WHAT TO CARRY ON YOUR KILIMANJARO DUFFEL BAG

As you prepare for your climb up Kilimanjaro, it’s important to know what to pack in your duffel bag. At Eco-Africa Climbing, we want to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy a safe and successful climb. Here are some essentials that we recommend carrying in your Kilimanjaro duffel bag pack:

Clothing:

You’ll need to pack for both warm and cold weather, as temperatures can vary greatly on the mountain. Be sure to bring plenty of layers, including thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket.

Footwear:

Your footwear is essential to your comfort and safety on the mountain. Be sure to bring well-fitting, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, as well as a pair of comfortable sandals or sneakers for around camp.

Sleeping Bag:

A warm sleeping bag rated for at least 0 degrees Celsius is a must for cold nights on the mountain.

Personal Care Items:

You’ll want to bring toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, sunscreen, and wet wipes to keep clean and fresh throughout the climb.

Eco-friendly items:

As an eco-friendly climbing company, we encourage our clients to be mindful of the environment and to minimize their impact on the mountain. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste, and to pack out all trash.

How should my duffel bag be for climbing Kilimanjaro?

To climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll need a backpack or daypack for carrying essentials during hikes, as well as a duffel bag to store additional belongings like extra clothing, toiletries, and sleeping bags that porters will carry from campsite to campsite. Choosing the right duffel bag is crucial and the most important factor to consider is its capacity. You should be able to fit all of your gear in the duffel bag, with sleeping bags taking up the most space. We recommend a duffel bag with a capacity of 70 to 90 liters, depending on the amount of gear you bring. While some experienced minimalists can fit everything into a 50-liter bag, others might need a 90-liter bag. We suggest a 70-liter duffel for most people, but if you’re purchasing a bag, it’s better to err on the side of a larger duffel bag.  

However, keep in mind that porters have a strict weight limit of 15 kilograms (33 pounds) to carry, so make sure not to exceed this limit.

Which duffel bags are our top preferences?

• The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

The duffel bag from The North Face is called Base Camp and has a capacity of 95 liters.

For numerous backpackers on the go, The North Face Base Camp Duffel is a timeless preferred choice. Constructed with a resilient laminate material, this duffel features a zippered section enabling the segregation of wet clothing, soiled shoes or extra gear while maintaining the overall capacity. Furthermore, the primary compartment comprises a zippered mesh pocket, while the end cap is equipped with a mesh sleeve pocket for supplementary organization.

• The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

The duffel bag from Patagonia is called Black Hole and has a capacity of 70 liters.

With a large capacity of 70 liters, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag is a highly weather-resistant option that can cater to all your requirements. The top flap of the bag comes equipped with two zip mesh pockets for added convenience. The main compartment features compression straps that can tighten down your belongings for stability during transport. Moreover, the padded and reinforced bottom provides robust protection to the area susceptible to abrasions.

By packing these essentials in your Kilimanjaro duffel bag, you’ll be well-prepared for your climb with Eco-Africa Climbing. If you have any questions or need further guidance on packing, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re happy to help make your climb a success!