The Only List You Need (Updated for 2025–2026 Season)

Bags & Packs

• 70–90 L waterproof duffel (porters carry this – we supply waterproof liner)
• 20–35 L daypack (you carry every day)
• Dry bags or heavy trash bags (keep everything 100 % dry)

Clothing – Layering System

Base layers (worn next to skin)

• 3 merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve tops
• 2–3 merino or synthetic long underwear bottoms
• 4–6 pairs underwear (synthetic or merino)
• 2 sports bras (women)

Mid layers

• 1 thick fleece or synthetic puffy (e.g., Patagonia R2 or Nano-Air)
• 1 light fleece or grid hoodie
• 2–3 long-sleeve hiking shirts

Insulation

• Warm down or synthetic puffy jacket (700+ fill, MUST fit over all layers)
• Spare lightweight puffy for camp

Shell

• Hard-shell waterproof/breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Hard-shell waterproof pants (full side zips = best)

Legs

• 2 pairs soft-shell trekking pants (one can be zip-off)
• 1 pair waterproof pants (see shell)

Head, Hands & Feet

• Warm beanie + sun hat with brim
• Buff or neck gaiter (x2)
• Thin liner gloves + waterproof warm gloves or mittens
• 5–6 pairs thick merino hiking socks + 2 pairs liner socks
• Warm sleeping socks (thick wool)

Footwear

• Broken-in waterproof hiking boots (mid-height, warm) OR high-quality trail runners + warm socks in dry season
• Camp shoes (Crocs or lightweight sandals)
• Gaiters (only if rainy season)

Sleeping

• 4-season sleeping bag rated to -15 °C / 5 °F or warmer (we rent top-quality bags for $50)
• Optional silk or fleece liner for extra warmth

Summit Night Extras (THESE SAVE LIVES)

• Chemical hand warmers (10+ pairs)
• Chemical foot warmers (6+ pairs)
• Hot water bottle (we fill it for you)
• Balaclava or face mask
• Goggles (if windy/snowy)

Tech & Navigation

• Headlamp + 3 sets spare batteries (or USB-rechargeable)
• Power bank 20,000–30,000 mAh (cold kills batteries)
• Phone + waterproof case
• Trekking poles (collapsible – worth their weight in gold)

Health & Hygiene

• Personal first-aid kit (blister plasters, Diamox, ibuprofen, Imodium, etc.)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (x2)
• Lipscreen SPF 30+
• Toiletries (biodegradable wipes, small soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper)
• Pee bottle (wide mouth, marked!) + funnel for women
• 3 L water capacity (we recommend 2 × 1 L Nalgene + 1 L bladder)

Documents & Money

• Passport + copies
• Yellow fever certificate
• Travel insurance docs (with helicopter evacuation)
• USD cash (small bills for tips + extras)

Nice-to-Haves

• Camera + spare batteries
• Journal + pen
• Earplugs
• Playing cards
• Snacks you love (we provide plenty of food, but comfort chocolate helps)

What You Do NOT Need

• Crampons, ice axe, rope
• Mountaineering boots
• Tent, mattress, cooking gear (all provided)
• More than 15 kg total in your duffel

Rental Options from Us (Clean, High-Quality, Cheap)

• Sleeping bag (-20 °C) → $50
• Down jacket → $40
• Trekking poles → $20
• Full winter kit package → $120

Pro Packing Tip

Lay everything out, then remove 30 %. You’ll still have too much.

Ready for the Roof of Africa?

Send us your booking and we’ll email you this exact list as a printable PDF checklist + rental form.

Start Packing Right – Book Now | Download PDF Checklist | Ask Us Anything

Pack smart. Summit happy. 🗻🎒