Your complete Mt Meru packing list

This blog post contains a complete Mt Meru packing list to help you plan and prepare for this epic adventure!

Let's by briefly looking at what items are provided at the mountain huts, and what Follow Alice will loan or can rent to you if you choose.

We'll then get into the meat of the post, which is discussing everything you need to pack yourself, from hiking gear like a backpack and trekking poles to clothes, shoes, toiletries, first aid items, gadgets and more.

You stay in communal huts on a Mt Meru climb, so your packing list is a little shorter than it would be if you were climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, where most people camp. Notably, the huts have dormitory-style bedrooms, each of which is equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, pillows and duvets (though a sleeping bag is still essential).

You stay in communal huts on a Mt Meru climb

​Ultimately, we want to keep you warm, safe and healthy during your climb! In fact, we feel so strongly about this that we provide you with one of our winter sleeping bags to use during the climb at no extra cost!

We also provide clients with winter jackets and trekking poles if you wish for a small rental fee.

Two of our lovely clients in their Follow Alice jackets

Our winter jackets are made from down and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). These red-and-black branded jackets can be rented for US$65 for the duration of the climb. We highly recommend these to ensure you stay warm enough!

We can also rent you high-quality, collapsible trekking poles for US$20 for the trip. Trekking poles are invaluable on a climb like Meru as they offer extra balance and help to protect your knees on the long descent.

Let's now look at what you need to bring along for a safe and comfortable Mt Meru climb ...

You need to bring the following carrying equipment to Mt Meru:

Here's a little more detail on each of the above important items ...

This is the bag that you carry on your back while on each day's hike. All the items that you might need during the day go into this bag, including your snacks, drinking water, camera and extra layers of clothing.

It's important you make an educated decision as to what backpack to bring. Really good, quality backpacks have an internal frame. They also have padded shoulder and hip straps, as well as sternum straps.

You should also look for a pack with a suspended mesh back, as this allows your body heat to escape. This is something that's especially important on those warmer days lower down the mountain.

Some backpacks also come with their own fitted rain cover, which is useful.

Further, if you intend to bring along trekking poles, see if there are hooks for attaching these to the exterior when you want your hands to be free.

Learn more: How to choose to a backpack for high-altitude trekking.

As we discuss in How should I train for Kilimanjaro? (which is a similar adventure to Meru, just a little shorter and easier), you should do some training hikes using your backpack. In this way you can ensure the backpack is comfortable.

On these training hikes, we recommend that you also carry all the water and other items that will go into it on your Mt Meru climb to get used to the weight.

We highly recommend you pack a rain cover that's fitted to your backpack, even if your backpack is water-resistant. Nobody needs the added challenge of carrying a sopping, heavy backpack when tackling a mountain like Mt Meru.

Many outdoor backpacks come with a built-in rain cover. This is really useful, as you stand no chance of forgetting it! It's also perfectly sized to your backpack.

Our very own Bobu sporting a nicely fitting backpack rain cover

In an attempt to reduce pollution, the Government of Tanzanian has prohibited any plastic carrier bags from entering the country. You're therefore advised to avoid having plastic carrier bags in any of your luggage.

While your backpack rain cover should keep the contents of your bag dry, it's a good idea to also bring along some dry bags. These are useful for:

Your duffel bag – or any other soft bag – contains everything else you need for the climb, including your sleeping bag. If you simply cannot fit your sleeping bag into your duffel bag, our team will strap it onto the outside of the duffel bag for you.

Please don't bring a stiff bag like a suitcase, or anything too precious, as it could get a bit squished when carried by the porter. It's also not as comfortable or easy for the porters to carry.

Your backpack is needed just for storing your stuff for that day's hike

Ensure at the start of every day that you've put what you might need for that day's climate in your backpack. You'll also carry your own water and food. Everything else must fit into your duffel bag.

