What Should You Wear During Kilimanjaro Trekking?

The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro will change quite a bit. From the equatorial heat of the rainforest to the icy drifts of the peak, you’ll need a few wardrobe changes.

You won’t simply switch clothes from one zone to the next. The conditions frequently change in only a few hours. Under the scorching noon sun, you’ll have to remove layers and if it starts to become chilly, you’ll have to warp yourself up. Everything from a chilly wind to rain and mist to a lovely, moderate climate change might be experienced in between.

If you’re planning to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, then we’ve created a list of some essential clothing that you should wear during your Kilimanjaro Trek.

List of Essential Clothing Items for a Kilimanjaro Trek

Five different climate zones can be found on Kilimanjaro. As you prepare for your ascent, keep this in mind. Depending on the route, the trail’s elevation at the beginning ranges from 5,400 to 9,800 feet. All of them begin in the warm cultivation zone. To a muggier, moist rainforest, it soon ascends.

• Your journey continues in a warm, largely arid area called the Heather/Moorland after you leave the jungle.
• At night, the area can get rather chilly. The Alpine Desert can be warm during the day and drop below freezing at night.

You’ll eventually reach the peak zone, which could be windy as well as snowy. So, how will you arrange your clothing for such a wide range of temperatures? We’ve got your back! Let’s have a look at the clothing list:

1.1 The Importance of Layered Clothing

The greatest approach to controlling your temperature is by layering. A layering system must have three unique layers to function properly. Each layer has a distinct function. A base layer, middle layer, and outer layer are among these layers.

• Depending on the number of days you plan to spend on Kilimanjaro, you should alter the number of t-shirts, socks, underwear, etc.
• Layering has the benefits of being adaptable, space-saving, and energy-efficient.
• A climber can adjust their clothes by adding or removing layers as the weather, their level of activity, or their body temperature changes. It’s simple to modify and enables you to fine-tune with little adjustments.

Because the air between layers acts as insulation, wearing several thinner layers is warmer than wearing a single layer of the same thickness. Also, it takes up less room in your bag or duffel.

The Base Layer

A breathable fabric worn next to the skin is referred to as a base layer. The base layer will provide insulation and keep you dry by wicking sweat away from your body. They come in a variety of options. But lightweight is preferred for its adaptability. Make sure to include it in your Kilimanjaro Packing list.

• In warm weather, base layers can be worn alone; in cold weather, they can be doubled up (worn on top of one another).
• Base layers are made from a variety of fabric types or fabric blends, such as silk, wool, and polyester, which are typically marketed by outdoor gear businesses under registered trademarks.
• The materials you select will depend on your particular preferences because they are all practical.
• It’s important to know that Cotton fabrics are not a good option for a base layer. It won’t dry quickly, won’t wick away moisture, and while wet, will actually make you lose more heat.
• Wearing cotton while trekking is not advised, and you should also stay away from cotton underwear and stockings.

3 Long Sleeve Shirts, 1 Short Sleeve Shirt, and 1 Long Underwear make up the base layers (The fabric must be moisture-wicking).

Base Layer in Warm Weather – A lightweight synthetic short sleeve and quick-drying hiking pants or shorts are usually adequate for the rainforests.

Base Layers in Cold Weather – You should wear both a heavy-weight and a medium-weight base layer when the temperature drops as you gain altitude. Depending on how chilly it is, you can select medium, heavy, or a combination of the two.

The Mid-Layer

A mid-layer’s function is to add warmth. Thus, you should seek out mid-layers that have strong insulating properties when researching. Materials that trap microscopic air bubbles, or “dead air,” between you and the elements work best as insulation. In cool conditions, a mid-layer made of wool or synthetic materials might be used. Use heavier synthetics, such as fleece or wool, though, in colder climates.

• Due to its thinness, quick drying ability, comfort and lightness, fleece is a good choice as it’s an insulator.
• There are several thicknesses of fleece available. As a general rule, the thicker, furry ones tend to be warmer, but less windproof. Whereas the thinner, smoother ones aren’t as warm but provide some wind and water protection.
• The best insulating material on the planet is down. Because of its unequalled warmth-to-weight ratio, it is the best option for keeping warm in chilly environments.
• Goose or duck feathers are used to create down insulation. The small, crisscrossing fibres that make up these clusters create hundreds of air gaps between them.
• The characteristics of down are recreated in synthetic insulation. Although polyester fibres are neither as light nor as warm as down, they can nevertheless retain heat when wet.
• A well-liked variety of synthetic down is PrimaLoft. Genuine down is typically more expensive than synthetic down.

2 soft jackets (fleece or soft-shell), 1 insulated jacket (synthetic or down), and 1 fleece pair of pants make up the mid-layers. Ensure to add them to your Kilimanjaro Packing list.

Lightweight Mid-Layer – A long sleeve fleece is a good, light middle layer that’s just right for cooler temperatures on the grasslands and hills.

Heavyweight Mid-Layer – To wear over your lightweight mid-layer, bring a wind-resistant fleece or synthetic down jacket. Combine this with windproof climbing pants or fleece.

The Outer Layer

You are shielded from wind, cold, and rain by your outer layer. You must bring all the necessary weather clothing for Kilimanjaro, including a rain jacket and rain or waterproof leggings.

It is important to have a warm down or synthetic weatherproof jacket. To prevent snow, dampness, and gravel from getting into your boots, you might also choose to pack gaiters. Bring a pack cover if your backpack is not water-resistant.

1 Waterproof Jacket and a pair of Waterproof Pants make up the Outer Layer.

1.2 Protecting your Head and Face

It’s essential to have something on your head while trekking Kilimanjaro. Headgear will protect your head from the cold, sun, and wind. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a cap in warm climates. When it’s cold outside, you should wear a beanie.

You can also wear a scarf to protect yourself from the Kilimanjaro weather.

1.3 Wearing Appropriate Boots

The most vital piece of Kilimanjaro gear is a pair of cosy, well-worn hiking boots. As a result, you shouldn’t treat them as an afterthought when preparing for a Kilimanjaro trek.

• It’s recommended to hike 100 kilometres in new boots to break them in before climbing Kilimanjaro.
• If you’re buying new shoes for the walk, make sure your boots are insulated, waterproof, and provide enough ankle support.

It’s a good idea to wear the socks you’ll be carrying on your Kilimanjaro trip in advance. Make sure your hiking socks are comfortable and acceptable. This involves considering elements including fabric, seams, and sock liners.

Hence, the above-mentioned clothing essentials will help you achieve your dream of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the following details if you have any queries, comments, or suggestions.

Contact: +255 762 688 721 or

Email: info@kilimanjarodreamers.com

Also, make sure to have a look at some of our other blogs:

• https://kilimanjarodreamers.com/blog/are-you-planning-for-a-successful-mount-kilimanjaro-climbing-in-2022/
• https://kilimanjarodreamers.com/blog/tanzania-game-drive-wildlife-safari-tours2022-2023/

Conclusion

Finally, Climbing Kilimanjaro is not an easy task, but knowing what to wear will help you and is very important. So, make sure to go through our arranged list of clothing essentials for your Kilimanjaro trek.