Continue reading How to Layer for Kilimanjaro

Staying warm and dry is imperative for a successful trek, but you can achieve it easily if you know how to properly layer. Each layer has a specific and important purpose, so make sure not to leave any out when packing your duffle. Let’s start with your top half:

How to Layer Clothing on Kilimanjaro

Base Layer

(pack both a medium and heavy weight option)
Synthetics or Merino wool manage moisture and help regulate your body temperature.

–> Staff Picks: SmartWool Midweight Long Underwear and Patagonia Capilene 4  

Mid Layer 1

Fleece insulates by trapping air close to your body. Translation: as the temperatures drop, you’ll stay warm!

–> Staff Picks: Mammut Aconcagua Hoodie or Patagonia Better Sweater

Mid Layer 2

Add a layer of synthetic down or wind-resistant fleece to keep you warm as the temperatures drop.
For the coldest temperatures (on the trail or at camp), substitute your mid-layer 2 climbing jacket with your down puffy jacket for optimal insulation.

–> Staff Picks: First Ascent Igniter Jacket or Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoodie Jacket

Outer Layer

When the weather gets wet, waterproof fabrics with breathability (found in fabrics like Gore-Tex or eVent) are necessary as an outer layer. (Learn how to wash your Gore-Tex fabrics.)

–> Staff Picks: Arc’teryx Alpha SL Jacket or Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket

Don’t let the changing temperatures on Kilimanjaro stump you – be prepared for any weather condition with our pants and socks recommendations…

How to Layer Pants on Kilimanjaro

Base Layer (Warm Weather)

Wear quick-dry, convertible hiking pants alone in warmer weather or layer them over base/mid layers in colder weather.

–> Staff Picks: Marmot Lobo Convertible Pant OR Mountain Hardwear Mesa V2 Pant

Base Layer 1 (Cold Weather)

Medium weight synthetics or Merino wool

–> Staff Picks: SmartWool Midweight Long Underwear

Base Layer 2 (Cold Weather)

Heavy weight synthetics or Merino wool

–> Staff Picks: REI Grand Teton Fleece Tights or Mammut Denali Pant

Mid Layer (Cold Weather)

Wind-resistant fleece or synthetic down (climbing pant)

–> Staff Picks: First Ascent Igniter Pant or Marmot Orion Pant

Outer Layer (Cold Weather)

Waterproof technology, like Gore-Tex or eVent, to keep you warm and dry in the snow or rain

–> Staff Picks: Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Pant or Arc’teryx Alpha SL Full Zip Rain Pant

Conquer Kilimanjaro with confidence! Read more insider gear tips from I Artist Adventure and start trekking smarter.