Base, Middle and Outer Layers

The principle of layering is key here so that you can easily manage your body temperature simply by adding or removing layers.

Base Layers

The base layer is the first layer of clothing you put on and it ideally functions to maintain your body temperature and keep you dry. Fabrics such as merino wool or Capilene which work to wick moisture away from your body are the best. Cotton tends to absorb moisture and hampers your ability to regulate temperature.

• Moisture wicking long sleeve tee-shirts (2)
• Moisture wicking tee-shirts (2)
• Long underwear pants (2)
• Underwear (3 to 5)

Middle Layers

The middle layer serves to insulate the body from the cold. The best materials for insulating layers in very cold conditions are down and wool otherwise a fleece jacket can make a good insulating layer. It’s preferable to have middle layers with zippers so you can easily zip or unzip to regulate temperature rather than having to remove layers entirely.

• Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket
• Long sleeve shirts (2)
• Sweatshirt (optional)
• Fleece Pants
• Trekking Pants (2)
• Shorts (optional)

Shell or Outer Layer

The shell or outer layer is designed to protect you from the wind and keep you dry. Gore Tex which is both waterproof and breathable is the ideal fabric for this. Nylon is a cheaper alternative and provides protection but is not breathable so can trap moisture in which you don’t want.

• Gore-Tex or Waterproof Jacket with hood
• Rain Poncho
• Waterproof Pants

Hats, Gloves and Gaiters

Hats – While it’s still warm on the first few days of the trek a wide-brimmed hat that offers sun protection is the best. When it’s cold a wool and/or Balaclava is the best option.

Gloves – A lightweight glove is good for most early morning and evening on the way up and can be combined with wool or down mitten for the cold conditions on the summit.

Gaiters – While it’s unlikely you will be hiking through snow, gaiters can help keep your socks dry when it’s wet and protect your skin from the dust when it’s dry.

•     Wide-brimmed hat
•     Wool hat (Should cover ears)
•     Balaclava or Ski Mask
•     Lightweight Glove
•     Insulated Wool or Down Mitten

Footwear: Shoes and Socks

Shoes – Choice of footwear probably varies to some degree on personal preference. Tennis shoes are suitable until base camp although some may prefer hiking shoes. A pair of sturdy hiking shoes are needed on the summit day to provide ankle support on the steep slopes with loose rocks and to keep your feet warm. Make sure that your hiking shoes have extra room for socks and are not too tight-fitting. We recommend breaking in your hiking boots before you come and not bringing a new pair.

Socks – Wool socks provide the most insulation and keep your feet warm. Sock liners are lightweight socks made of a material like Capilene that wicks moisture from the skin. If you are susceptible to getting blisters they can be useful in preventing abrasion between your outer sock and skin.

•     Hiking boots with ankle support
•     Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
•     Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
•     Hiking socks (5)
•     Sock Liners (optional)

Sleeping Bag

•  Sleeping bag rated to -15° C/ 0° f
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Sleeping bag stuff sack
• Travel pillow
• Inflatable sleeping pad (not needed on Marangu Route)

Duffel Bags and Daypacks

• Large Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (We provide this)
•     Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
•     Waterproof cover for a daypack
•     Drybags in several sizes (For Gear inside the Duffel)
•     Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes

On the Trail

Here are some items you will keep easily accessible while you are on the trail

•     Sunscreen
•     Lip Balm with Sunscreen
•     Water Bottles or Camelback
•     Sunglasses
•     Headlamp with extra batteries
•     Plastic bags for garbage
•     High Energy Snacks
•     Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
•     Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
•     Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
•     Toilet Paper
•     Trekking Poles (optional)

First Aid Kit and Toiletries

Our team brings along a basic first aid kit but we recommend you also carry the following;

•     Advil or Ibuprofen
•     Diamox (for altitude sickness)
•     Personal Prescriptions
•     Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
•     Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
•     Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
•     Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
•     Wet wipes
•     Panty Liners and Tampons
•     Face lotion
•     Hairbrush
•     Hair ties
•     Hand warmers
•     Earplugs for sleeping

Paperwork and Money

• Passport (needed at the entry gate for registration)
• Money for tips at the end of the trek

Other Items

• Portable Solar Charger
•  Journal, Pen, and paper