Must Have Equipment

Travel is glamorous only in retrospect. ~Paul Theroux

Now that you’re physically, medically, and mentally ready for you Kilimanjaro hike, it’s time to get prepared in terms of your equipment. Some tour operators for Kilimanjaro treks will have the equipment necessary available to rent. Sometimes your guide will secure equipment if you let them know in advance what items you’d like to rent. Like me, I’m sure you want pack as light as possible and not be bogged down with a ton of gear. Take advantage of renting equipment from your tour operator or guide so you don’t end up paying hundreds of dollars in checked baggage fees from your airlines. 

Wondering what types of equipment you should rent from a tour operator? Bulky items such as tents and portable dining table and chairs should be included in the cost of your trek paid to the tour operator, so no need to worry about renting these items.

Although I brought my own sleeping bag (more on which type next post!), I would absolutely rent a sleeping pad from your tour operator. Trust me, if you’re taking a route where tent camping is the accommodation, the deeper sleep you will have and the back pain you will save yourself will make you really thankful for renting a sleeping pad! 

One item I didn’t give much thought to renting until I got to the base of Kilimanjaro was gaiters. Gaiters are protective covers that zip on over the bottom of your pant legs and the tops of your shoes. Why are gaiters a good idea, you ask? They’re important because first day of your hike you will be trekking through the rainforest portion of Kilimanjaro. Mud in your boots is the last thing you want, especially not on the first day of your hike. Gaiters will help keep the mud out of your boots and keep your pant legs clean.

One item that is absolutely necessary for trekking Kilimanjaro is a walking pole. Are you an experienced hiker? If so, then you might already have a walking pole or you might want to invest in purchasing one. Is this your first big hiking trip? If yes, renting a walking pole is probably a better option for you. A walking pole will help give you support on trek, especially coming down the mountain which a lot of people under estimate. Your knees will be thanking you if you carry a walking pole for support!

Read tomorrow’s post to learn what other gear is necessary for your hike!

My sleeping pad was a simple foam one like this. If you're a frequent camper, maybe splurge on an inflatable one!

Gaiters like this keep your shoes and pants clean and dry.

Walking poles like these will save your joints and knees a lot of pain and stress!