I need winter wear for Kilimanjaro.

November 28, 2014 1:01 AM

Please help me decide what I need for cold-weather gear for Kilimanjaro!

I'm heading to Kilimanjaro next month, and I'm stuck trying to decide what to do about my outer layers.

I live in a warm climate and don't have a need for heavy-duty winter wear on a regular basis, so I'm trying to avoid spending a lot of money on something I will probably use only rarely outside this trip.

Ideally I would like to get something that I can layer with things I already own. I already have a fleece jacket and a lightly-insulated Patagonia jacket. I'm planning on bringing both of these, but I will need something else for the higher elevations.

I need a waterproof outer layer that I can wear over the Patagonia jacket for the coldest parts of the climb. I've been checking out different shells, but there are so many options and it's hard to nail things down. I've been reading so many different packing lists at this point that I'm not sure which way to go. Would something like this be sufficient based on the layers I already have, or should I go for a three-in-one? Do I need a more heavily-insulated parka, or will I be okay with fleece/light primaloft/shell layering? Packing weight is an issue, so I don't want to waste space/weight on bringing things I won't need.

Fit-wise: I'm tall with broad shoulders and long arms. I usually wear a women's large (occasionally a medium if stuff runs big), but I'm planning on needing an XL with the layering I'll be doing. I don't want a jacket that will run too short, so a little longer is better. (If need be, I could probably wear a men's jacket.)

And if I can find something at a good price that I can order on Black Friday...score!

posted by Salieri to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (3 answers total)

I'm not sure what gear is necessary, but if you really are unlikely to need most of this clothing again, you should know that there are a lot of places that do gear rental, including warm clothes. Googling "Kilimanjaro gear rental" or "Kilimanjaro kit rental" will get you a bunch of links. Some of it may be overpriced for the duration of time you'll need it, but it will still be cheaper than buying new and keeping in the back of your closet for many years, especially given that the quality will likely be better than what you would be willing to buy.
posted by brainmouse at 5:39 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]

I second. Towns of Moshi and Arusha the two launching points should have plenty of rental for gear. I do recommend a good warm sleeping bag. I rented a sleeping bag sight unseen and was uncomfortably cold through out my Kili climb
posted by Pantalaimon at 10:00 AM on November 28, 2014

I did the climb and I think you can get by with fleece/light primaloft/shell. I did a few layers of long underwear, a (borrowed) puffer, topped by a waterproof shell and I was fine. My head and feet are what really got cold, not so much my trunk. (I did long underwear layers and rain pants with heavy socks for the bottom half.) You might ask friends if they have a puffer you can borrow because people who ski or hike/camp in colder areas might have something that would fit the bill.
posted by *s at 12:32 PM on December 1, 2014