Playing Doctor

Be prepared. ~Girl Scout & Boy Scout Motto

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably pretty incredibly accident prone. I have fallen down stairs, had sprained wrists, and gotten surgery on my ankle. My most embarrassing moment in college was when I passed out in the dining hall at peak lunch hours after donating blood at the Carolina/Clemson blood drive. What was possibly more mortifying was being wheeled out of the dining hall with everyone staring as I drowned my sorrows in a glass of orange juice the nurse gave me (hey, anything for a freebie!).

With this in mind, I brought an emergency medical kit filled with basic supplies in case my clumsy self took a tumble on the way to the summit. My medical kit included nail clippers, Qtips, tissues, eye drops, hand sanitizer, tweezers, ace bandage wraps, an ankle compression brace, band aids of various sizes, gauze, Neosporin, medical tape, moleskin (for blisters), an IcyHot roller, scissors, and a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide. 

You can purchase a pre-made Adventure Medical Kit to make sure you don't forget any essentials. This kit is good to have around your house or apartment in general in case of minor injury.

To ease aches and pains as well as headaches, I made sure to bring more than enough Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Also, Tylenol PM was a must have, especially for the long plane ride to and from Tanzania. 

Because prescription medicine such as blood pressure medication, birth control, insulin, anti-histamines, and your Malaria pills are incredibly important, storing them where they won’t be exposed to water is crucial. Kilimanjaro weather can be unpredictable, so I stored my most important items like medications, water purification tablets, and my passport in an Otterbox waterproof case. They range from $20-$35 depending on the size you purchase, but if you find yourself in a torrential downpour, you will really thank yourself for spending that extra cash.

I also kept batteries, a digital clock, a Maglite, and my trusty head lamp in the watertight box. A headlamp is an absolute necessity for your Kilimanjaro or camping adventures. I wore my brother’s Petzl LED headlamp every night after dark when I ate dinner, rummaged around the tent, or wrote in my journal. Also, the day where you trek to the summit is done completely in the dark in the middle of the night (details to follow in later posts), so you must have a headlamp to make the nocturnal journey. Petzl headlamps come in fun colors so you can pick one to coordinate with your cute jacket.

With a quality headlamp to guide your steps and a medical kit in case you stumble, you will be well on your way to reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Adventure Medical Kit

Icy Hot will ease your aches and pains on your hike

Otterbog watertight box to keep your valuables safe from rain

Maglite flash light

Cute colorful headlamps will be key to lighting your way

Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Capsules will help headaches you may experience from altitude

Less is More

I love the confidence that makeup gives me. ~Tyra Banks

I’m going to preface this post by confessing to you that I am a girly girl. I love fruity smelling Nollie PacSun perfume, my Dior bronzer so I have some color even in December, and shimmery purple MAC eye shadow that gives my green peepers a pop. I also never leave my apartment without at least mascara on (my roommates will testify to that!).

Because I’m the type of girl who could get lost in Sephora for hours on end and be perfectly content, I would be lying to you if I told you I didn’t wear any make up on this trip. Because of space and lack of a sink to wash my face nightly, I kept the make up to a minimum.

You won’t have time every morning before you begin hiking to get glammed up like you would for a big date, so save yourself the packing space and temptation and pick five must-have cosmetic items.

My five must-have items on Kilimanjaro were my beloved $6 Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Express waterproof mascara, MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Tealo, Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil, and two Victoria’s Secret eye shadows in Champagne and Provocateur. All of these products are great because they’re small, mess-free, and can easily be cleaned off by facial cleansing towelettes.

Don’t forget an eyelash curler so that your lashes look lovely in all your pictures. Lastly, skip the pre-hike pedicure and manicure because it will last about as long as your 8th grade relationship. Save the mani-pedi combo for when you return from your Kilimanjaro adventure and your tootsies really need some TLC!

Follow these tips to stay glamorous while trekking Kilimanjaro, hiking and camping, lounging on the beach, or traveling in general!

Where are you girls going for spring break? What would be your five must-have items?

Must have Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara-I don't leave home without it

MAC Power Point Eye Pencil in Tealo makes my green eyes shine

Victoria's Secret Eye Shadow Compact

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil will brighten under eye circles

An eye lash curler is essential to giving lashes length

 

So Fresh and So Clean

Take a bath, ya hippie! ~Up!

