Camping Hiking Backpacking

Picnic Backpack for Two

Culminating at 5895 m (19341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is by far Africa's highest and most majestic mountain! Here's some advice on what to bring on your trekking odyssey!

Walking sticks

Whether you call them walking sticks, staffs, or trekking poles, they're just indispensable for a comfortable walking journey!

Walking sticks will assist you during your climb, and support your knees on descents. Especially if you already have fragile knee joints!

For best support (and even better comfort), consider buying two sticks!

Boots

Your walking boots have to be solid and soft at the same time, the type that will resist the most extreme weather conditions out there!

Indeed, boots are perhaps the most important item you will purchase! Both in terms of your health and well-being. Make sure they fit you properly! Moreover, try them on before considering a purchase. They just have to be the right size!

Do this: put your foot in the shoe without tying the shoelace, and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot. If you have one finger's thickness of space at your heel, then the boot is made for you. If not, then it is either too big or too small (less than one finger space)!

Some key features to look for in boots are:

- Vibram, or comparable high rubber-content soles with deep lugs to provide better traction.

- Sturdy, high tops with padding to protect ankles while providing good ankle support. Boots with a stiff heel counter is also a big bonus, as it relieves your foot and ankle.

- Uppers made of leather or a leather/Cordura combination.

- Removable insoles for extra comfort and cushioning.

- Lacing system with D-rings and speed hooks to easily put and remove your boots.

- Sewn-in, gusseted tongues.

- Waterproof coating to ensure your feet stay dry at all times.

Socks

Pay special attention to the material of your socks. They can be made of:

- Cotton: Not a great idea while hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and retains it.

- Ragg Wool: Way more comfortable, but you don't have to be allergic to it.

- Acrylic: Not as resistant and much warmer than wool socks, although they do wick moisture away from the feet. Notice that some acrylic socks have extra cushioning, which can be interesting!

- Polypropylene: Primarily used in liners - thin socks worn beneath thicker main socks. Will wick moisture away from foot, and can also reduce friction between your foot and the shoe.

- Silk: Same purpose as polypropylene.

Sleeping Bags

Should be chosen wisely! Large variety of options, from "Down Sleeping Bags" (very resistant to water and cold), to "Hollowfibre" (synthetic fibre, dries rapidly), and "Thinsulate" (state-of-the-art synthetic fibre, economic, very light) types!

Important things to consider in a sleeping bag:

- Needs to fit your body (in width and length).

- Two-way zipper (for better ventilation).

- Insulated hood.

Daypacks

Preferably big, but not too big either! A 25-40 litre rucksack tends to fit most people needs.

Headlamps

A good head torch is essential as it leaves your hands free. Petzl Zoom Headlamps and Petzl Tikka are definitely worth it, although not the cheapest I agree.

Gloves

Two pairs highly recommended: a pair of wool or fleece gloves as a next to skin layer, and a second pair of waterproof gloves that go over the first pair!

A very good pair of gloves should not be underestimated if you want to keep your fingers healthy and intact!

Hats

Good-looking hats are important for sure, but as you know looks are not everything! Most importantly, a good hat is one that protects you from the sun, and also that fits easily into your backpack (or comfortably fastens to your belt, backpack, etc...). Furthermore, make sure it can provide good shade to your face, and that it "breathes".

I just love some of those Rogue hats, don't you?!

Thermal Beanie/Balaclava

Protects you from the wind and hinders frostbite. Not to be neglected!

Duffel Bags

A lightweight classic! Easy to stuff with your clothing and rolled socks.

Things to consider: a strong seam, good quality zippers (that can be padlocked), and short handles to pull your bag quickly if required.

Water Bottles

Drink, drink, and drink some more! Water is vital to appropriate acclimatisation, and so are water bottles! You should be able to carry 2-3 litres of water at any time!

Any water bottle is good really, although I must admit I really enjoy the Swiss Sigg types. They are eco-friendly, and reusable! Unless you'd rather go for hydration systems, with a tube from a bladder in your pack to your mouth; practical and very popular! The only disadvantage of such systems is they can freeze easily! Either way, be sure it won't leak nor freeze.

Gaiters/Anklets

Very useful little pieces of materials that keep mud, rocks and to a certain extent water out of your boots! May even be utilized to keep ticks away!

Can be sweaty nevertheless.

Jacket & Trousers

Two words come to mind: comfort and waterproofing! The two items need to be waterproof, breathable and windproof.

ATTENTION PLEASE: No jeans! They absorb water, cling to the skin and make walking very difficult. Believe it or not, but wearing jeans can lead to hypothermia.

http://www.africafreak.com

Africafreak - African Safari and Wildlife Specialist!

