Adventuredynamics.co.za

Mt Toubkal Equipment List
The following is a complete suggested equipment list that is guaranteed to keep you comfortable on the trip. Conditions on Mt Toubkal may vary from dry and hot to snowy, stormy and very cold for this. Even on a daily basis temperatures vary when conditions change from intense sunlight to misty overcast conditions. For these reasons many people become overheated when climbing so it is best to dress in layers; for instance, thermal underwear, fleece layer, windproof layer. Sweating causes loss of body fluid whilst at the same time soaking your clothes, which rapidly become cold in the wind or shade. Remove layers as you heat up and be sure to put them back on when you stop to rest, enter a shadow or climb after sundown. If you get wet put on dry clothes immediately. It is also a good idea to only wear clothes that have a good wicking ability. A windproof jacket is required. Hats and caps are also recommended, as they prevent heat loss from your scalp and also shade your eyes from glare and sunburn. A balaclava covering hair, ears, forehead and chin is very useful at the higher altitudes. You will need sunglasses and should put sunblock cream on your nose, ears and lips. Tight clothing, particularly shoes, impedes circulation and causes chafing or irritation, so wear loose comfortable items and well-broken in boots. Use woolen mittens or good gloves for warmth as well as a windproof layer for insulation. Carry a good sleeping bag and if you are sleeping in any of the huts other than those on the main route (which have bunks and mattresses) or in tents, it is essential that you take a good ground mat for insulation. Temperatures from night 1 on the mountain will drop to below freezing. Boots are also a very important item and can cause a lot of problems on the mountain if they are not correct. You need a waterproof, medium to heavy weight boot with a strong sole and good ankle support. With the new synthetic materials walking them in is not such a huge commitment as it was with leather boots but you need to ensure that they fit comfortably. Make sure you have enough space to prevent your toes hitting the front of
the boot when descending a steep path. If your boot is too tight it will impede circulation
and will prevent your foot from warming up properly. In very cold conditions it can
actually cause frostbite but this is not a big concern in the conditions you will experience
on Kilimanjaro. If you are prone to blisters ensure that you bring a good supply of
moleskin for protection.
You will be carrying a day pack of about 35l. This will hold your water, camera, snacks
and should always have a waterproof jacket/raincoat in it. From day 2 on ensure that you
also have some warm gear with you incase the clouds come in or it begins to rain. Please
remember that we hire most of the major items listed below.
Cold Weather Gear

 1 Waterproof, windproof jacket  1 Rain poncho  1 Waterproof, windproof over pants  1 300 Series polar fleece jacket  1 100 Series polar fleece pants or good tracksuit pants (supplied)  1 Thermal long sleeve top  1 Thermal underwear long-johns  2 Pairs of thick socks – 70% wool  1 Pair good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproofing  1 Pair thick wool gloves  1 Pair windproof waterproof over-gloves  1 Balaclava/beanie/wool hat  Buff (supplied)  1 Pair sunglasses with good UV protection  1 Pair mud/snow gaiters
Mountain equipment
 2 Walking sticks  1 Sleeping mat/thermarest  1 Sleeping bag rated to –8 degrees (at least)  1 80 - 100 litre duffel bag for porters  1 Day pack 35 litres  1 Kit bag to leave at hotel  1 Head torch (Petzl)  3 Head torch batteries  2 1 litre water bottles
General clothing
 4 Pairs of thin cotton socks  1 Tekkies/sneakers or  1 Strops/sandals  7 Underwear  4 T-shirts  1 Trousers/Tracksuit  1 Shorts  1 Hat/cap (wide brim)
Medication
 Suntan lotion (Factor 20 plus)  Toiletry Kit  Towel  Lip balm  Wet wipes  Toilet paper  Personal medication (first aid kit)  Headache tablets  Insect repellent   Imodium (stomach tablets)  Valoid tablets (nausea tablets) /Kantrexl stomach antibiotic  Water purification tablets or drops (Aqua Salveo)  Antihistamine for insect bites and sinus problems  Earplugs  Passport  Visa, spending and porter tip money  Snacks, energy sweets, and chocolate  Energy powder to flavour bottled drinking water (eg Cytomax)
Optional
 Compression stuff bag  Thermos flask  Video recorder  GPS system  Book/magazine  Chess set  Playing cards  Altimeter  Sleeping bag inner liner  Camera  Camera batteries and memory cards  Camera tripod  Survival space blanket  Pillow  Down jacket  Hand warmers

Source: http://www.adventuredynamics.co.za/expedition_docs/16_MT_TOUBKAL_EQUIPMENT_LIST_.pdf