Packing toiletries for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro might have been just as hard as climbing Kili itself. While my tour operator sent me a basic packing list of equipment and clothes, the only toiletries on that list were sunscreen and lip balm. Because a good list is so hard to come across, I want to share what I packed with you because us girls have to stick together when it comes to looking good!

What was the very first thing in my cute Vera Bradley toiletry kit, you ask? A tooth brush and tooth paste, of course. That should be the first thing you pack any time you go on any trip! Other necessities that followed closely after were my brush and hair ties to tame what would become my crazy mane, my favorite Olay Regenerist SPF 15 face lotion, and one of my essentials, Burts Bees Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm. Sun safety is incredibly important so don’t forget you SPF of at least 50!

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it’s pretty important that you know this: there are no restrooms on Mount Kilimanjaro. The only form of bathroom you will find are rickety wooden outhouses (the fact that these smell so bad you would rather go in the woods is another story for another post). 

No restrooms on Kilimanjaro means two things for you: no toilets and no showers. First, because you will be using out houses or the woods, you absolutely must bring your own roll of toilet paper. Trust me, if you forget anything do not let it be the TP. 

The other implication of no bathrooms on Kili is that there are no showers. Yes, you will not shower for a week. Yes, you will probably smell by the end. Yes, you will agree to never discuss your dirty state with anyone after leaving that mountain.

I wouldn’t have looked half as decent without my Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes which kept my face fresh and oil free. If you’re the type of girl that works up a sweat when doing physical activity, Neutrogena Deep Clean Sport On-the-Go Cleansing Wipes would be perfect for you. In addition to working well, both of these wipes come in a re-sealable, plastic package so they don’t dry out and can be easily packed. 

To keep your body clean and to fight off funky smells, Wet Ones wipes are essential. Because they’re made for children, these antibacterial wipes come in both regular and sensitive formula in case you have sensitive skin. Wet Ones will keep your skin clean without drying you out or making you smell like rubbing alcohol.

Dry shampoo like TREsemme Fresh Start is a necessity to keeping your hair clean. Dry shampoo is a powder that absorbs oil and neutralizes odors to keep your hair looking and, more importantly, feeling fresh. Dry shampoo will keep your tresses looking beautiful so that when you look back at pictures on Kili you look like a movie star.

To keep yourself smelling so fresh and so clean, D.O. for the B.O. is a must! Secret Clinical Strength Sport deodorant kept my sweating to a minimum during a highly athletic activity. Do yourself and your trekking group a favor by applying this at least once a day while on Kili.

All of these products will keep you looking beautiful while you conquer the world’s fourth tallest mountain.

My Vera Bradley Toiletry Case

Favorite Olay Regenerist SPF 15 face lotion

The essential Burts Bees Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm-I'm addicted!

Neutrogena Cleansing Face Towelettes to keep your skin clean and glowing

Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes To Go

Give love to your locks with TREsemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant will keep you smelling like roses while you rough it!

These Boots Are Made for Walking

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. ~Marilyn Monroe

 

Want to know what the most important clothing item of your Kilimanjaro adventure is? It’s not a jacket or hiking pants, nor is it what hat you wear. It’s your boots! 

As a shoe fanatic and a shopaholic to boot (pun intended!), this was one to the parts of my trip preparation that I got really excited for. I am not one to pass up an opportunity to buy new shoes, even if they are brown hiking boots instead of cute Lilly Pulitzer sandals, sexy Antonio Melani heels, or my new favorite sparkly pink glitter TOMS.

Choosing the right hiking boot is incredibly important to a successful Kilimanjaro climb. For this purchase, I would recommend going to an outdoors outfitter to seek the advice of a professional.

Several weeks before my trip, I visited REI where I worked with a staff member from the shoe department for over an hour to find the best boot for me. After all, if I was going to wear these things up Kili I needed to make sure they fit well and provided me with the support I needed.

After trying on multiple pairs in multiple sizes and testing them by walking around and climbing on a rock display in the store, I finally had my Cinderella moment. The pair that I choose were Vasque Breeze GTX 7465. What set this hiking boot apart from the rest of the pack? A couple of key characteristics were distinguishing.

This pair is made with Gore-tex fabric so that it’s water resistant. They’re durable boots but it doesn’t feel like I have cinderblocks on my feet when I wear them. Also, they have high ankle support which helps to decrease the pressure on your ankles and the likelihood of rolling them. I have weak ankles so this was particularly important to me. 

Other items I bought to go with my new footwear were support inserts and socks. I bought support inserts because I have especially flat feet and needed the extra support beneath my arches to avoid foot pain as best possible. 

