How to stay warm on the Kilimanjaro summit day
This is all about how to stay warm on the Kilimanjaro summit day during your the summit day. You will be wearing more layers than you did on any other part of the hike. Most commonly, people are comfortable wearing four layers on top and three layers on bottom.
On the top, the four layers typically consist of: base layer, soft jacket, waterproof jacket, and down jacket. For those who get cold easily, an additional base layer or soft jacket might make for good insurance. Note that the down jacket will probably come on and off during the night, off as you warm up while climbing and on while you sit down and rest on breaks.
On the bottom, the three layers typically consist of: long underwear, hiking pants, and waterproof pants. In some rare cases, you might need a fourth layer, fleece pants. Gaiters are optional as always but they do close the gap between your pants and shoes and therefore reduce the wind.
How do i wear on Kilimanjaro summit day?
Wear gloves on your hands and a warm hat on your head. If it is extra cold and windy, use a balaclava or neck gaiter over your face to keep you body warm of Kilimanjaro summit day.
What i need to carry during Kilimanjaro summit day?
Below are the clothing, accessories, equipment and other things you should either be wearing or have with you during the summit bid.
On the head
- Balaclava or Buff
- Head lamp
- Knit Hat, for warmth
Hooded jackets are preferred because they block the wind from the sides and back. Have the hood on along with your knit hat and balaclava or buff.
On the hands
- Gloves, light, or
- Gloves, warm
- 1 or 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, moisture-wicking fabric
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
The insulated jacket probably will not be needed while you are hiking. However, you will likely want it to put on during rest breaks to prevent from getting cold when you are not moving (note: put the insulated over your waterproof jacket so you do not have to keep removing and putting on your waterproof jacket
On the lower body:
- Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Hiking Pants
- Waterproof Pants, breathable
- Fleece Pants
We suggest wearing the long underwear, hiking pants, and waterproof pants, while carrying the fleece pants in your day pack just in case.
On the feet
- Socks, wool or synthetic
- Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
- Gaiters, waterproof
Do not lace your boots or shoes up too tight as that may actually make your feet colder by cutting off circulation
Inside the back pack:
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Water Bottle – Nalgene, 32 oz.
- Water Bladder
- Sunscreen
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets
- Daypack
Try to drink some water at every rest break and at the peak.
Cold saps the charge from batteries. So keep your extra batteries and cell phone in your inside pocket of your jacket.
Miscellaneous
- Trekking poles
If your hands are very cold, use one trekking pole and keep your other gloved hand in your pocket. Alternate hands every once in a while so each hand has time to warm up. Make a fist inside your glove
Frequently asked question on Kilimanjaro summit day
Below are frequently asked question about how to stay warm on Kilimanjaro summit day, if you may have other more please email us at sales@kilimanjarobrothers.com we will be more than happy to answer
Why hooded jackets are recommended on Kilimanjaro Summit day?
Hooded jackets are preferred because they block the wind from the sides and back. Have the hood on along with your knit hat and balaclava or buff
What are the important of wear gaiters on Kilimanjaro summit day?
It protects the dust and small stone to inter on your boot. If you won’t wear gaiters you will probably need to empty gravel from your boots several times during the descent
Why is recommended to carry wattle bottle upside down in Kilimanjaro summit day?
Water freezes from the top down. Carry the water bottle upside down in your pack, with the cap down, to keep the lid from freezing shut. Also, most people forget to drink on the way up. Try to drink some water at every rest break and at the peak
What do I wear after the Kilimanjaro summit on the descent?
Once the sun rises, so do the temperatures. You will need to strip layers off as you descend in order to stay comfortable. That means your insulated layer, hard shell and knit hat will come off at some point. It’s a long way down, around a 13,000 foot elevation loss, so don’t hike in clothing that is too hot
