When adventure meets comfort.
When going on the Kilimanjaro, you need to take the appropriate gear with you. It’s not your daily environment where you just leave your house for a few hours just to walk around the city. Trying to climb the Kilimanjaro means days away and lots of gear to carry. This is exactly where an appropriate Kilimanjaro backpack and a duffel bag become useful because they allow you to carry your essential things easily. Still, you need to differentiate between a good choice and a bad choice. Here are our options for you.
1. Best Backpacks for Kilimanjaro Climbing
Those who adventure on the Kilimanjaro would know that the quality of the backpack is very important. When picking your Kilimanjaro outdoor backpack, you need to choose a product that won’t break down as soon as you hit the road. Hence, it will have to be of a durable material and have strong zippers. You don’t want your zipper to break just as you’re climbing the Kilimanjaro, causing your to have all your goods on the ground. Plus, you will also need aspacious backpack. You must be able to carry all of your gear around for a longer time.
1.1. JanSport Skip YowellKilimanjaro “Ski and Hike” Backpack Red Tape
This backpack is the best choice for those traveling on a budget. Being reissued as a modern version of the original one made in 1969, the JanSport Skip Yowell “Ski and Hike” Backpack sports the original woven logo, some sturdy seat belt shoulder straps and some heavy, strong-looking metal zippers. It looks rather simple, but it can be very convenient to Kilimanjaro backpackers once you set your mind on that journey. And it would only cost you $29 to buy it! You can save some money by putting this backpack on your list.
Pros:
- Heavy duty metal zippers
- large main compartment
- Durable
Cons:
- Not too many extra compartments
1.2. Cotopaxi Kilimanjaro 20L Backpack
This Kilimanjaro outdoor backpack was designed with a tough-looking cotton fabric and a sturdy leather bottom that can withstand pretty much everything. It hassome adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel which makes it easier to carry around. This backpack is made out of material that is water resistant, which means you can safely carry your laptop or other electronics with you without worrying that the weather changes will damage them. The Cotopaxi Kilimanjaro 20L Backpackis equipped with separate water pockets, with a dimension of 29.2 x 15.5 x 49.5 cm.This Kilimanjaro backpack size is enough for you to fit all of your main gear.
Pros:
- Durable material
- Waterproof
- Spacious
Cons:
- Not many compartments
- Pretty basic
1.3. Culn High Peak Kathmandu Internal Frame Backpack
This backpack is one that has it all. It has a top hood that can come off and can be used as a large fanny pack. You will have two compartments inside, as well as a waterproof zipper. This Kathmandu Kilimanjaro backpack was meant to be lightweight and easy to carry around. Tested and used since 2003, the Culn High Peak Kathmandu Internal Frame Backpack can be bought for $107, and it will bring you a lot of comfortwhile climbingMount Kilimanjaro. You cannot go wrong with this one!
- Waterproof
- Chest straps can be adjustable for women
- Rain fly cover
Cons:
- Rather expensive
- Although lightweight, it is rather large
1.4. Kilimanjaro Operator Modular Assault Pack
The Operator Modular Assault Pack is a very comfortable, full-featured backpack for Kilimanjaro climbing. It has a large main compartment in which you can carry enough weight, but it is also packed with side-pockets in which you can fit your accessories. The material used for this backpack is water resistant, which means your gear will be safe from any harsh weather. The zippers are also sturdy and do not allow any water to pass through to your gear. You can find it for $99.99, and it will save you a lot of trouble!
- A lot of side compartments
- Waterproof
- Can be used as a hunting bag or an emergency go-bag
Cons:
- The bottom is prone to eroding
- It does not include a bladder
1.5. Kilimanjaro 910124 Mirati 1000D Backpack
You won’t know what kind of gear you’ll need until you’re faced with a situation when you necessitate something you don’t have. Or you didn’t have enough space to pack. Well, the Kilimanjaro 910124 Mirati 1000D Backpackis the solution to your problem because it can fit anything in. It can be used for tactics that range from combat to hiking, and you can keep calm knowing that you can pack a small house in there if you wish to. You can find this multifunctional backpack for outdoor climbing on Amazon for only $82!
- Spacious
- Waterproof
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- Rather large
- Pricey
2. Best Duffel Bags for Kilimanjaro Climbing
If you have gear that will not go in the backpack, then you will definitely need a duffel bag for that. Everything will be carried in a Kilimanjaro duffel bag by a porter. As for quality, you will need a duffel bag that is soft, cost-effective and average sized. You don’t want a duffel bag that is too big or too small. Plus, the weather can be rather unpredictable, so you will need something that is waterproof – just in case.