When packing for Mt Meru we recommend you include the following water carriers:

We cannot over-stress how important it is to have enough water to drink while on your climb. Not only are you being very active and so need to hydrate, but water also helps to ease the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Every trekker should carry two to three litres of water per day.

Most hiking backpacks have capacity for a hydration bag (also called a water bladder). Some even have a built-in hydration pack. A well-known brand of hydration packs is the CamelBak.

Built-in water bladders with drinking hoses are really useful

Hydration packs come with a drinking hose attached, which is really great. This means that instead of reaching for a water bottle when thirsty, you can just pick up the mouthpiece and drink from there.

We recommend that you also carry a full water bottle (or two). We have three reasons for saying this:

It takes a whole lot of effort and sweat to reach Mt Meru's Socialist Peak!

It's best to keep your water bottle as close to your body on summit day as possible to prevent the water from freezing – in this way, you can sip from here if the water in your hydration pack's drinking hose is frozen. Putting your water bottle inside a thermal sock also helps to keep it from freezing.

Ensure your water bottle is good quality and the lid closes securely. A leak won't be welcomed.

Also, note that water freezes from top to bottom, so if you carry your water bottle upside down then you can still drink from it even if the top part has started to freeze.

You should pack the following footwear for Mt Meru:

The most important item on your Mt Meru packing list is a pair of comfortable, worn in hiking boots.

We recommend opting for either leather or synthetic trekking boots. Leather boots that are properly looked after last longer than any other type of boot.

Please read The best hiking boots for Kilimanjaro to learn more about the type of trekking boots to look for, as the conditions for climbing Mt Meru are pretty much the same as those for Kilimanjaro!

Ideally, you should hike around 100 km in your trekking boots before the two of you head to Mt Meru.

We also want to stress the importance of either wearing your boots or having them in your hand luggage on your travels to Tanzania. Should your luggage disappear, you want to at least have your essential items on you. We always do our best to help clients with any needed items, but new or borrowed hiking boots can compromise your climb.

After a long day of hiking, the thought of sitting back and kicking off your boots is pure bliss. This is great except for the fact that the temperature can plummet higher up on the mountain.

So when you're packing for Mt Meru, it's a good idea to throw in a pair of comfortable, closed sneakers to wear around camp.

Gaiters aren't essential, but we do recommend using them.

Gaiters are helpful in:

Things can get muddy on a Mt Meru climb

We recommend you pack the following inner layers of clothing:

Climbing Mt Meru means hiking through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert. For this reason, it's helpful to have quite a few layers to work with.

Your base layer is the layer that sits closest to your body and helps to regulate your body temperature. You don't want a fabric that take a long time to dry (like cotton), as this will chill you when you stop exercising.

On the natural side of things, merino wool or bamboo works really well. Both are breathable and so moisture escapes easily.

Alternatively, choose a synthetic material – or one that's a combination of natural and synthetic fibres – that has really excellent sweat-wicking properties. Good options include nylon, polyester, polypropylene and MicroModal.

Your summit base layer should include long johns and a thermal, long-sleeved vest (preferably made of merino wool) that you wear for summit day only.

Your summit day climb is by far the longest hike of the entire Mt Meru climb. So having a fresh and comfortable layer for this day's hike is ideal.

Your middle layer is for your torso and is worn over your base layer. This garment should be comfortable and easy to move in. We recommend a thin fleece or parka for this layer.

So it goes without saying that a fresh set of underwear is always a pretty good way to start each day! That's why we recommend that you bring multiple pairs along with you.

It's best to wear sports pants (and bras) on Mt Meru, as they're comfortable and breathable. Again, avoid cotton. You want fabrics that wick away sweat.

The climate is very cold near the top of Mt Meru, so you need to pack thermal underwear. We recommend having two of each item – one of which you keep especially for summit day, the coldest and longest day of all.

