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| To The Roof Of Africa |
| Mount Kilimanjaro Climb September 2008 |
| Coordinate 3° 4′ 33″ S, 37° 21′ 12″ E |
| Like the soundtrack for this page? "Anoma (I’m a Poor Man)" is a Swahili song about a man looking for meaning to life beyond physical existence. Purchase yours now by clicking below: Putumayo Africa CD |
What's a must? What's a luxury? What could I live without for 9 days on a mountain
and what would make all the difference in the world if only I knew to bring it?
With a weight limit of 33 lbs (not including my sleeping bag and
helmet...yeah...helmet...for that dangerous part of the ascent where boulders may
decide to start catapulting down the mountain toward us, thank god for that helmet!)
and a recommended packing list nearly two pages long, I am more than a little
worried about how I'll accomplish my packing goals of bringing all of the comforts of
home.
and what would make all the difference in the world if only I knew to bring it?
With a weight limit of 33 lbs (not including my sleeping bag and
helmet...yeah...helmet...for that dangerous part of the ascent where boulders may
decide to start catapulting down the mountain toward us, thank god for that helmet!)
and a recommended packing list nearly two pages long, I am more than a little
worried about how I'll accomplish my packing goals of bringing all of the comforts of
home.
| LOOK BELOW FOR A PEEK AT MY FULL PACKING LIST AND THE GEAR I'M PLANNING ON TAKING ALONG! |
| Walking boots - medium weight/waterproof ----- Solomon Boots (couldn't be happier with my trusty old boots, well-worn in and always comfy. I may need to re-waterproof them though) Liner Socks - 3 pair ----- Hiking Socks - 3 pair ----- SmartWool Adrenaline Hiking Socks Sleeping Socks/Camp socks ----- Colombia Heavyweight Hiker Gaiters - 1 pair high or low ----- Will probably rent these, though I will also need them in Rwanda for Gorilla Tracking. I don't own any now but may buy them so I have them. Camp Shoes (lighweight, comfortable, for at night) ----- Flip Flops (waterproof, for showering or around camp on hot days) Shorts or Convertible Pants ----- Absolutely bringing my very favorite hiking pants ever! Mountain Hardwear "Yuma"...fast drying, zip-off to a fashionable capri, and ultra stretchy/comfy Undergarments - 3 changes ----- Go with what ya know in this case. I'm not buying any of those undies that advertise "2 pair, 10 countries, 30 days". Personally I don't plan on handwashing my panties each night and hanging them off my pack while hiking the next day to dry. 9 days, 9 pair of undies....call me extravagant! Sports Bras - 2 ----- Hey ladies, I actually found a great hiking bra at Kohl's. Cheap and fast-drying, extra stretchy and the little things that adjust on your shoulder straps don't hit underneath your pack straps, perfect. I think they might be by Barely There. Long Thermal Pants - 2 pair ----- The North Face XTC Expedition and another Patagonia pair my friend Holly generously donated to me Long-Sleeve Thermal Undershirts - 2 shirts ----- Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-neck Lower body fleece - 1 base layer ----- Patagonia (not sure of the style) Lower body fleece - 1 expedition layer ----- Thinking about splurging on the Mountain Hardwear Mistral fleece pants. They are soooo thick and wonderful. Not very attractive but it's not about looking good, is it? I can't seem to find the size small anywhere on line and they run large. Outer layer trousers - 1 pair (waterproof and windproof) ----- Again, my favorite Mountain Hardwear "Yuma" pants, they aren't waterproof but I can throw on my rain pants over them. Convertible trousers - 1 pair (to wear when NOT cold) ----- Hel-lo-ooooo? Anybody getting the idea now that it will be my Mountain Hardwear Yuma Pants? Upper body fleece - 2 base layers ----- Bought a few choices for a few dollars at the thrift store, because they're bulky and I'm limited in luggage space/weight I will be giving them away to the porters at the end of the climb Upper body fleece - 1 vest layer ----- Colombia Vest (just bought it at the outlet for 10 bucks, what a deal!) Upper body fleece - 1 expedition layer ----- My Spyder ultra-cool looking black zip fleece. It's been everywhere with me and should definately accompany me on Kili. Outer layer upper body jacket - Waterproof/windproof with HOOD, lightweight (Down jackets can be used instead of fleece layers) ----- I have two "giveaway" choices that I may bring along. One is better than the other buy lacks a hood. Darn. T-shirts -2 (wear in camp each day, not for hiking) For lack of laundry purposes I will probably bring my Icebreaker T-shirts. They are made of super-fine non-itchy merino wool. I usually cannot wear wool at all and these don't bother me. The amazing thing about them is that for whatever reason they never start to smell (even when I do!) and they stay cool on hot days. They really breathe well. They aren't cheap, but if you're interested they're worth the money. Look for them on sale at www.backcountryoutlet.com Hat - Wicking baseball cap (cover neck too) Balaclava ----- I bought one of these to sleep in, VERY sexy, and can use it later if I decide to rob a bank. I haven't tried it but while sleeping outside in Vail at 40 degrees ny face was the only thing cold. This should help. Sweatband Bandanna Gloves - 2 pair (Outer layer mittens and waterproof inner layer) Lightweight hiking gloves (sun protection and blister-resistant for poles) Warm winter hat Warm ski mittens for summit day ----- Bonfire Ski Mittens Sleeping Bag ----- I LOVE the new Marmot Helium EQ 15 degree bag my husband got me for Mother's Day this year but even at less