This is list is a guide of the recommended equipment to take on a climb of Mount Kenya. It is always better to have several thinner layers than fewer thicker ones as the temperatures can fluctuate and it is easier to adjust accordingly.

This mount Kenya packing list should be used a strong guide to what you need to have on the mountain but does not have to be followed to the letter.

Mount Kenya has a reputation of having unpredictable weather and cold persistent winds that change frequently during the trek. Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is usually provided. The personal gear listed below is your responsibility. Missing items can normally be rented, so consult your team leader prior to the trip.

Head Gear

1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Balaclava, Scurf or Buff, for face coverage (optional)

Baggage and Sleeping

1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 – Sleeping Mats (Optional), usually provided
1 – Duffle Bag, Hiking bag, Holdall, 50-90L, for porters to carry
1 – Waterproof day pack with rain cover, 30-35L, for you to carry personal gear
1 – Kit storage bag to leave items not needed for the trek at the hotel

Handware

1 – Gloves or mittens, warm (waterproof)
1 – Gloves, thin and wind proof

Footware

1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in
1 – Gym Shoes or Sandals, to wear at camp (optional)
4 – Hiking Socks, wool or synthetic
1 – Thick Socks, wool for nights if very cold (optional)
1 – Gaiters (optional)
1 – Hand and foot warmers (optional)

Accessories

1 – Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses or Ski Goggles
2 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 1 Liter) or
1 – Water Bladder (Camelback type, 3 liters)
1 – Pee Bottle (1.5 Liter), to avoid leaving tent at night (Optional)
2 – Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries Stuff sacks, dry bags or plastic bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate. Games/cards, whistle, pen
notebook reading material.

Paperwork

– Passport with Kenyan Tourist Visa (Kenyan Tourist visas can be purchased online before arrival)
– Air Travel Documents
– Debit/Credit Card (recommended for eventualities only)
– Travel Insurance Documents (Where applicable)
– Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever, if visiting a risk zone prior to entering Kenya)
– Cash for personal items and tips
– Emergency contacts

Technical Clothing

2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Fleece top for evenings at camp
1 – Soft Jacket, or soft-shell
1 – Hard-shell, Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Down jacket, Insulated Jacket
1 – Thermal Base layer, Long-johns, moisture-wicking fabric
3 – Sport Bra (women)
1 – Lightweight poncho
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)
1 – Hiking Pant
1 – Fleece Pants for evenings at camp
1 – Shorts (optional)
– Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric

Hygiene, Food and Toiletries

– Toilet Paper
– Toothbrush & toothpaste
– Washcloth
– Soap
– Quick Dry Travel towel
– Prescriptions
– Sunscreen (Factor 30+)
– Insect Repellent
– Lip Balm
– First Aid Kit
– Hand Sanitizer
– Wet Wipes
– Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
– Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
– Anti-Malaria Tablets
– Pain killers (Ibuprofen and Paracetamol)
– Diamox (acetazolamide) in case you want to take them
– Zinc oxide tape and small scissors
– Blister pads
– Loperamide / Immodium diarrhea tablets
– Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs
– Throat lozenges
– Iodine water purification tablets

Electronics and Gadgets (Optional)

– Camera, with extra batteries
– Portable Solar Chargers
– Power Banks
– Unlocked Mobile Phone
– Amazon Kindle
– Tablet
– Device with an Alarm
– iPod/Mp3 player
– Travel Adapters,
– Shaving kits

Note:

• Any containers sealed at low levels (toothpaste, sun cream, contact lens solution etc ) tend to expand as you climb higher so carefully release the build-up of pressure each night so that they don’t burst in your pack.
• The pack that the porters carry is limited to one duffle or hiking bag weighing no more than 15kg (35 pounds), while you carry your day pack so do not over pack.
• Be sure to carry enough casual clothes to wear on your days in Nairobi. These clothes will be stored in the hotel for safety while you enjoy your Trek.
• There is no strict rule on hygiene, food ad toiletries so those can be brought at your own discretion. Some of the first aid items will be available for the team from the guides.