Kilimanjaro Daypack

Water – Staying Hydrated On The Trail

It’s clear that you’ve heard the saying ‘Drink water’ probably on countless occasions and this saying is taken a step further on Kilimanjaro (with a slight alteration, by adding the word plenty).

• The general principle while Climbing Kilimanjaro is that you need to drink at least 4 litres of water every day.
• The reason for this is that your body loses water from exposure to the sun, increased digestion, breathing cold air, and sweating due to exercise.

The following is the water intake we recommend for a Day Hike in Kilimanjaro:

DURATION OF THE HIKE (in hours)	RECOMMENDED WATER INTAKE
4-6 hrs.	2 litres
6-8 hrs.	3 litres
8-10 hrs.	4 litres
More than 10 hrs.	5 litres

Scenic’s Insider Info – In a basic environment, we lose more than 2 litres of water per day. And this amount is magnified when climbing the huge peak of Kilimanjaro.

Thus, make sure to be extra conscious of water intake on the mountain so that you won’t become dehydrated in the higher altitude regions.

Snacks to Include In Your Kilimanjaro Daypack

Fueling your body for the hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro is essential. So, ultimately you need to have some nutritious snacks in your Kilimanjaro Daypack. If there are no stops for a hot lunch on the way, then you should have some snacks that will last you during the hike.

Here are some snacks (plus some examples) that you should consider including in your daypack:

TYPE OF SNACK(S)	EXAMPLE(S)
Energy Bars	Clif Bar, Lara Bar, Kind Bar
Fresh Fruits	Apples, Oranges, Grapes, Bananas
Trail Mix	Dried Fruits, Seeds, Nuts, Chocolate Chips
Sandwiches	Turkey and Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly
Jerky	Beef Jerky, Turkey Jerky

If you book Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages with African Scenic Safaris all your meals on the mountain will be taken care of. But, it’s a good idea to supplement yourself with personal snacks. They will provide you with some extra calories and also serve as a pick-me-up on the hike.

Extra Layers of Clothing for Your Kilimanjaro Daypack

While on the Kilimanjaro Climb Routes, you’ll be hiking through different climatic zones. The weather in these zones will range from warm and tropical (at the base of Kilimanjaro) to freezing on the summit (Uhuru Peak).

So, to ensure that you remain comfortable, it’s necessary to understand the concept of layering. But worry not, because below we’ll go into detail about the layering system, so don’t forget to include all these essentials in your Kilimanjaro Daypack.

LAYER(S)	TYPE(S) OF CLOTHING	PURPOSE
Base Layer	Moisture-wicking Shirt and Short	Absorbs moisture and sweat from the skin
Insulating Layer	Fleece Jacket or a warm Sweater	Traps body heat and keep you warm
Shell Layer	Rain Jackets and Pants	Protects you against the wind and rain
Accessories	Hats, Gloves, and Scarves	Adds a layer of extra warmth to your head, hands, and neck

Protecting Yourself from the Sun – Sunscreen and Sunglasses

It’s crucial that you protect yourself from the sun while hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. You’ll be trekking to higher altitude regions where the intensity of the sun will be high. Protecting yourself from the sun can be done simply by including a great pair of sunglasses and sunscreen in your Kilimanjaro Daypack.

Here are some of our personalized recommendations for sun protection that you should consider on your Kilimanjaro Gear List:

Sunglasses: A premium pair that blocks out and filters around 95% of the sun’s UV rays. We recommend a pair of wrap-around shades.

Sunscreen: SPF 50 or higher, and one that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Our Pro Tip – The above facial defences work well but the first rule of sun protection is to stay covered. Hike Kilimanjaro in long pants and sleeves because no sunscreen will protect you better than essential clothing.

