| Culminating at 5895 m (19341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro | | | | fibre, economic, very light) types! |
| is by far Africa's highest and most majestic mountain! | | | | Important things to consider in a sleeping bag: |
| Here's some advice on what to bring on your | | | | - Needs to fit your body (in width and length). |
| trekking odyssey! | | | | - Two-way zipper (for better ventilation). |
| Walking sticks | | | | - Insulated hood. |
| Whether you call them walking sticks, staffs, or | | | | Daypacks |
| trekking poles, they're just indispensable for a | | | | Preferably big, but not too big either! A 25-40 litre |
| comfortable walking journey! | | | | rucksack tends to fit most people needs. |
| Walking sticks will assist you during your climb, and | | | | Headlamps |
| support your knees on descents. Especially if you | | | | A good head torch is essential as it leaves your |
| already have fragile knee joints! | | | | hands free. Petzl Zoom Headlamps and Petzl Tikka |
| For best support (and even better comfort), consider | | | | are definitely worth it, although not the cheapest I |
| buying two sticks! | | | | agree. |
| Boots | | | | Gloves |
| Your walking boots have to be solid and soft at the | | | | Two pairs highly recommended: a pair of wool or |
| same time, the type that will resist the most | | | | fleece gloves as a next to skin layer, and a second |
| extreme weather conditions out there! | | | | pair of waterproof gloves that go over the first pair! |
| Indeed, boots are perhaps the most important item | | | | A very good pair of gloves should not be |
| you will purchase! Both in terms of your health and | | | | underestimated if you want to keep your fingers |
| well-being. Make sure they fit you properly! Moreover, | | | | healthy and intact! |
| try them on before considering a purchase. They just | | | | Hats |
| have to be the right size! | | | | Good-looking hats are important for sure, but as you |
| Do this: put your foot in the shoe without tying the | | | | know looks are not everything! Most importantly, a |
| shoelace, and slide your foot forward until it hits the | | | | good hat is one that protects you from the sun, and |
| front of the boot. If you have one finger's thickness | | | | also that fits easily into your backpack (or |
| of space at your heel, then the boot is made for | | | | comfortably fastens to your belt, backpack, etc...). |
| you. If not, then it is either too big or too small (less | | | | Furthermore, make sure it can provide good shade |
| than one finger space)! | | | | to your face, and that it "breathes". |
| Some key features to look for in boots are: | | | | I just love some of those Rogue hats, don't you?! |
| - Vibram, or comparable high rubber-content soles | | | | Thermal Beanie/Balaclava |
| with deep lugs to provide better traction. | | | | Protects you from the wind and hinders frostbite. |
| - Sturdy, high tops with padding to protect ankles | | | | Not to be neglected! |
| while providing good ankle support. Boots with a stiff | | | | Duffel Bags |
| heel counter is also a big bonus, as it relieves your | | | | A lightweight classic! Easy to stuff with your clothing |
| foot and ankle. | | | | and rolled socks. |
| - Uppers made of leather or a leather/Cordura | | | | Things to consider: a strong seam, good quality |
| combination. | | | | zippers (that can be padlocked), and short handles to |
| - Removable insoles for extra comfort and cushioning. | | | | pull your bag quickly if required. |
| - Lacing system with D-rings and speed hooks to | | | | Water Bottles |
| easily put and remove your boots. | | | | Drink, drink, and drink some more! Water is vital to |
| - Sewn-in, gusseted tongues. | | | | appropriate acclimatisation, and so are water bottles! |
| - Waterproof coating to ensure your feet stay dry | | | | You should be able to carry 2-3 litres of water at |
| at all times. | | | | any time! |
| Socks | | | | Any water bottle is good really, although I must |
| Pay special attention to the material of your socks. | | | | admit I really enjoy the Swiss Sigg types. They are |
| They can be made of: | | | | eco-friendly, and reusable! Unless you'd rather go for |
| - Cotton: Not a great idea while hiking. Cotton | | | | hydration systems, with a tube from a bladder in |
| absorbs moisture and retains it. | | | | your pack to your mouth; practical and very popular! |
| - Ragg Wool: Way more comfortable, but you don't | | | | The only disadvantage of such systems is they can |
| have to be allergic to it. | | | | freeze easily! Either way, be sure it won't leak nor |
| - Acrylic: Not as resistant and much warmer than | | | | freeze. |
| wool socks, although they do wick moisture away | | | | Gaiters/Anklets |
| from the feet. Notice that some acrylic socks have | | | | Very useful little pieces of materials that keep mud, |
| extra cushioning, which can be interesting! | | | | rocks and to a certain extent water out of your |
| - Polypropylene: Primarily used in liners - thin socks | | | | boots! May even be utilized to keep ticks away! |
| worn beneath thicker main socks. Will wick moisture | | | | Can be sweaty nevertheless. |
| away from foot, and can also reduce friction | | | | Jacket & Trousers |
| between your foot and the shoe. | | | | Two words come to mind: comfort and |
| - Silk: Same purpose as polypropylene. | | | | waterproofing! The two items need to be |
| Sleeping Bags | | | | waterproof, breathable and windproof. |
| Should be chosen wisely! Large variety of options, | | | | ATTENTION PLEASE: No jeans! They absorb water, |
| from "Down Sleeping Bags" (very resistant to water | | | | cling to the skin and make walking very difficult. |
| and cold), to "Hollowfibre" (synthetic fibre, dries | | | | Believe it or not, but wearing jeans can lead to |
| rapidly), and "Thinsulate" (state-of-the-art synthetic | | | | hypothermia. |