What Do I Pack?

There was a significant packing conundrum for this expedition, primarily for the eight day trek. But we had several days of non-mountain activity as well, including two leisurely days in Africa, before the trek, and a quick one day safari afterwards. Getting to and from Tanzania, each way was thirty-six hours of air travel and transfers.

I started working on the packing list provided by the outfitter I’d hired,  Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experience, roughly a year in advance, after I put down a deposit for the trip. The spare bedroom upstairs, unoccupied and sparsely furnished, became the staging area for STUFF.  Things on the list that we already had were the first things to be placed there — Craig’s things on the left side of the room, mine on the right. 

As there are no convenient stores on Kilimanjaro, most important to me was getting the packing right for our route on the Lemosho Trail, which would bring us from the rainforest up to the arctic zone of the summit. 

Packing requires thinking - really thinking - about what it’ll be like on the mountain. 

Hiking equipment. Hiking equipment, for time on the trail itself, includes boots and clothing, and a backpack to carry water, snacks and a few other basic items. Sunglasses, lip balm.

Camping equipment. For time spent when you’re off the trail for the day. Clothing, toiletries, and various do-dads (books, small journals and pens). We were instructed to pack these in a specific type and size of soft-sided duffle.

Over the course of months, we squeezed in shopping errands  - we became well acquainted with the Boulder REI - and we slowly gathered necessities. Hard shell suitcases for the flights, duffles for the mountain. I didn’t need new hiking boots, but Craig did. I didn’t need a winter jacket, (I still use my daughter’s Eddie Bauer from 2010), but Craig needed an upgrade for his.  

Socks. It’s recommended to have several pairs because clean socks ward off the affects that grim and sweat can have on your skin. We brought several pairs, of different thicknesses, including silk sock liners, for the gnarliest cold weather, to layer under wool socks. Buying lots of socks meant I was serious about taking care of our feet. 

Sleeping bags. After hearing about someone who didn’t have a warm enough sleeping bag while on Kilimanjaro, I did a lot of online research. This caused anxiety — I did not know there were so many scientific details that make up different types of sleeping bags, how certain climate and environments play into different designs and usage. We went for a well known brand and trusted that the expense would be worth it.

First aid kit. There were enough first aid items on the list to supply a field hospital. Medicine for the stomach or head. Products for feet, ankle or joint issues. Sore muscles. Eye stuff. Toenail clippers. Respiratory stuff. What will Craig and I encounter on the trek and what will we need?

The spare bedroom began to fill. I kept close track of items yet to be checked off. Better gloves for Craig. He needs hiking poles too. And a good hat. And buffs for our necks. Travel size hand sanitizer. Inflatable camp pillows.

For our long air travel, we packed our carry-on bags with small toiletry items, books, headphones, eye masks and ear plugs. Our trekking company recommended that the most important hiking gear, such as our hiking boots, travel in our carry-ons, in case checked bags got lost.

It was a long list. But…

The company we hired would provide all meals, liquids, filtration system for water, and necessary cooking equipment. Tents, for sleeping, dining, as well as the toilet tent and things pertaining to human waste. And much more.

An undertaking such as climbing a big mountain starts way before you take your first step. Good preparation sets the stage for a good trip and planning well in advance reduces a lot of stress. And who knows? You may have to deal with a bad tooth or something at the last minute, but at least you’ll be packed.