Include a First-Aid Kit in Your Kilimanjaro Daypack

The Chagga people live at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and they treat their bruises and cuts by applying cow dung. But, you don’t have to do that, instead consider taking a proper first-aid kit, just to be on the safe side. Here are the contents of a first aid kit that will go into your Kilimanjaro Daypack:

ITEMS	PURPOSE
Adhesive Bandages	For small cuts and blisters
Medical Tape	For securing bandages
Gauze Pad and Rolls	For larger cuts and scrapes
Pain Relievers	For muscle pain, headaches, and fever
Antiseptic Wipes	For cleaning wounds and cuts
Insect Bite Treatment	For allergic reactions to insect bites
Scissors	For cutting bandages
Tweezers	For removing splinters and debris from wounds
Emergency Whistle	When signalling for help
Emergency Blanket	For warmth in case of any emergency

Electronics That Should Go Into Your Kilimanjaro Daypack

Regardless of your chosen Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, you’ll need some electronic items in your gear. They range from useful emergency items and helpful maps and headlamps to cellphones and cameras to capture the surroundings and beauty of Kilimanjaro forever.

Electronic items that you should consider including in your Kilimanjaro Daypack are as follows:

ITEMS	OBJECTIVE
Headlamp or Flashlight	For navigating in the dark
Extra Batteries and Power Banks	For charging electronic devices
Cameras or Smartphone	For capturing photos and memories
Portable Speaker	For listening to music and audiobooks at rest stops

Additional Components of Kilimanjaro Daypack (And Why they’re Useful)

Now that we’ve covered what things to include in a daypack, we’ll go more in-depth into how some of the above components help to Climb Kilimanjaro. So, let’s get on with it!

Maps and Compass – Navigating the Trail Safely

In the ever-growing days of technology, GPS devices and smartphones are the go-to navigational tools. While it’s reasonable to carry a GPS device with you while Climbing Kilimanjaro, strong map and compass skills are essential too. Here are the essentials of using a compass when climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro:

• Find North
• Establish your Direction
• Calculate your Distance
• Plot your Way

For reading a map you should follow steps like knowing your route and where you are while having a compass along with you and watching out for snow.

Headlamp and Flashlight – Hiking In Low-Light Conditions

It gets dark early and quickly at higher altitudes on the mountain. So, a headlamp or flashlight is a must-have in your Kilimanjaro Backpack.

• You’ll often begin the summit push in the early hours of the morning, which means you will be hiking in the dark for several hours.
• A headlamp or flashlight will help you navigate the trail, avoid obstacles, and ensure you are following the correct path.

Insect Repellent – Protection against Bugs and Insects

Protecting yourself against bugs and insects on Kilimanjaro is important because they can carry diseases, cause allergic reactions, and be a nuisance during your hike.

• Mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease.
• So include insect repellent in your Kilimanjaro Packing List. And also wear protective clothing, and use mosquito nets, they will help keep you safe.

Capturing the Beauty of Kilimanjaro

Capturing memories of Mt. Kilimanjaro is important because it is an incredible experience that you will want to remember.

Taking photos or videos of the stunning views, the wildlife, and the people you meet can help you relive the memories of your hike and share them with others. So, don’t forget to have a camera or smartphone in your Kilimanjaro Gear List.

Keep The Environment Of The Mountain Clean And Free Of Litter!

Packing a trash bag in your Kilimanjaro Daypack is important because it helps keep the environment clean and preserves the natural beauty of the mountain.

• Leaving trash on the trail can harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem.
• By packing a trash bag, you can carry out any trash you generate during your hike and dispose of it properly.
• This includes food wrappers, empty water bottles, and other waste.
• You can also pick up any litter you see along the trail and dispose of it properly.

By doing so, you can help preserve the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro and ensure that future generations can enjoy it as well.

Kilimanjaro Technical Daypacks

These kinds of daypacks are generally regarded as being the Best Backpack for Kilimanjaro. They are specifically crafted with long hikes in mind and come with a range of outstanding features.