When it comes to socks, there are two types necessary: socks and sock liners. I wore SmartWool hiking socks that are moisture-wicking to keep my feet dry and comfortable in various temperatures. Beneath the SmartWool socks I wouldn’t be caught without anti-microbial wool or silk sock liners. Liners like these ones from REI will prevent any type of fungus, infection, or smell from sustained hiking or outdoors experiences. 

One mistake you do not want to make is neglecting to wear your new boots prior to your hike. Definitely take several weeks to break your boots in so that when it comes time to hike Kilimanjaro you don’t run the risk of blisters. 

Finding the perfect pair of kicks takes some time, but having the right pair on your feet for Kilimanjaro is worth it. Good luck, Cinderella!

My Vasque Breeze GTX 7465 hiking boots-wish they came in pink!

SmartWool hiking socks

Anti-microbial sock liners

My favorite Glitter Pink TOMS: they're cute & for a cause!

Adorable Lilly Pulitzer McKim Wedges in Gold I want!

Cinderella is my favorite Disney princess

All About Outwear

Fashions fade, style is eternal. ~Yves Saint Laurent

Now that your backpack is half full of your tops, bottoms, and undergarments, you still need to squeeze in outwear. As I said in the previous post, layering is key. Because you go through several different climates while hiking Kilimanjaro (previous post on weather), you need to prepare yourself clothing wise so that you’re comfortable and prepared for all types of weather.

The first jacket I layered with was my favorite Northface black fleece zip up priced at $80. I bought mine on clearance from REI so I got a great deal on it. Want the look for less? Target sells a black zip up Champion jacket that isn’t fleece but a softshell material. I would definitely recommend having a fleece jacket to keep you warm when temperatures drop at night and at higher altitudes.

In addition to all of my layers of shirts and my fleece jacket, I wore my favorite pink Northface rain jacket. Although it didn’t rain on my hike, I wore this jacket everyday because it’s lightweight so it layers well and because it’s a good windbreaker for when it gets gusty on the mountain. The Northface Women’s Venture rain jacket comes in almost twenty colors and is $99 which is pretty pricey, but it’s a good investment for college girls or working women who are often walking through campus or the city. Want the look for less? This Columbia rain jacket is a good alternative and although it only comes in four colors, it’s only $60. Want the look for even less than that? This Kelty rain jacket, available at Target, is a cute periwinkle color and a steal at $35. I might recommend going with the Northface or Columbia rain jackets as they are meant to stand up to the harsh weather of the outdoors when hiking or camping specifically.

If you’re like me, you probably hate it most when your hands and feet are chilly. In order to keeps my hands nice and toasty, I wore my Northface Denali Thermal Gloves. They’re relatively inexpensive at $30 and the fuzzy material is super comfortable in winter weather.

Now, we can’t forget about covering up your ears and head! I wore a TurtleFur fleece headband to keep my ears covered. 

I also wore my favorite University of South Carolina baseball cap everyday to show my love for the Gamecocks. As a girl, a baseball cap will be your best friend on your Kilimanjaro hike because as the week goes on and your hair gets dirtier and more tangled, a hat becomes the only way to control it. Plus, you don’t want to look back at pictures of your hike up Kilimanjaro and decide not to frame them because your hair looks too messy or greasy. Do yourself a favor and buy a cute and comfortable hat to cover up the bird’s nest your hair will become so you will still look adorable in your photos. 

One type of hat I didn’t bring but wish I would have is a fleece beanie. This would have been especially good to have on summit night when it is freezing cold outside and at night while sleeping since wearing a baseball cap to bed is awkward.

Want to know what kind of kicks you need to climb Kilimanjaro? Read tomorrow’s post to find out what type of boots you need to get your booty to the summit!

Warm and comfy Northface Women's TKA 200 Kimber Full Zip

My favorite pink Northface rain jacket

Super soft Northface Denali Thermal Gloves

Turtle Fur Fleece Headband to keep my ears toasty

My favorite USC hat to cover up my crazy hair and show some Gamecock pride

So Many Outifts, So Little Packing Space

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. ~Coco Chanel

Every girls’ favorite part of going on a trip is of course, choosing outfits. My travel/clothing philosophy is do not pack anything you don’t want to be photographed in. On travel adventures, you’re going to take hundreds of photos in gorgeous places. You don’t want to look back at those photos later and cringe at your outfit and leave those pictures in a digital archive collecting digital dust forever. 