2.1. Marmont Unisex Long Hauler Duffle Bag
This duffel bag has a very spacious main compartment that includes a rain flap and a D-shaped opening. It has interior pockets for extra storage and also sidepockets that can be closed with a zipper. It is packed with compression straps that can be adjustedto the size of your cargo. This Kilimanjaro duffel bag size is 10.5” high and 29.5”wide, making the Marmont UnisexLong Hauler Duffle Bag one of the best choices for Kilimanjaro climbing.
- Laminate
- Zipper closure
- Removable straps and handles
Cons:
- Small
- Durability questioned
2.2. Kilimanjaro Parata Travel Duffel Bag
If you want a bag that is both spacious and compact, the Parata Travel Duffel Bag was made for you. Its comfort is ensured by grab-and-go hands and the detachable padded shoulder strap, providing various carrying options. This duffle bag for Kilimanjaro climbing is packed with compression straps that ensure your gear is secure within the bag, and also pocket zippers that allow you to reach any small gear or electronics really fast. It’s a 9 x 11 x 22 cm duffle bag that weighs 2 pounds and can easily be carried around as you go on the Kilimanjaro.
- Compact
- Secure
- Spacious
Cons:
- Can retain water
- Durability questioned
2.3. Adidas Polyester Unisex Duffel Bag
From the House of Adidas, you have the Adidas Polyester Unisex Duffle Bag that is perfect when it comes to duffle bags for climbing the Kilimanjaro. It’s a trendy and stylish duffle bag, and it’s a must-have if you go climbing. It’s made out of polyester, and it offers you space along with durability. Your belongings can stay organized in your duffel bag, and you can easily carry them around by grabbing the twin handles or the long shoulder strap.
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Spacious
Cons:
- Can retain water
- Some may say it’s not very durable
2.4. Double 168-D Polyester Chesapeake Travel Duffel Bag
The Chesapeake Duffel Bagis one of the best on the market when it comes to duffle bags for Kilimanjaro climbing. It’s made out of really durable 1680D Polyester that has a 52-litercapacity, and it is also waterproof. It has various side compartments, including a separate lower one in which you can keep your shoes or wet clothes. The two large compartments within can easily be turned into one even larger compartment.
- Separate compartments
- Durable
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Only water resistant at the bottom, not top
- Velcro not durable
2.5. Foldable Water Resistant Travel Luggage Duffle Bag Lightweight
This foldable backpack is lightweight and extremelyeasy to carry around, being made out of a very resistant and waterproof 210D nylon material. It has a small interior pocket in which you can store your belongings, and it’s a perfect duffle bag for a Kilimanjaro trip if you don’t have too many things to carry with you.
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
- Durable
Cons:
- Not very spacious
- Only has one little pocket
3. Best Accessories for Kilimanjaro Climbing
Apart from the duffel bag and the backpack, you’ll also need some accessories for them. Here’s what we recommend:
3.1. Platypus Big Zip LP Hydration System
Stored in the small pockets of your duffle bag or backpack, this hydration system will help keep you fit. It’s secure, easy to use and doesn’t leave any aftertastes!
- Durable
- Secure
- Quick release hose
Cons:
- Shortened life valve
3.2. Master Lock 4688D TSA Accepted Cable Luggage Lock
If you want more security for your bag, you should always opt for a bag lock. The flexible cable of the Master Lock can handle abuse from any travel handlers.
- Metal body
- Abuse resistant
- Code combinations
Cons:
- Can still be broken down
4. Maintaining Your Kilimanjaro Backpacks and Duffel Bags
The bags can be stored and maintained in various travel organizers, depending on how sturdy they are. While various manufacturers claim you will need special detergents to wash them, they can be easily washed with a nylon brush that is soft bristled and dipped in some warm water and mild soap. Let them dry in a shaded place and then store them in your closet.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
Make your pick on which duffle bag, backpack or accessory you prefer, and you will be good to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Go for the Kathmandu Kilimanjaro backpack or the Chesapeake Travel duffel bag, and you will know that your belongings are safe from the harsh environment or other travel impediments.
6. Some useful resources for planning your lifetime vacation:
- Safari Planning Recommendations: Best Safari Camera and Safari Camera Accessories, Best Safari Binoculars, Shoes for Safari, Safari Wear
- For Your Birding needs while on Safari: Bird Watching Binoculars, Bird Watching Camera, Birding Scopes
- Kilimanjaro Climbing Recommendations: Backpack for Kilimanjaro, Sleeping Bags for Kilimanjaro, Best Hiking Boots for Kilimanjaro Climb
- Checkout Safari resources for destination guides and FAQ for better planning.
Check Triperiod for complete list of things you will need to have a lifetime experience. Triperiod is your one place destination to everything, African safari.
*Link to Amazon website. Please see disclosure around our affiliate relationship.
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Tags: African safari, hiking backpacks, kenya, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