If you want the best comfort level that makes your trail on the Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, then these backpacks are the way to go. Below are some of our personalized recommendations for technical Kilimanjaro Daypack:

NAME OF THE TECHNICAL DAYPACK	LEADING HIGHLIGHTS
Osprey Talon 33	- Lightweight and Custom Fit
Gregory Citro 30	- Lightweight and Custom Fit - Features including mesh harness side pockets, mesh front panel, compression, and hydration sleeves - Perfect size and fits comfortably - A mesh back panel that keeps your back dry - Compression straps - Hydration Bag - Many side and back pockets
The North Face Borealis	- Bottom compression along with compression straps - Internal organization compartments - Comfortable padded back and grab handle - Waterproof

Gender-Specific Kilimanjaro Daypacks

Many Kilimanjaro Daypack makers have been trying out different backpacks that are gender-specific. They are highly recommended because of their features designed for varied body characteristics and shapes. Ensure that you know the length of your torso before picking the right-sized daypack. Men’s daypacks have longer torso lengths, shoulder straps, and wider hip belts. Whereas, daypacks for women come with smaller torso lengths and narrow hip belts and shoulder straps.

The following are our recommended backpacks (both men and women) for your Kilimanjaro Gear List

OUR RECOMMENDED MEN’S DAYPACKS	KEY FEATURES	OUR RECOMMENDED WOMEN’S DAYPACKS	KEY FEATURES
Gregory Stout 35L	- Integrated Rain Cover - Hydration Sleeve - Ventilated mesh-back panel - Sternum Strap	REI Co-op Ruckpack 40	- Sternum Strap - Ventilated back panel - Hydration reservoir pocket
Deuter Trail Pro 36	- Detachable Rain cover - Hydration-compatible	Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL - Hip Belt Pockets - Chest Straps	- Cooling back panel - Organizational inner compartments - Hip belt pockets
Osprey Kestrel 38	- Ventilated back panel - Hip Belt Pockets - Side and front mesh back pockets - Raincover - Sternum Strap	Osprey Kyte 36	- Hydration reservoir pocket - Raincover - Sternum Strap - Small pockets on the hip belt

Scenic’s Suggestions – Before choosing a Kilimanjaro Daypack, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it include a rain cover?
• How many external compartments does it have?
• And, is the access to the main area from the top or side?

This will help you to choose the right backpack according to your preferences and needs.

What Size Daypack Do You Need For Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro Daypack Size depends on what you plan to carry with you during the day. Generally, a daypack with a capacity of 20-30 litres is sufficient for carrying your daily essentials, such as extra clothing layers, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera.

• It's essential to keep in mind that you'll be carrying this daypack during the entire hike, so you'll want to choose one that's comfortable and fits well.
• You may also want to consider a daypack with additional features such as hydration compatibility, adjustable straps, and breathable back panelling.

Scenic’s Tips for Packing Your Kilimanjaro Daypack

For the best experience on Mount Kilimanjaro, our experts at African Scenic Safaris have made an assortment of suggestions just for you. Let’s dig into them below:

Keep it Light: The most important tip when Packing For Kilimanjaro is to keep your daypack as light as possible. Remember that you will be carrying it with you throughout the day, so only pack what is necessary.

Dress in Layers: Kilimanjaro weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to dress in layers. Pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket, a fleece or down jacket, a hat, and gloves.

Bring lots of Water: It's important to stay hydrated while hiking. Bring at least 2 litres of water with you in a hydration bladder or water bottle.

Pack Snacks: You'll burn a lot of calories while hiking, so brings snacks to keep your energy levels up. Good options include energy bars, trail mix, and fresh fruit.

Don't Forget Sunscreen: The sun can be intense on Kilimanjaro, even on cloudy days. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day.

Bring a Camera: Kilimanjaro offers some of the most stunning views in the world, so don't forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of your surroundings. A small, lightweight camera is ideal for carrying in your daypack.

Note – Remember that the key to a successful Kilimanjaro climb is preparation. Plan and pack carefully to ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable.

Surmount Kilimanjaro’s Summit with Our Daypack Essentials!

In summation, there’s a direct correlation between what you pack in your Kilimanjaro Daypack and how enjoyable your climb is. So, stick to our suggestions and fasten the straps of your day pack for a fulfilling climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro.