Here we come, Tanzania (updated gear list)
I’m leaving for Africa in 22 days! A while back, I wrote a list of what I planned to bring (and what I recommended for others to bring). Now that the time here, this is my list of what I’m actually going to bring.
Note: I’ve updated this with what actually happened.
I still need to buy stuff marked with an asterisk (*).
Climbing Stuff
We’ll go through a number of different climate systems on the hike. Kurt has said that the hike will be similar to summer mountaineering in the Sierras, so I’m planning to dress similarly, plus carrying some additional stuff for the part of the hike over 15,000 ft.
Clothing
2 pairs travel underwear
1 wool long underwear – Icebreaker BodyFit 260
2 pair convertible pants – The North Face Paramount Peak
2 white synthetic t-shirts – Patagonia Cap 2 t-shirt Note: these ended up smelling really bad. I now recommend wool t-shirts.
1 synthetic long-sleeve shirt – Patagonia Cap 3 Midweight Crew
1 ultra-lightweight shell for wind protection – Patagonia Houdini Jacket This is one of the raddest items I’ve ever owned.
1 down vest for “normal” insulation – Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
1 parka/belay jacket for when it’s cold. Patagonia DAS Parka I’m going with synthetic insulation over down even though it’s bigger and heavier because I sometimes get wet. Don’t know if they still make these.
1 technical/rain shell – Outdoor Research Paclite Jacket
1 pair softshell insulated pants – Arcteryx Gamma MX Softshell Pants Not sure I need these for this trip, but I’m not carrying them! I will theoretically wear them on the summit day.
1 pair technical shell pants – Arcteryx Beta AR
Hands, Feet and Head
* 2 pair thin glove liners. Need to buy another pair. In case one gets wet.
1 pair shell gloves (REI Shell Gloves)
3 liner socks
2 pairs wool hiking socks
1 pair waterproof mid-weight hiking boots
1 pair hiking gaiters (Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters) Don’t think I need bigger ones.
1 cashmere beanie
* 1 balaclava
Other Gear
Big black duffel bag for all my stuff
Small technical daypack
Sleeping pad
* Sleeping pad repair kit
15-degree down sleeping bag
Camp chair
Mini-towel. I use this to deal with sweat. Gross, I know.
2-liter hydration bladder with *insulated hose and mouthpiece I need to purchase the insulated mouthpiece part.
32-oz round Nalgene bottle
* 16-oz square Nalgene bottle (pee bottle)
First aid/emergency kit (my standard kit + meds)
- Advil
- Diamox
- Cipro
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Moleskin
- athletic tape + yellow stuff (for ankles, etc)
- icy hot ointment
- water purification tablets
- emergency blanket
- multi-tool
- waterproof matches
- flint kit
- firestarters
- compass
- mini flashlight
- duck tape
Personal kit
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Q-tips
- Ear plugs I have extras, if anyone wants some.
- hand sanitizer
- bug lotion
- sunscreen
- lip stuff
- shampoo, conditioner and soap (leave in Moshi)
Trekking poles
Headlamp
* Extra batteries for headlamp
iPod Nano
iPod extra battery pack
* Watch (mine broke; need to figure this out)
10 hand warmers
2 pair polarized sunglasses, with extra lenses
1 pair goggles. Spoke with a friend about the trip who suggested that these might be useful if, you know, there’s weather up top. Again, I’m not super concerned about weight on the trip.
1 pair prescription glasses
Safari and Zanzibar
I’ll wear the same pants I wore on Kilimanjaro on the safari.
2 long-sleeve safari shirts (Ex-Officio Air Strip Lite Long-Sleeve Shirt) Frankly, these fit oddly. But I haven’t found anything better.
1 white cotton t-shirt. Even though I’m already bringing two t-shirts from the hike, nothing feels better when it’s hot out than a simple cotton t-shirt. So I’ll throw this in if there’s room.
3 pair socks (Wigwam Ultimax Cool Lite Hiker Mid Socks)
1 bathing suit.
Sandals (Chaco Z/2 Diamond Stealth Sandal)
1 navy blazer Keepin’ it classy.
1 nice button-down shirt
Go-out clothes
Not sure whether I should bring this stuff. Sort of depends on what’s in Zanzibar.
1 pair jeans
1 black short-sleeve shirt
1 pair black leather boots
1 pair dark socks
1 black belt
Traveling/other
2 travel locks (Lewis and Clark Travel Sentry Cable Combo Lock)
Smaller duffel for Zanzibar Not sure if this is really needed.
Cell phone and charger
iPod charger
* Stuff for washing clothes I think Justin’s bringing this.
* Triangle adapter plug