Travel photos are some of your best memories and deserve to be printed out and framed to be shared with friends and family! You want to look your best in your travel pictures, right? If yes, then half the battle is packing the right clothing.

When I pack for my travels, I try and strike a combination of cute and comfortable. The clothing you pack should be aligned with what activities you’ll be partaking in on your trip. Obviously, you wouldn’t bring a bikini to Alaska, and I certainly didn’t bring my sexiest stilettos to hike Mount Kilimanjaro. What I did bring was cute and functional clothing that I could layer. Layering is the best tip I can offer you about clothing!

In terms of tops, I brought two workout tank tops that were made of stretch fabric and were moisture-wicking. Target has two fun work out tanks that are Champion, one pink   and one blue. Over the moisture-wicking work out tanks, I wore both long and short sleeve t-shirts I already owned. My favorite one was of course my USC shirt that I wore to the summit because I couldn’t possibly hike Kili without representing my Gamecocks! I also wore a lightweight blue cotton pullover that could zip down several inches in the front. A great alternative Target sells is this adorable pink Champion cardio jacket.

I am sad to say that while I kept my tops and outwear relatively cute, I unfortunately failed to find a truly flattering and fun pair of hiking pants. Unfortunately, Lilly Pulitzer doesn’t sell hiking clothing yet, so until then I’ll stick with my Northface pants. I bought two pairs, one khaki and one black, that were able to zip off into shorts if it was hot out. In retrospect I probably could have gotten by with only one pair of pants, but it’s always good to be prepared with a spare pair in case of rain or mud. If you’re like me and are cold all the time, you will absolutely need long underwear to wear beneath your pants when you reach those higher altitudes where the temperature drops. Many outdoors outfitters like Dick’s Sporting Goods or REI offer their own pairs such as this REI pair. I hiked with a pair of Hot Chillys on to stay as warm as possible. I also packed my favorite Nike running shorts to wear in the tent and on the first and last days as we hiked through the rain forest. Though they’re $30, they’re a staple item in a college girl’s closet and they’re great for working out or running errands.

As far as undergarments go, I am sad to say I definitely was not wearing my cutest bra or pair of underwear. When hiking, your underwear must be all about function. I wore Champion sports bras that are inexpensive at only $17 and can be found at Target. For underwear, I’d recommend buying underwear specific for hiking that is a blend of nylon and spandex, is easily washable, and is antimicrobial. ExOfficio makes bikini briefs priced at $16 and while they aren’t as cute as some Victoria’s Secret Pink underwear, they have the necessary characteristics and will do the job. Because nights on Kilimanjaro can get pretty chilly, I wore my favorite Victoria's Secret sweat pants to sleep in and a comfy, long sleeve t-shirt.

Want to know what types of outerwear to pack? Read tomorrow's post to find out! 

C9 Champion Everyday Tank with Bra in Boardwalk Blue available at Target

C9 Champion Everyday Tank with Bra in Katydid Pink available at Target

C9 Champion Long and Lean Fit Tee in Scream Green available at Target

C9 Champion Women's Cardio Jacket in Katydid Pink available at Target

Northface Women's Paramount Peak Convertible Pant in black

Northface Women's Paramount Peak Convertible Pant in khaki

Cute Pink Hot Chillys Long Underwear

My favorite Nike running shorts

C9 Champion Women's Seamless Racerback Bra in purple available at Target

My favorite comfy Victoria's Secret Pink sweatpants

Backpack, Backpack!

Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel. ~Yogi Berra

 

Here’s a riddle: What weights several pounds when empty, feels like a million pounds when full, has many compartments filled with valuable items, and is a necessity for hiking Kili? Your backpack! 

When trekking Kilimanjaro you will actually have two backpacks: one day pack that you carry filled with only necessities, and a backpacking pack filled with your supplies for the week to be carried by a porter. In future posts I will be sure to cover what items go in which pack.

I was fortunate that I didn’t have to shop for either of these items because my family already owned them. Because my brother is an Eagle Scout and my dad was incredibly involved with the scouts, they had many of the items I needed including both types of backpacks. Thank goodness a scout is always prepared!

For my day pack, I carried a blue, large-size Camelbak backpack. Though the Camelbak had a water pouch, I never used it on the trip because I didn’t know if there was an adequate way to clean it while also having to use purification tablets. I simply stuck to filling and refilling my pink Camelbak water bottle. Large Camelbak Backpacks for outdoors range from $65 to $125, so they can be pretty expensive. If you’re okay with using a water bottle as your hydration source, I would recommend just buying the Camelbak reusable water bottle and purchasing a general outdoors/daily backpack.

