Suggested Kit List

Cotton Shorts or cycling type shorts
Good for hiking while at lower elevations. Nylon or synthetic fabrics are even better.

Synthetic T-shirts
For lower altitudes

Shade Hat

Warm Fleece hat or balaclava
To protect against cold and winds

Dark sunglasses (wraparound)
Protection against harsh UV rays at higher altitude and ice-glare

Sunscreen
Factor 20 or more, oil based

Hiking Boots
Well worn in, ideally leather upper, waterproofed

Lightweight shoes
To wear in camp at night after a day hiking

Sleeping Bag & Inner sheet
Rates -8 degrees minimum (can be hired)

Thermarest / self inflating mattress
The mattresses supplied on the mountain are compressed foam (20mm). We suggest that you bring one to use on top of it if you’re looking for more comfort.

Water bottle
Minimum 2 litres, preferably 3 - sturdy hiking variety

Purifying tablets
Oasis / Puritab or similar- to sterilize all drinking water

Powdered drink, e.g. game or Clifton
To make the water taste better!

Synthetic Socks - thin & thick pairs
Ideally a fresh pair daily (6 days) or BOTH
Thin socks help protect against blisters by extra support and dryness
Thick socks - hiking socks for warmth and comfort

Warm gloves / mitts
Inner thermal fleece PLUS outer glove or mitts (waterproof)

Day Pack
Around 35lt, to carry your daily items in (camera, waterproof clothes, water etc) Ideally lightweight inner frame and Hip belt for support. This item may be hired

Kit Bag for the porters
Around 80 - 100 lt, for the porters to carry your gear in. Soft, sports bag - ideally canvas or waterproofed (dive bag). Simon insists that the kit bag (fully loaded) not weigh more than 12kg's.

Thermal underwear
Preferably Polypropylene / Thermalator or similar, with ‘wicking’ properties for the higher altitude. Top is more important than pants. Ladies stockings, or cycling pants are useful and warm.

Pants
Tracksuit pants for colder days/evenings (two pairs)

Waterproof pants
Lightweight pants, preferably breathable (can be hired) Gore-tex or K-Tech

Jerseys / Fleece etc
All clothing should be LAYERED for maximum warmth. Lightweight (e.g. fleece, polar neck, polartec) layers - usually thermal plus 3 layers AND a down jacket for the final ascent. During the rest of the hike, one just layers as required. Do not take heavy jerseys or jackets.

Waterproof Jacket
K-Tech / Gore-tex or similar. Breathable waterproof jacket - to cover your bottom (longish) for both rain and wind. Lightweight ideal, particularly at lower altitudes - then at higher altitude one layers underneath, and it acts as a guard against the wind and cold. Must have a hood. Can be hired.

Lightweight Poncho / Splash Cover
For heavy rains, keeps the rain off your backpack (as it covers the whole thing) as well as your rain jacket. Ideal too in the rain forest, when it’s quite hot to wear a rain jacket.

Warm hat
Should cover ears (balaclava may be used for this job as well, just roll it up a little and wear as a ‘beanie or bobble hat’.

Towel
Small Sports towel for the climb only

Face cloth & soap
For quick ‘body’ wash to freshen up (no showers available)

Wet Ones
Handy for freshening up, or wiping sticky hands

Torch
Essential for both evenings in tent / huts, and for final ascent. LED headlamps are perfect

Spare Batteries
For torch and camera/video. Cold weather tends to shorten the life of batteries.

Pocket knife / Multi Tool
Always handy!

Trekking Pole
Adjustable ideal - can be hired. Two is Best

Gaiters (to the knee)
Stops scree and mud getting into boots (can be hired)

Lip Ice or Zinc cream
To protect against the fierce sun


Toilet paper & matches
Please BURN toilet paper – carefully!!! (not the bush!) or take a small plastic bag to dispose of toilet paper on the return to camp

Trail munchies
Bring along your favourites - chocolates, nuts, biltong etc

Garbage bags
Sufficient to wrap ALL your clothes INSIDE your kitbag to protect against rain etc - at least 10 each!

Small mirror
Not essential, but some people have suggested it!

Small first aid kit
See MEDICAL LIST

Book / diary / game /cards / pen
In the evening at camp

Camera & plenty of film
Take a spare battery

Cash (USD)
For tips at end of climb and a couple of celebratory drinks after!

Contact lens?
Take spares if you use them

Glasses?
Avoid METAL rims, as they may freeze on your face in the extreme cold

Personal toiletries
Toothbrush, paste, hairbrush etc

Dubbin or waterproofing
To re-apply to boots during the hike (optional)

Scarf
Short woollen one to keep neck warm

Spare kit bag (small one)
To leave your excess clothing at the hotel in the storeroom

Thermos Flask
To have hot tea during the course of the day & on the summit day – water tends to freeze. You will be served hot tea or juices for lunch, so this would be extra – not essential but can be of use.