"Our recent climb and successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I've lived over 60 years on this planet. Our guide, Jeff Evans, was simply amazing. He's the true definition of a leader; made us laugh, made us cry, encouraged us, even yelled at us, but always with the aim of bringing out our potential to succeed. Not only is he a "superman" climber, but his medical knowledge was literally a life-saver on our trip, as one of our youngest and fittest members was stricken with severe altitude-related symptoms on day 3. Jeff handled the situation calmly and with expertise to help get the young man back down to safety.
The dozen of us remaining, even with some "problems" here and there, all reached the summit at Uhuru Point, and danced and hugged in 12 degrees as the sun rose over the African landscape some 19,340 feet below. Want the best? That's Jeff Evans."
Our suggestions in parenthesis.
Use as a guide for alternative brands.
*Note: Your mountain duffel will be limited to 35 lbs. Pack wisely!
Day Pack
(Mountain Hardwear Sortie)
1,500-3,000 c.i. Remember that Porters are carrying most of the weight.
3 liter water bladder should fit inside. Consider an extra bladder in case one breaks.
Sleeping Bag
(Down- Mountain Hardwear Cloud Rest)
(Synthetic- Mountain Hardwear Switch)
You will have to choose between Down or Synthetic. There are pros and cons with both. Rated at least 10 degrees F. It will get cold overnight as we get closer to our high camp.
Duffel Bags
(Mountain Hardwear Large Expedition Duffel)
Large expedition size duffel. Made from either sturdy vinyl or canvass. This is the bag that will be carried on the trek with all of your gear that is not on your back. It must be sturdy and water resistant. *Also have 1 other less sturdy duffel to leave street clothes at hotel while on trek.
Sleeping Pads Inflatable/Closed cell combo
Inflatable (Inflatable-Therm-a-Rest Prolite)
Closed cell combo (Closed Cell- Z-Lite)
We recommend both inflatable and foam pad combination (one of each).
Boots
lightweight hikers or cross trainers (La Sportiva Zodiak)
sturdier hiking boots (La Sportiva Thunder GTX). Make sure they are broke in and can accomodate your expedition weight socks.
Warm Hat
(Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon)
Sunglasses
(Costa Del Mar Frigate)
A second spare pair strongly recommended
Trekking Poles
Optional, but recommended
Glove and Mitten Combo
1 pair of liners (Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch)
1 pair of windstoppers (Mountain Hardwear Gravity)
1 pair of heavy gloves/mittens (Mountain Hardwear Elevation)
Lightweight Trekking Pant
2 pairs (Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant)
Convertible pant/short are the best.
It is culturally insensitive for women to wear shorts in some parts of Africa. Either long trekking pants or a long skirt and leggings when it is cold.
Capelin/Polypro top/bottom
2 sets each light and medium
Pile Pants
or expedition weight bottoms
Socks
(2)
Light, (2) Medium and (1)Heavy sets (Smartwool)
Hygiene/toiletry kit
Only the basics
Hydrating system
(Camelback) for approach and lower mountain only 2-3 quart capacity.
Should fit within a sleeve in your pack. Consider bringing an extra bladder as they do get holes and break.
Water bottle
(Nalgene) You will need at least 2 wide mouth bottles to take the place of water bladders for higher up on the mountain.
Pee bottle or female spout
Optional...especially if you have never used one.
First Aid Items
Only the basics. Tylenol, Motrin, Cipro, Moleskin...etc. We provide the main medical kit with critical meds.
Headlamp
Gaiters Optional, to keep pebbles out of shoes.
Summit Day Food
A light breakfast will be provided on summit day morning. Once we leave camp you will want to have tasty treats to nibble on through the summit night/day until you arrive back down at camp many hours later. This is the food/snack that you usually take for a long day in the mountains
Insect repellant with Deet
Hat/Visor
Sunscreen 30 – 45 SPF
Plastic Bags
(garbage bags) 1 or 2...many uses.
Big enough to hold critical items in your mountain duffel to add rain protection. Also a few small sandwich bags.
Hand sanitizer (pocket size is best)
Spare batteries
Ear plugs
Hand warmers for summit night (charcoal activated type)
Baby wipes for mountain bath
Bandana
Music player
Optional, but be aware that Ipod and similar hard drive MP3 devices break above 17,000ft.
Knife or multitool (if you think you might use it)
Duct tape
(put a few wraps around trekking pole for access)
Journal
Items you might want to give to porters…shoes, shirts, socks, sunglasses
If you are going on Safari...expect the morning temps to be a bit chilly. Necessary clothing will include a warm hat, gloves and jacket.
Tip money.
This is optional of course... but if you feel the service was exceptional from the African staff, the usual guideline is approximately $100 for the climb and $50 for safari.
Click here or on the icon to download application. Print and fill out all appropriate sections. Contact us with any questions regarding the application process.
Send applications and deposits to:
MountainVision Expeditions
1024 55th St.
Boulder, CO 80303
