21/05/2014 - Packing for Kilimanjaro

Off on a trek to climb Kilimanjaro on Sunday - plus a short safari. I have rarely been away and not taken more gear than needed but have gradually tried to improve over the years. This is a challenging one - no showers or toilets for 8 days - African heat at the base - through 4 seasons, tropical rain, strong winds and snow - up to minus 20 on the roof of Africa at 19710 feet (if I get there). The strategy is wet wipes and clothing layers but how often clean layers? Not often will have to be the outcome. Camping is a great reminder of how big a difference having the right gear can make to comfort and safety but also serves to confirm we generally have far too much stuff in our cluttered lives.