Because I didn’t use the water pouch inside the backpack, I probably could have used my trusty Northface Recon backpack that I use every day when going to class. The Northface Recon backpack is pricey at $90, however it’s great for daily use when going to class or work and it definitely is made to last. This backpack has survived almost four years of college with me! Other Northface backpacks are priced as low as $55 and come in some adorable colors as well.

Whatever backpack you decide to use as your day pack, make sure it has cushioned straps and cushion on the back. You are going to be carrying this for many hours each day every day for a week, therefore it's super important that it feels comfortable. 

For my hiking backpack, I used a Kelty external frame pack. Because a porter will be carrying this pack, almost all tour operators require you to use a backpacking pack or a frame backpack and absolutely no hard case luggage. 

One backpack accessory you can’t do without is a backpack rain cover. While $35 seems like a lot to spend just in case it rains, you will thank yourself for spending that money when your clothing and supplies aren’t sopping wet.

If you’re not an avid hiker and don’t necessarily want to spend the money on new backpacks, ask around to family, friends, and coworkers to see if you can borrow them from anyone. I’m sure they will trade you some delicious home-baked sweets for a week and a half of backpack use-this way everyone wins!

Side view of the day backpack I used for Kili-note the cute "A" luggage tag!

Back view of my day pack-lots of cushion is key.

My everyday backpack that would have also been great for Kili! Love this!

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!

Pinching Pennies for Kilimanjaro

Empty pockets never held anyone back.  Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.  ~Norman Vincent Peale

So far all this talk about hiking Kilimanjaro sounds great, right? You’re waiting for the catch, aren’t you? I figured you were, so a post about one of the biggest factors in this decision is necessary. What is that factor? The cost. 

Dollars, buckaroos, moolah, dinero, cash, green, bills, big ones, cheese. No matter what you call it, how much money this adventure will cost is a huge factor in the decision to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

In my research, I’ve seen trip costs anywhere from $1000 at the very minimum to several thousand dollars. The cost of your trek depends on several factors including your tour operator, the number of days in the hike, the different routes, and how luxurious your accommodations are. 

I’m college student, quickly nearing graduation I might add, which means one thing: I live on a shoe string budget that’s part of the college experience. Therefore, like you, I was majorly concerned with the price tag on this experience. I asked myself, “Is it really worth it?” The answer is yes…depending on how much you spend.

 Fortunately for me, Safari Makers, Ltd. offered great rates for my trek on six day Machame route. The way that Safari Makers (and many other tour operators) works is the more people that there are in your group, the lower the rate they offer you. For this hike there was one other person from my study abroad trip in my group, and we gave Safari Makers permission to add on another person to our group at the last minute in order to reduce the cost. For the cost of my hike alone, I paid $1,160 which included the park fees (roughly 55% of the hike cost), three meals per day on the hike, my tent, and other necessities. 

A word to the wise is recruit as many people possible that you know to go on this adventure with you! Not only will it reduce the overall trip cost, it will be an amazing bonding experience and provide you with unforgettable memories to share.

Another cost to consider in addition to that of just the hike is that of tipping your guides and porters. Tipping the guides and porters is all according to your satisfaction, however common courtesy says that $5 per porter per day, $8 per cook per day, $10 per assistant guide, and $12 per guide per day is appropriate. 

Let’s do some fast math, shall we? For every person in a group, three porters are required to carry the backpacks, equipment, food and water, and other necessities for six days. So for myself, I need to count on tipping three porters, one cook, one assistant guide, and one main guide at least. This translates into $90 for the three porters, $48 for the cook, $60 for the assistant guide, and $72 for the main guide. This is roughly $270 in total for the tips. 

Also, you can consider tipping your crew as a group and decide on an appropriate amount and split the cost. One popular way to tip is for everyone in the group to contribute 10-15% of the cost they paid to the tour operator and use that money to distribute tips outs to the crew. Either way, these are the people that make sure you reach Uhuru Peak and return down safely, therefore it’s crucial to offer an adequate tip to thank them for their valuable services.

Wondering what other expenses you need to factor in? I will of course cover all of these topics in future posts so read on to find out the next steps in preparing for your once in a lifetime Kilimanjaro adventure!