Just like underwear, we suggest that you bring a few pairs of socks along with you for your Mt Meru adventure. And we advise that you bring three different types of sock:

First and foremost, you must pack some regular hiking socks. We advise that you test out your hiking socks before coming to Mt Meru. Use them when breaking in your hiking boots. This way you'll be able to detect any troublesome seams or the like.

Your socks should always be higher than the cuff of your boots

We're sure you've noticed a trend by now: have a fresh 'everything' that you save for summit day. This certainly goes for your hiking socks. Only note that your summit day socks should be thermal socks, as you need the extra warmth to avoid cold feet.

We also suggest you wear sock liners. Not everyone does, but these are great in helping to prevent blisters because the friction gathers between the liner and the sock rather than between your skin and the sock. It's quite common for climbers to get blisters on their feet, especially on summit day when you're on your feet for several hours.

If you want to know more about avoiding and dealing with blisters, please read How to prevent (and treat) foot blisters when trekking.

You need to pack the following outer layers for your Kilimanjaro climb:

A good-quality winter jacket is a very important item on your Mt Meru packing list. Down is a good insulating material, which is why the Follow Alice winter jackets that we rent to clients are made with down. (Please note that our down jackets are not waterproof.)

Our client Alex in his cosy Follow Alice jacket on Mt Meru

The start of the climb is relatively warm and humid, so your winter jacket won't be needed and can be kept in your duffel bag. From then on you'll keep it in your backpack so that you can haul it out whenever you want it.

A winter jacket is essential for summit day

You're likely to start wearing your winter jacket when you reach the moorland zone. You'll certainly be wrapping up in it in the alpine desert zone! It's also your favourite item in the evenings.

Waterproof garments are essential for the start of your hike, especially if you climb Mt Meru during the rainy season. (Learn more in The best time to climb Mt Meru.)

That said, it's smart to carry waterproof gear no matter what time of year you climb.

While regular rain gear is waterproof, it generally isn't very breathable. Given how much you sweat when hiking, it's important to have a rain jacket and trousers that are relatively lightweight and have inner membranes to make them breathable. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket that has a 2,000 hydrostatic head (this tells you how waterproof the jacket is).

Of course, you could opt for a poncho instead of a rain jacket. This has the benefit of being able to fit over your backpack as well, eliminating the need for a special backpack rain cover. The drawback, however, is that it can obscure your view at times of where exactly you're putting your feet.

A windbreaker also goes a long way on Mt Meru. There's nothing worse than wearing multiple layers to keep warm and the wind still cuts right through. To keep the load light, we suggest looking for a waterproof jacket that is also a windbreaker. We love a two-in-one solution!

Also, jackets with elasticated wristbands are helpful in keeping out the cold and wind.

Pack at least one pair of durable, breathable and comfortable trousers. Two pairs is enough, really, as you can swap them out if one needs some drying or airing.

We love convertible (zip-off) trousers that you can turn into shorts on warm days. Again with the two-in-one winning formula! Obviously you could choose instead to pack regular hiking trousers as well as a pair of shorts.

Some people like to wear trousers no matter the temperature as they protect your legs from sunburn, insect bites and scratches. Long trousers also help to prevent dirt and pebbles finding their way into your boots.

Some important accessories to pack for a Mt Meru climb are:

A sunhat is important for the beginning and end of the adventure when you're lower down on the mountain.

A sunhat is better than a cap to protect the back of your neck.

The odd person might also like to bring a headband so that sweat doesn't run into your eyes.

As you climb higher, you need a warm hat like a beanie. A beanie can also be worn when you sleep to avoid heat escaping through your head.

On summit day you're grateful for every warm item you packed!

We suggest you bring a thermal balaclava for summit day as this helps to keep your head, ears and neck warm.

Alternatively, consider a scarf or, even better, a thick snood, as this stands no chance of slipping off or flapping annoyingly.

The huts have solar electricity, but it's a good idea to have a head torch (flashlight) for backup.

