What sleeping bag do I need for Mount Kenya?

You need a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C. Shipton's Camp (4,200 m) regularly drops to -5°C to -10°C at night, and Austrian Hut can be colder. We can arrange sleeping bag hire in Nanyuki if you don't own a suitable bag.

Do I need crampons to climb Mount Kenya?

No. Crampons are not required for Point Lenana (4,985 m), the trekking summit. Low-cut or mid-height gaiters are sufficient. Crampons and technical ice gear are only needed for the technical summits: Nelion (5,188 m) and Batian (5,199 m).

Do I need gaiters for Mount Kenya?

Gaiters are essential on the Naro Moru route: the vertical bog will fill your boots without them. They are recommended on Chogoria and Burguret in wet conditions. On Sirimon in dry season, low-cut gaiters are optional but useful.

What boots should I wear on Mount Kenya?

Waterproof ankle-support hiking boots that are already broken in before your trek. Trail runners are acceptable for dry conditions on Sirimon but boots are strongly preferred. Make sure your footwear is waterproof, as the moorland is frequently wet regardless of season.

Gear guide

Mount Kenya Packing List - What to Bring on Your Trek

Q: How much weight will I carry on Mount Kenya?

As a trekker, you carry a daypack of 7-8 kg: water, layers, rain gear, snacks, camera, headlamp. Your porter carries your main pack (tent, sleeping bag, most food and cooking gear) up to a maximum of 15 kg including their own personal gear.

Mount Kenya demands proper gear. Temperatures at Shipton's Camp (4,200 m) drop below freezing at night, the moorland is frequently wet, and the summit push begins at 3 am. Pack correctly and the mountain is a manageable adventure. Pack wrong and it becomes a miserable ordeal.

Porter load limit

Each porter carries a maximum of 15 kg including their own food and personal gear. As a rule of thumb: your porter carries your main pack (tent, sleeping bag, most food and cooking gear), and you carry a daypack (water, layers, rain gear, snacks, camera, headlamp). Keep your daypack under 7-8 kg.

Clothing layers

Base layer (next to skin)

2× moisture-wicking long-sleeve tops (merino wool or synthetic - not cotton)
2× moisture-wicking long underwear bottoms
3-4× moisture-wicking hiking socks (wool blend)
Lightweight liner gloves
Lightweight balaclava or buff

Cotton kills at altitude - it retains moisture and provides no insulation when wet. Leave it at home.

Mid layer (insulation)

Fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket (200-300g insulation)
Softshell or insulated trousers for cold mornings and evenings
Warm insulated gloves (for summit night - temperatures can reach -10°C)
Fleece or wool hat

Outer shell (waterproof)

Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent) - essential
Waterproof hardshell trousers
Pack cover or dry bags for your pack contents

The mountain can go from sunshine to horizontal rain in minutes. Do not leave the outer shell in camp.

Summit layer (added to all of the above)

Heavyweight down jacket (600-800 fill power) - critical for the 3 am summit start
Heavyweight gloves or mitts over liner gloves
Goggle-style sunglasses for UV protection above 4,000 m (UV intensity is very high)
Sunscreen SPF 50+ - the equatorial sun at altitude burns fast

Footwear

Hiking boots

Waterproof ankle-support hiking boots - already broken in before your trek
Trail runners are acceptable for dry conditions on Sirimon, but boots are strongly preferred
Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings

Gaiters

Essential on Naro Moru (the vertical bog will fill your boots without them)
Recommended on Chogoria and Burguret in wet conditions
Low-cut or mid-height gaiters sufficient - crampons not required for Point Lenana

Sleeping gear

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C - non-negotiable. Shipton's Camp regularly drops to -5°C to -10°C at night. Austrian Hut can be colder.
Sleeping bag liner (adds 3-5°C warmth and keeps your bag clean)
Sleeping mat - we provide these, but a personal inflatable mat adds significantly to comfort

We can arrange sleeping bag hire in Nanyuki if you do not own a suitable bag. Ask us when booking.

Navigation & safety

Headlamp with spare batteries - mandatory for the 3 am summit start. LED headlamps drain faster in cold. Keep batteries in a warm pocket overnight.
Trekking poles (adjustable) - significantly reduce knee strain on descent and aid balance in the vertical bog
Whistle (standard kit; attach to pack strap)
Small first aid kit - blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamine, antiseptic wipes
Altitude medication (Diamox) if prescribed by your doctor
Water treatment tablets or filter (tap water at mountain huts should be treated)
2× water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 litres capacity)

Documents & essentials

Passport (required at the park gate)
Printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation
Travel insurance documentation - must include high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation cover
Park permit (we obtain and carry this for you as part of your package)
Emergency cash (USD or KES) - mobile money and cards not accepted inside the park
Camera or phone with a fully charged power bank (cold kills batteries fast at altitude)
Biodegradable toiletries - soap, toothpaste, shampoo. Pack in a dry bag.
Trowel and WAG bags if camping off established campsites

Questions about gear? Ask us.

We can advise on gear hire in Nanyuki, what the mountain weather looks like for your dates, and whether any items on this list can be left behind for your specific route.

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