Basic Gear for Kilimandjaro

[Christian Schloegell]

I intend to climb Kilimandjaro over one of the easier (i.e.) hiking routes and would appreciate some tips for gear to bring, in particular with regard to footwear (Gtx hiking boots? mountaineering boots?), rainwear and cold weather wear.

I believe all sleeping is in huts, so it is not necessary to bring camping gear other than sleeping bags?

[Duncan Bell]

Well I’m scheduled to climb it late Feb early March via the Machame route. No huts, all camping/bivy. Footware choice would I think be depending on your experience but most guides recommend a boot with gaitors for the scree/snow slopes on summit day (depending on conditions).

I’d be interest in everyone’s opinion too though.

My gearlist is taking shape as follows, any hints and tips, we would both appreciate.

Tent (provided by porters)
3/4 Thermarest ProLite 3
RAB Q200 Bag.
Silk bag liner.

Patagonia lightweight thermal long sleeve top and bottom.
Fleece vest (sleeveless).
Patagonia Micropuff pullover.
GoLite Ether windshirt.
Montane Event Superfly Rain Jacket.
Montane trousers.
Goretex boots & gaitors.
Possum down hat & gloves (BPL of course!)
Wide brimmed water proof soft hat.
Leki Super Makalu sticks.
GoLite Dawn Pack

Pepsi stove / stnad / screen / fuel combo. (optional)
First aid. Toiletries etc.
Dry food & water.

Comments and critique would be encouraged.

Kind Regards
Duncan

[Anonymous]

I did the Machame-Mweka route (up the Machame, down the Mweka) back in Aug 1999. Some of my thoughts:

The beginning of the trail from 6,000 ft up to the Machame Hut (10,000 ft) is pretty much a jungle. And when I was there it was a big mud pit. The Mweka was pretty much the same on the descent. I just had a pair of Rockports so I had to do a lot of routefinding on the way up to keep my shoes dry. Up I managed allright but going down..heh..heh.. I completely wiped out when the higher part of the trail disentegrated on me. The people with Boots/gaiters were just flying through this section. After I wiped out I was too. Just stomped right through the foot and a half of mud on the way down. No point in keeping the shoes dry anymore.

I descended the top part of the Marangu and yes it is very loose and with shoes you could gather a few pebbles in them. Again, I only descended this section and found it a lot easier to run down a few hundred yards, empty out the shoes, and repeat. Gaiters could have been handy. There was snow at the top but it was of no consequence.

The huts on this part of the mountain I wouldn’t exactly consider living quarters. All the porters huddle in them to stay warm and they’re so smokey from the fire you can’t even see the other side.

As far as what gear I took, I am probably not the best example. I had been traveling the world for 4 months prior and didn’t have any of my backpacking gear. All I had was a fleece vest, cheap windbreaker, poncho, WM Iroquos sleeping bag, and of course, the rockports. I did rent a cheap beanie, gloves, and insulating (ski) jacket out of Arusha. And, when I say cheap, I mean cheap.

But, either way, you’ll be much better equipped than the porters. They’ll be cruising by you bare footed with 50 lb loads on their heads and nothing but shreds of clothing. Of course, the higher level porters may have a shoddy adidas track suit as well.

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