than 2 lbs I have decided to rent one. Pillow ----- Thermarest Compressible Pillow. This really squishes down but "pops" open to be a very good sized pillow Sleeping Bag Liner -----Sea to Summit silk mummy liner, it should add 9 or 10 degrees to my bag and keep me from feeling all creepy crawling from sleeping in a rented sleeping bag. Ick. Sleeping Pad ----- I think this is provided, better check on that... Water bottles - 2 nalgene bottles @ 1 liter each ----- I also bought an insulated holder for one of my bottles as I understand your bladder and bottles of water will freeze on summit day Day pack with bladder system ( be sure bottles fit in pockets) ----- Ausprey Aura 35 Backpack with a 3 liter Camelback bladder Headlamp ----- Petzl and for at night in the tent when I don't want a headlamp squishing my head I bought a nifty necklight at Wal-Mart for $10. It hangs around your neck and can be adjusted for the right fit and angle. Poncho (to cover me and my pack) ----- I have a backpack cover and a poncho, but it's a cheapy...hope it works. Sunglasses - 2 pair ----- First of all, I would just die if I ever lost my very favorite Native Sunglasses. I have probably had them 8 years and I always wear them for hiking. They don't slide around as they have rubber all the way around the eyes. I also have an official pair of "Glacier Glasses" my friends Tracey and Jim got me for my 40th b'day. Adjustable trekking poles ----- Renting these, but since I'll need them for Rwanda if weight permits I may bring my own Sun Screen Water flavoring powder with electrolytes ----- I've been trying various ones but so far I like Camelback Elixir best. If the water tastes really bad there I am also bringing Crystal Light lemonade. It's stronger flavor might mask the yuck. Personal First Aid kit 5 Plastic bags to separate dirty/clean clothing ----- I'm told EVERYTHING gets very wet or damp so keep everything in plastic bags, even when it's clean. Wet wipes (body and face) Biodegradable soap and shampoo Deoderant Brush/comb Toothbrush and toothpaste Towel ----- Oh my gosh, you should see my teeny weeny pack towel. When I opened the package I thought that I must be mistaken. It weighs 2.5 oz and is the thickness of a piece of paper. I tried it after a shower and it sopped up all the water from my body and hair more quickly than my regular big old bath towels Throat drops (to suck on in dry air at altitude) Nail clippers, file, nail brush Duffle bags (bring 2-4 about 30"x12"x12" each to pack for mountain Rain pants ----- Colombia, I got them in the kids department at Sports Authority for around $20 two years ago. Rain jacket ----- Outdoor Research, ultra light weight Rain Hat ----- Sunday Afternoons (they make great hats, you should check them out) Snacks ----- (almonds, chips (salty), jelly bellies with electolytes, swedish fish, not really sure what I'll bring but anything consumable won't matter so much with my weight restriction, favorite decaf teas for night time) Dried Soup Mix ----- I was told to bring this since the altitude makes you not want to eat, hopefully I could atleast get some soup down Camera -Nikon D70 and Canon SD800 Camera and equipment (extra CHARGED batteries, SD cards, battery charger) Notebook and pen/pencil Video camera ----- I'm going to use the limited video capability on my Canon SD800, which will be fine unless I need to zoom. At high altitudes not only would I run out of battery power quickly on a video camera those that record to an HDD can actually be damaged. Jimmy will bring it with him for safari afterward. Insect Repellent (100% Deet) ----- I've been practicing with this. So far it's eaten my nail polish off and ruined more than one perfectly good manicure and also eaten all the letters off the top of my watch as well as kind of melted the plastic away a bit. Hmmm, what do you think it's doing to my SKIN??? Jeez! Adapter (three prong 220v plug in Tanzania) Games -----cribbage,cards, phase 10 ( if you've never played Phase 10 you should pick one up, VERY fun and portable) Waterproof stuff sack Waterproof pouches Mini camera tripod or gorillapod Walkie Talkies (2 for Abby and Stacy, 1 for Jim when I come down the mountain) Hand Warmers Toe Warmers |
Here's the exciting challenge I
have: everything written here
on my packing list must weight
less than 33 lbs not including
the sleeping bag and pad.
Okay, I could do that and right
now am well on my way to being
underweight I think...however as
it turns out I can only bring 33
lbs total for all 3 1/2 weeks
including the climb AND safari.
The airplanes that take us
between countries limit our
luggage weight and we can't
even pay for overweight
luggage. Thus I'll be giving
away some of my Kili gear in
Tanzania to some lucky soul and
my seatmate on the plane may
find me wearing 3 pairs of pants,
4 jackets, and a pair of shoes or
two dangling from my belt loops.
have: everything written here
on my packing list must weight
less than 33 lbs not including
the sleeping bag and pad.
Okay, I could do that and right
now am well on my way to being
underweight I think...however as
it turns out I can only bring 33
lbs total for all 3 1/2 weeks
including the climb AND safari.
The airplanes that take us
between countries limit our
luggage weight and we can't
even pay for overweight
luggage. Thus I'll be giving
away some of my Kili gear in
Tanzania to some lucky soul and
my seatmate on the plane may
find me wearing 3 pairs of pants,
4 jackets, and a pair of shoes or
two dangling from my belt loops.
Mountain
Hardwear
Yuma Pants -
Convertible
(For Women)
Colors: Dark
Brown
(shown),
Chaparrel and
Bone
Hardwear
Yuma Pants -
Convertible
(For Women)
Colors: Dark
Brown
(shown),
Chaparrel and
Bone
