Safety on Climbing

Climbing Gear

Gear list

Climbers make adequate research and are well prepared, however we do not take for granted any situation. Despite the fact that some climbers are experienced mountain climbers, we will check with all climbers if they have the following important climbing items and equipment:- 

  1. Adjustable 3 section Ski/Trekking poles. 1 pair.
  2. Headlamp. A good quality climber’s headlamp. Bring extra batteries.
  3. Running or tennis shoes. 1 pair to wear around camp.
  4. Light Hiking Boots or trekking shoes. 1 pair of sturdy boots in which you can wear light synthetic socks under a heavy sock comfortably, either wool or synthetic. Shoes should be very Water Proof and very warm.
  5. Gaiters. 1 pair used to keep rocks out of shoes and boots dry.
  6. Wool or Synthetic Socks. 3 pair heavyweight socks (wool is warmer) to be worn over the liner socks. When layering socks, check fit over feet and inside boots. Remember to keep one fresh, dry pair of socks available at all times. It is very important to buy new socks as old ones may have lost some of their cushioning over time.
  7. Liner Socks. 3 pair of smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and hot-spots and makes the outer sock last longer before needing to be changed. They should fit well with your heavyweight socks.
  8. Lightweight Long Underwear. 2 pair. Tops & bottoms, Capilene, other synthetic or wool. No Cotton. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder). Zip-T-neck tops allow more ventilation options. One set of white for intense sunny days and one pair of dark for faster drying gives the most versatility.
  9. Trekking Pants. 2 pair. Lightweight nylon trekking pants worn during start of climb.
  10. Soft Shell Pants. (Optional) These non-insulated pants can be worn in place of trekking pants while on the climb. They provide a higher level of warmth and also repel light rain.
  11. Hard Shell Pants. Waterproof, breathable. Full length side zippers preferred but not required. Full zip can be helpful when removing pants while wearing boots. 7/8th or 3/4 zips that reach to lower hip will work. Ankle zip pants are not recommended since pants can not be quickly or easily removed while wearing boots.
  12. Insulated Synthetic Pants. Be sure pants can be removed while wearing boots.
  13. Synthetic/Soft Shell jacket. Mid- to Heavyweight. A full-zip version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pullover.
  14. Hard Shell jacketWe recommend a waterproof breathable shell material with full front zipper, underarm zips, and no insulation. This outer layer protects against wind and rain.
  15. Insulated Down Jacket or Insulated Synthetic Jacket. Medium to heavy weight with hood.
  16. Lightweight synthetic gloves. 2 pair, quick drying material. Should fit comfortably inside heavy mitts.
  17. Hard Shell Mitts1 pair each. A good pair of ski mittens/gloves work well.
  18. Balaclava. Look for a simple lightweight model.
  19. Warm Lightweight synthetic/wool hat. Hat should cover ears.
  20. Baseball cap/sun hat. One with a good visor to shade the nose and eyes. Synthetic is nice as it dries quickly.
  21. Bandana. Used to shade your neck.
  22. Glacier glasses. 100% UVA/B, IR, high quality optical lenses designed for mountain use and must have side covers. High quality “wrap around” style glasses work as well. Its extremely important for glasses to have either side shields or wrap around to protect eyes from high wind and dust.
  23. Trekking Backpack. A day pack big enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing. 3,000 cu.in. max.
  24. Water Bottles: 2 to 3 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Liter capacity per bottle. No water bag or bladder systems, they freeze or are hard to fill.
  25. Pee Bottle(1 Liter). For cold nights in the tent. Large mouth, clearly marked bottle.
  26. Pee Funnel(for women). For cold nights in the tent. It is a good idea to practice, practice, practice.
  27. Sunscreen. SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes. Make sure that the sun screen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
  28. Lip screen. SPF 40 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months.
  29. Sports Drink Mix. Powdered electrolyte drink mix. 1-2 Servings per day for 7 days.
  30. Sleeping bag.Expedition quality to at least 100. Down is lighter and less bulky, but more expensive than synthetics.
  31. 115 Liter Boundary Bag.This waterproof bag is needed to keep your clothing dry during transport.
  32. Duffle Bag.A small duffle can be nice for storing things at the hotel during the expedition and extra clothing while traveling.
  33. Plastic bags. To line stuff sacks to keep gear dry and line pack. Trash Compactor bags are best.
  34. Small pair of binoculars. For safari.
  35. Trail snack food items(these could be bought in Tanzania). Special energy supplements. 5-6 Servings GU/Shot blocks etc for summit Day. These are easily metabolized simple sugars/carbs -Not power protein bars. 3-5 (Total) Additional bars/snack favorites to supplement remaining climb days.
  36. Travel clothes.You will need clothing for three / five days of safari. Loose fitting cotton trousers or shorts and short sleeve shirts work well during the day. Bring a light jacket for town & safari. Evening time can be cooler. Safari lodges are quite nice, so long pants and a nice shirt are recommended for dining. Bathing suit for hotel pools. Avoid wearing white, red or black clothes during game drive and these are the colors which attract animals. Khaki is the best color for safari.
  37. Toiletry bag(this could be bought in Tanzania). Include toilet paper, soap, wet wipes, toothbrush, towel, hand sanitizer, foot powder, dust mask, ear plugs etc.
  38. Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin (Extra Strength Excedrin is best), Antibiotic ointment, Moleskin, molefoam, waterproof first-aid tape, athletic tape, Band-Aids, personal prescriptions, etc. Please let your guide know about any medical issues before the climb.
  39. Drugs/Medications/Prescriptions. Climbers are advised to bring Pepto, Bismol, Ciprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for traveler’s diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Azithromycin (Z-pak) 250mg tablets for non-gastrointestinal infections. Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches, sprains and aches.