More Kilimanjaro Packing Tips

Ryan and his wife recently climbed Kilimanjaro and came up with a list of important things to remember when planning for climbing Kilimanjaro.

1) BRING A CAMELBACK
Of all the gear my wife and I had, we both agreed that the Camelbak was the one item that had the greatest benefit. Hydrating on the go is way easier with one of these than trying to dig water bottles out of your pack, plus on summit day you can wear it under your jacket so it doesn’t freeze (like everyone else’s water bottles did.

2) ON SUMMIT DAY, DON’T DRESS TOO WARMLY
I know it’s freezing at Kibo, but once you start moving, you warm up quick. We had people getting overheated 20 minutes into the climb. Dress warmly, but you should be a little chilly before you start moving. If you’re toasty warm and you’re standing still, you’re overdressed.

3) SLEEP WITH YOUR CAMERA BATTERIES INSIDE YOUR SLEEPING BAG, AND CARRY YOUR CAMERA IN YOUR COAT
Otherwise, the batteries get cold, die, and you won’t be taking any pictures at the top. Similarly, because your headlamp is exposed, the batteries get cold and like to die at the worst times, so bring an extra set.

4) BRING EXTRA HAND SANITIZER
Those pocket sized alcohol based hand sanitizer bottles are quick, clean, and easy to use. We were religious about using that stuff, and we didn’t get sick. Maybe it’s because of the sanitizer, maybe not, either way bring an extra bottle or three, because once you whip it out, everyone around wants a little bit.

5) IF YOU’RE USING POWERGEL OR ANY TYPE OF GEL PACKETS, STORE THEM IN ZIPLOCK BAGS
I didn’t do this, and on the last 2 days the lower air pressure was exploding them inside my pack. I was licking gel off of the inside of my daypack. It was messy. Be smarter than I was.