The main reason, however, for a head torch is that summit day begins around 2 am in the morning! So you'll need a torch to see your way (unless there's a full moon).

You absolutely must pack winter gloves (or ski gloves) to keep your hands warm! We especially like mittens for summit day as having all your fingers together generates more warmth.

Having said that, mittens do make it quite challenging to take pictures. So if you'd prefer fingered gloves, do ensure they're a quality pair that offer proper insulation.

For summit day, one pair of gloves simply isn't enough. Some glove liners, or glove inners, will help to ensure your hands and fingers don't become icicles. Fleece glove inners are nicely cosy.

Polarised sunglasses or ski glasses are essential for a Mt Meru climb.

Ideally bring glasses that strike a balance between being as large as possible to fully shield your eyes, while not being too large that they fog up when you get sweaty. Wrap-around sunglasses are good for sitting snugly and keeping the sun from sneaking in at the sides.

On clear days the glare can be intense, so pack your sunnies!

Like everything else on this list, trying our sunglasses out on a trial hike will let you know beforehand if you're coming with appropriate eyewear or not.

You might also like to pack a sunglasses cord if you have one of those noses that likes to ditch glasses at the slightest opportunity. Or you could even bring ski glasses.

We recommend you pack the following personal items for your Mt Meru climb:

* Your mountain crew will give you a bowl of water at camp for some strategic splashing and cleaning.

Think carefully about what to include in a small, personal first aid kit. And even better, speak to your GP beforehand for advice on the matter.👩🏽‍⚕️

When you're at camp, you'll be able to use the toilets. But a female urinating device like a Shewee is very useful when on the trail as it lets you pee while standing. And when that happens, a pee cloth, like a Kula Cloth, is an hygienic and environmentally friendly way to avoid the drip-dry method!

A female urinating device lets you pee while standing

Some of the tech gear to consider packing for your Mt Meru climb is as follows:

There's limited cellphone reception on Mt Meru, but you can get reception at times. At present there's no WiFi on the mountain.

Bring along your camera – big or small – to capture the sights and special moments of the climb

To travel to Tanzania you also need the following:

Please don't forget your passport! We can help with replacing pretty much anything if needed, but sadly we can't replace your passport. Make it number one on your Kilimanjaro packing list. And please ensure your passport is valid for six months after your arrival date in Tanzania.

You also need a Tanzanian visa. US, Canadian, British and most European citizens can simply obtain their visas upon arrival at the airport. The cost is $100 for US passport holders and $50 for others. If you're a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy whether or not you can obtain a visa upon arrival. You can also view the Tanzania Visa Policy.

Kilimanjaro as seen from Arusha National Park

No specific vaccines are required before entry into Tanzania. That said, be aware that the Government of Tanzania does requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you're travelling in from a country with a known risk of yellow fever.

We suggest you talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations which are standard in developed countries: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and meningococcal meningitis.

Please check the Fit For Travel website for more up-to-date information.

We have a handful suggestions of other bits and bobs you may want to add to your Kilimanjaro packing list. These aren't essential, but can make your climb even more enjoyable.

* The mountain crew use water-purifying tablets to purify the water they provide you for drinking. These make the water safe to drink, but can alter the taste. Some folks like to add flavour sachets to their drinking water to make it more palatable. And adding some electrolytes to your drinking water is also a very good idea.

Finally, here are our top two Mt Meru packing tips ...

When travelling by air, we recommend that you either wear your important trekking gear or carry it in your cabin bag. This way your Mt Meru climb isn't derailed if your check-in luggage gets lots or stolen.

The main items we have in mind are your hiking boots, winter jacket, and any medication.

Save yourself some time at the airport by having a pen handy to fill out the visa form. Also have US dollars ready for your visa fee if you intend to get this at the airport. Don't crinkle or fold the money.

Note that ATMs can only be found after immigration.

That's it! If you pack all of the items discussed above, then you're all set to have a safe and happy climb!