Climbing Gear Guide

The right mountain climbing gear is of utmost importance to the success and safety of your tropical mountain trek.

We suggest that you bring with you the itemized list for your trek.

Porters will carry up to 10 kilograms of your personal gear and no more!

Our suggested packing list shall allow you to keep to the weight limit. However, if you wish to engage more porter support, our expedition team shall accommodate the need. Just let us know in advance if you require this extra support.

Adventure In The Wild Safaris mountain trek team suggests that trekking equipment should be categorized as follows:

Practical & Light

Practical mountain gear determines warmth, temperature regulation, and safety on the climb. Good quality, dependable, and flexible gear is essential under extreme and varying conditions.

Clothing

Mountain clothing caters for both safety and comfort. Proper fitting, wool or synthetic fabrics that wick moisture and dry easily are recommended.

Four-Layer Clothing Plan

First Layer

Manages moisture and keeps perspiration away from your skin.

Second Layer – Soft Shell

Breathable, wind/water resistant, comfortable, and durable. Recommended fabrics include Polartec Wind Pro, Gore Windstopper N2S, Schoeller. 200-weight fleece can substitute but is less versatile.

Hard Shell

Windproof, waterproof, and breathable (e.g., Gore-Tex or similar).

Insulating Layer

Should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers (e.g., down, Primaloft, or Polarguard).

A vest is a useful extra for warmth around camp.

Head and Face

• Fleece or wool hat/Balaclava
• Shade hat with wide brim
• Bandanas
• Sunglasses or Glacier glasses

Upper Body

• 2 T-shirts (avoid cotton)
• Long underwear tops: one medium and one heavyweight
• Fleece or soft shell jacket
• Gore-Tex parka
• Down or synthetic jacket (e.g., Patagonia Puffball)
• Fleece gloves
• Shell gloves (fleece liner + waterproof shell)

Lower Body

• Undergarments for full trip
• Quick-drying hiking shorts
• Long underwear/tights
• Soft shell pants
• Gore-Tex pants (preferably with full zips)

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin polypropylene socks
• 2 pairs of heavy wool or poly socks
• Hiking boots (tried & tested, suitable for double socks)
• Gaiters (breathable material)
• Tennis shoes or sandals for camp

Sleeping Gear

• 4-season sleeping bag with liner (for -10°C temps)
• Full-length Therma-Rest sleeping pad or equivalent

Personal Health

• Basic toiletries (biodegradable soap, tampons, etc.)
• Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
• Lip balm (SPF 15+)
• Ear plugs
• Flashlight/headlamp + extra batteries
• Personal first aid and medication kit
• Towel and antibacterial towelettes
• Spare glasses or contacts

Water

• Two 1-quart wide-mouth bottles (Nalgene type)
• Collapsible hydration system (optional)
• Water treatment tablets (e.g., Potable Agua)
• Water flavoring powder (Tang, Gatorade, etc.)

More Essentials

• Adjustable ski poles
• Optional: umbrella (lightweight)
• Optional: portable camp chair
• Optional: personal snacks
• Plastic sandwich bags

Carrying Gear

• Day pack (25-30 liters with padded straps and waist belt)
• Large backpack (max 10 kg, no wheels/hard sides)
• Medium duffel bag for gear left at hotel
• Heavy-duty plastic/garbage bags for waterproofing gear

Game Viewing

• Binoculars
• Camera

Start Planning Your African Mountaineering Adventure

There are so many mountain trek experiences to choose from with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. Start planning your dream adventure by exploring our latest mountain trekking tours in East Africa.