what to wear for Kili summit?

[Bevalah]

Wondering what to pack in regards to warm clothing... do I need snowpants for summit night/morning? Would hiking pants with a couple of pairs of thermals underneath work? Wind pants with the same? Do I take a Gortex shell with a couple of fleece for underneath or bring my down jacket, or both? I think I'm about to make MEC really, really happy.

[mytwoleftfeet]

Hi Bevalah,

I summitted Kili in July 2008 via the Lemosho route. My group climbed for 8 days to reach Uhuru (descent on day 8 & 9), so the night of 6th and 7th day were really cold (stayed at Crater camp night before the summit at minus 25 degrees.) I wore my insulated pants trekking only during those 2 days. However I wore them more at night since we camped rather than stay in huts.

I'm not sure when you're planning your trek. When I started the trek I only wore my convertible pants. When it got cooler, I wore my water repellant pants (I wear them for skiing in Canada). If I remember correctly here's what I brought with me:

1 convertible pants
1 water repellant ski pants (Patagonia)
1 insulated pants (wore this last 2 days trekking; wore it most nights to sleep)
1 wool longjohn thermals (only wore this at night; wore it once during the day, had to take it off)
2 T shirts (quick dry) - - don't bring cotton shirts
2 Long sleeve shirts (quick dry) - - 1/4 zip base layer ski shirts are the best
3 in 1 jacket (liner & fleece) - - this is handy as you can peel layers
1 parka (700 down) - - wore this most nights sleeping; never wore this during trek, too hot!
6 pairs of wool socks - - - cotton socks are not recommended
7 pairs of sock liners
scarf
sun hat
winter hat (one that covers your ears are the best)
light weight gloves (brought kayaking gloves which came in handy as your hands get really dry)
heavy weight winter gloves
gaiters (a life saver for my pants; heavy weight ones are the best; it's dusty/muddy going up & down)
head lamp

If you're going with an trip outfitter, they should be able to provide you with a list. I hope that helps!

Remember pole! pole! Go slow, climb high, sleep low, be humble! Work with mother nature.

All good things! ................................ Emma

[Bevalah]

Thank you Emma. This is really helpful. Time to go shopping!