packing for your climb. I particularly like his points about how to pick out boots and some of the key features.

As you may remember, I've been ranting that boots are probably the most important piece of equipment you'll take to Kilimanjaro. Socks also go in this category. I personally have been much happier with silk than polypropylene, but it doesn't take too much to experiment on your own.

I haven't found gaiters to be as useful. I see them on almost every packing list, including the one we provide customers. But I've never actually used them on any of my Kilimanjaro treks. They could be used for the mud and water the first day in the rain forrest or to help keep your legs warm on the summit. But there really isn't that much snow on the mountain these days.

Finally, I love his final point about jeans. When packing, try to take as little cotton on the mountain as possible. Save it for the safari.

The best jacket to climb Kilimanjaro?

Outside Magazine's own gear girl suggests taking a look at the newly invigorated Eddie Bauer line with their First Ascent jacket. She also introduces Westcomb Cruiser, a company I'm not personally familiar with.

A good shell jacket is critical on Kilimanjaro. As I've pointed out before, temperatures fluctuate greatly on a daily basis. In the morning when you start off the sun is out and it's warm (about 70 degrees at lower camps). The clouds move in by noon and the temperature drops to freezing, especially on the Machama/Shira/Lemosho side of the mountain. By late afternoon the sun cuts through again for a nice warm finish before temperatures plummet for the night.

During the day you only have access to what you personally carry. The porters will take your other clothes, pack, tent, sleeping bag, etc. on to the next camp. So a good shell that can vent well while keeping you warm is a real god-send.

For more details on what to expect check out Kilimanjaro Adventures.

Renting gear to climb Kilimanjaro

I've had a lot of customers ask about renting equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro. Some simply need a warm sleeping bag while other are looking for a full outfit including jackets and boots. My advice to the latter group is always the same, bring your own personal gear.

Hiking 10+ miles per day, sleeping at over 10,000 feet above sea level and staying warm as temperatures fluctuate from freezing to over 80, back to freezing, back up to the 60s and down again to freezing all represent a significant challenges. Whenever I'm backpacking I find it hard enough to sleep well my first few nights in the sleeping bag I bought specifically for my own comfort. I can't imagine doing it in a new bag that may or may not fit me or be warm enough.

I don't want to sound cavalier about gear. I know it can get very expensive. But another option is for climbers to get less expensive gear and test it a few times before flying to Africa rather than saving a few bucks by renting. Anything that needs to meet your personal needs like warm clothes, shells (rain gear), boots and sleeping bags should be tested before you arrive in a developing country to climb 19,340 feet above sea level. Some of this gear can even be rented from local outdoor stores for an extended period of time. For example, REI rents out sleeping bags and pads.

Kilimanjaro provides enough surprises all by itself. The gear you use shouldn't be one of them.

2nd most important equipment

After my last post about the importance of boots I was reminded about another critical piece of equipment. On our last climb my friend Mike neglected to put on sunscreen or lip protection. By the end of the day his face was a deep shade of crimson; a bit painful but easy enough to live with. The real surprise came the next morning when he woke up and his lips had swollen 3 times larger than normal. He looked like a chimpanzee in heat. It made eating and drinking a pain, not to mention the social stigma of looking like he was blowing kisses at everyone on the mountain.

I'm sticking to my opinion that boots are the most important, but would like to add a small reminder that personal care gear can really help as well. Don't forget your sunscreen, sun glasses and lip protection.

Your most important equipment

I recently took a week's vacation to backpack the trans-Zion trail and visit Bryce National Park (both were amazing). I tried to cut my pack weight down to the bare minimum and spent a lot of time thinking about what gear was nice, necessary or critical. I came to the conclusion that the most critical piece of gear for a backpacker as well as on Kilimanjaro is boots.

Without good boots there is little you can do. You can spend a wet night on the trail or go a day or two without hot food. But if you can't walk, it's all over with. And that means not only boots, but good, well worn boots that your feet are comfortable in and don't give you blisters. My feet were overheating in my new Asolos and my damp, sweaty socks gave me some bad blisters. By the end of a 15 mile slog I was limping and exhausted. The boots weren't the problem, I just hadn't taken enough time to get my tender-feet used to them. Heavy-duty boots needed for most long backpacking and alpine trips really need a few weeks to break them in.

For Kilimanjaro, I've had numerous customers ask about renting boots and I always suggest otherwise. Nothing kills an expensive alpine adventure faster than feet too painful to actually walk on. And the only way off Kilimanjaro is to walk or be carried.

The timing of my blisters and this blog is great since Backpacker Magazine just posted their 2009 Gear Guide for Boots. While they're a lot heavier, I have always loved the heavy duty boots with the ankle support and stiff feel. After 10-15 miles on a rocky trail my legs are tired from swinging the extra weight, but my feet are usually still happy.

Skimping on gear for the mountain

I have been catching up on a few blogs I follow and came across Kristin Hostetter's advice about which gear to skimp on. She suggests that if you need to skimp somewhere, go with a cheaper with a sleeping bag. Not only is this good advice for your regular backpacking trips, I think it applies double for Kilimanjaro. On the mountain porters carry your gear and you'll almost never have to carry your own sleeping bag.

I've had a number of customers ask about renting a sleeping bag. I can appreciate that some people, especially folks living and working in Africa, don't have access to a local REI store. But sleep is absolutely critical on Kilimanjaro. Without getting adequate rest climbers don't adjust as well to the altitude nor recover from each day's hike. It's hard enough to sleep at altitude. I worry that climbers who rent sleeping bags won't be warm enough or comfortable enough on the mountain to get a good night sleep. 15,000 feet above sea level on a far away continent is no place to test personal equipment for the first time.

Kristin points out some less expensive options from Coleman, REI or Cabelas. I'll go one further, stop by your local Walmart and pick up a knock-off for under $50. Then you'll have time to test it before you get all the way to Africa and ensure it's really comfortable for you.