It is a great idea to bring dry bags on your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, and they are pretty cheap as you can borrow them from friends or buy them on your own. In addition to keeping the packing dry, it also gives the contents of the various bags structure and makes the packaging thinner when all the air has been removed. After that, you use freezer tape to mark the bags with the contents, and you hike blindly along with them. This way, you know exactly what’s in each bag and you don’t have to search through each one to find a hat or socks.
So, plastic bags? No. Perhaps a ziplock bag, of which you can carry a handful of toilet paper and personal hygiene items. Since plastic bags were banned in Kenya and Tanzania, the best alternative would be ziplocks.
When you’re gearing up for an adventure like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Rwenzori, Ol Doinyo lengai or Mount Meru, the last thing you want to worry about is your gear getting ruined by the elements. Kilimanjaro isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s a journey through various climates, from lush rainforests to icy alpine deserts. Here’s where dry bags become not just useful, but essential.
The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear Recommendations Checklist
At Tranquil Kilimanjaro, we often get asked which is the better option for carrying gear on trails: stuff sacks or dry bags? The truth is, it’s largely a matter of personal choice.
For items like clothing and quilts, we lean towards stuff sacks. They compress better within your pack because, unlike dry bags, they don’t trap air but there’s logic behind choosing dry bags too, especially for items that you absolutely must keep dry like electronics or toiletries.
While dry bags might not compress as efficiently as stuff sacks, they are your go-to if there’s any chance your gear could end up underwater. If you’re equipped with a weather-resistant backpack or use a pack liner, you might find stuff sacks more appealing due to their superior compression capabilities.
Heres how our quilts of various warmth levels fit into different-sized bags:
- Quilts for 50 degrees (and sometimes 40 or 30 degrees) fit snugly into the Jumbo size of both stuff sacks and dry bags, with stuff sacks offering additional space for small extras.
- A 20-degree quilt finds a comfortable fit in the Jumbo-Plus size, leaving some extra room.
- Even zero-degree quilts can be packed into the Jumbo-Plus, but with dry bags, Ben recommends squeezing out excess air before sealing to save space.
So, stuff sacks or dry bags? It boils down to what you prefer and the conditions you expect on your hike. We suggest considering your adventure’s specifics before deciding.
Feel free to reach out to Tranquil kilimanjaro for more advice and to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next trail adventure.
Weathering the Elements
Kilimanjaro’s climate is famously unpredictable. You might start your day under a scorching sun, only to find yourself in a torrential downpour later. Dry bags are engineered to keep your gear dry no matter what the weather throws at you.
- Rainforests and Mist: The lower slopes are often wet and misty. A dry bag ensures your spare clothes, sleeping bag, and electronics stay dry.
- High Altitude Weather: At higher altitudes, sudden rain or sleet can occur. Dry bags protect against moisture and also help insulate your gear from the cold.
Organization and Accessibility
Packing for Kilimanjaro involves a lot of gear, and keeping everything organized can be daunting. Dry bags:
- Colour-Coded Organization: Use different coloured dry bags for different types of gear – one for clothes, another for electronics, etc., making it easy to find what you need without rummaging through a wet, disordered mess.
- Weight Distribution: They allow you to distribute weight evenly in your backpack, which is crucial for long treks where comfort can make or break your day.
Protection Beyond Moisture
Dry bags offer more than just waterproofing:
- Durability: They often come with reinforced seams and tough materials, protecting your gear from tears and punctures during rough terrains.
- Compression: Many dry bags can be compressed, reducing the bulk of your gear, which is invaluable when you’re carrying everything on your back.
Emergency Situations
- Water Source: In survival situations, a dry bag can be used to collect water. Some are even designed to be used as a drinking bladder.
- Floatation Device: In case of river crossings or unexpected water hazards, your gear will float inside a dry bag, potentially saving your essential items from an accidental dip.
Practical Tips for Using Dry Bags on Kilimanjaro
- Size Matters: Choose bag sizes based on what you’re packing. Larger bags for gear like sleeping bags, and smaller ones for daily essentials.
- Practice Packing: Before your trip, practice packing your dry bags to find the most efficient way to store and access your gear.
- Double Bag: For electronics or items you really can’t afford to get wet, consider double-bagging or using a waterproof liner inside the dry bag.
- Accessibility: Pack items you’ll need daily in an easily accessible dry bag. Your trekking poles, gloves, or rain gear should be quick to grab.
Why use dry bags for your Kilimanjaro Trek?
Dry bags are not just an accessory; they are a fundamental part of your climbing gear, ensuring that no matter what Mother Nature decides to throw at you, your essentials remain protected, organized, and ready for use.
So, as you prepare for your Kilimanjaro ascent, remember that investing in good quality dry bags might just be one of the smartest moves you can make for a successful and enjoyable climb. Here’s to keeping your adventure dry, organized, and on track!
Importance of Dry Bags and Ziplocks for Kilimanjaro
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, keeping gear dry is essential, as the climb often involves wet and unpredictable weather, especially during the rainy seasons (March-May and November). Dry bags and ziplock bags play a key role in keeping equipment, clothing, and food safe from moisture. Here’s why they are essential:
1. Weatherproofing Your Essentials
- The mountain’s diverse ecosystems range from rainforest to alpine desert, with rain and mist in lower sections and occasional snow near the summit.
- Dry bags, which are fully waterproof and durable, are ideal for storing clothing, electronics, and any items sensitive to moisture.
2. Protecting Electronics and Documents
- Items like your phone, camera, chargers, and important documents (such as permits and ID) are essential to protect. Dry bags prevent moisture damage, ensuring these items remain usable throughout the climb.
- For smaller electronics and documents, ziplock bags provide a budget-friendly, compact solution.
3. Organizing Personal Items
- Dry bags come in various sizes and colors, allowing for organization by item type. You can easily separate clean and dirty clothes, wet and dry clothing, and keep toiletries from leaking onto other items.
- Ziplock bags work well for organizing small items like snacks, first-aid supplies, and toiletries.
4. Maintaining Comfort and Hygiene
- Climbing Kilimanjaro means exposure to extreme and variable weather; dry clothes and socks are critical to maintaining warmth and morale.
- Wet clothes can lead to discomfort, and cold or damp gear can increase the risk of hypothermia at higher altitudes.
5. Convenient Packing and Portability
- Dry bags are easily packable, durable, and reusable, making them suitable for rough mountain conditions. They can also be attached to the outside of a daypack without fear of moisture exposure.
- Ziplock bags are lightweight, easy to replace, and convenient for sealing in scents, which can help avoid attracting wildlife near camps.
Choosing Dry Bags and Ziplock Bags
- Dry Bags: Look for durable, lightweight, and fully waterproof bags with roll-top closures. Sizes between 5-20 liters are versatile for different types of gear.
- Ziplock Bags: Heavy-duty freezer bags work well for weather-resistant storage of smaller items and food.
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