Sure Lid Lock-Seal Plastic Storage Containers * BPA Free, Leakproof, Waterproof Attached Hinged Flip-Top Lid with Lock Tab * 4 Ounce/Half Cup/118mL - 2 Per Pack $5.69 Sure Lid Lock-Seal Containers are unique - you don't have anything like them. They have an attached hinged lid with a lock tab to secure the lid to the base. These lids can't get lost. They also have graduated ounce and mL markings right on the side of the container - great for dieting portion control. Their convenient small size makes them the perfect choice for people on the go: lunchbox, diape...

Sure Lid Lock-Seal Plastic Storage Containers * BPA Free, Leakproof, Waterproof Attached Hinged Flip-Top Lid with Lock Tab * 4 Ounce/Half Cup/118mL - 2 Per Pack $5.69 Sure Lid Lock-Seal Containers are unique - you don't have anything like them. They have an attached hinged lid with a lock tab to secure the lid to the base. These lids can't get lost. They also have graduated ounce and mL markings right on the side of the container - great for dieting portion control. Their convenient small size makes them the perfect choice for people on the go: lunchbox, diape...

Handpresso HPWILD Wild 16-Bar Hand-Pump Portable Espresso Machine $78.99 Nowhere else will you find a product as unique as this one! The Handpresso Wild is a portable espresso machine that gives you the versatility to brew your espresso or cup of coffee anywhere! Whether you are camping with the family, hiking with friends, or just fishing for fun, espresso, or a quality cup of coffee, is just a few pumps away: Just pump it up until your pressure gauge indicates 16 bar...

Crocodile creek Pocket Lunch Box School lunches can now be more fun than ever with this beautifully-designed, high-quality lunch box. Lunch box is 10`w x 7.5`h x 3`d. We have given special attention to make certain that the lunchboxes currently offered by Crocodile Creek do conform to or exceed U.S. and European safety standards....

Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter $69.95 The best-selling Katadyn Hiker just got better with the Hiker Pro Microfilter. The lightweight and easy-to-use design make the Hiker/Hiker Pro the best choice for all-around use. The unique, pleated cartridge design provides fast and easy pumping, and it's convenient and handy for 1-2 persons while hiking or trekking. The Hiker Pro adds the following features to the original Hiker: Removable filt...

5 COUNT -SPA ORIGINALS INSTANT HAND SANITIZER WITH VITAMIN e & ALOE (YOU WILL RECIEVE A TOTAL OF 5 SETS OF 2 SANITIZER BOTTLES - BOTTLE SIZE 2oz $3.99 Features: Kills germs and odors without water Leaves hands feeling soft and smooth Includes 2 bottles with 2 fl oz each Great for use in school, backpacks, purses, travel, picnics, automobiles, field trips, camping, ballparks, etc YOU GET 5 SETS OF 2 oz BOTTLES- A TOTAL OF 10...

Premium Notebook Case Golla PICNIC-15,4 Laptop Bag (Designed in Finland) - Red $69.99 Suitable for nearly every PC or Mac laptop or notebook including Apple MacBook 13.3", Apple Macbook Pro 15.4 inch, PowerBook 15.4 inch, iBook 14 inch, Macbook Air, Sony Vaio TZ FZ, CR and SZ, DELL, Acer, Toshiba, or in fact any laptop with up to 15.4" screen size. There are several compartments inside for all your papers, phone and iPod and the attention to detail and quality of finish is exceptio...

Canon 200DG Digital Camera Gadget Bag (Black) $39.90 If you love your digital SLR cameras and lenses, then make sure to add the Canon 200DG digital camera gadget bag to your list. In addition to its attractive styling, this camera bag is specifically designed with SLR cameras in mind. It's built with special compartments intended to hold up to two SLR camera bodies, three lenses, and a host of accessories. Canon has also included several padded easy...

Midland ER102 Emergency Radio $40.00 The Midland Emergency AM/FM Weather Crank Radio features emergency power of a Dynamo Crank to recharge the internal batteries, plus an AM/FM radio, LED flashlight, thermometer and All Hazards Weather Alert radio. A special added feature is a visual alert for the hearing impaired. Ideal for hiking or camping enthusiasts because of its precautionary tool for any emergency situation. The ER102 will a...

Garmin Carabiner Button Clip $19.99 Keep your GPS close at hand with this convenient carabiner button clip. Secure carabiner to your belt backpack or another strap. Package includes 1 carabiner and beltclip button. Product : GARMIN CARABINER BUTTON CLIP FITS MOST GARMIN HANDHELDS Manufacturer : GARMIN PARTS Manufacturer Part No : 010-10481-00 UPC : 753759043827...

Gerber 31-000699 Bear Grylls Survival Series Fire Starter $8.48 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Survival Series Fire Starter is a must-have for scouting, camping, and hiking expeditions. Small and compact, this fire starter offers years of use. Watertight construction keeps tinder safe and dry, so when you need it, you can trust that it's ready to use.Survival Series Fire StarterAt a Glance:Compact fire starter ...

Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit $30.17 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Ultimate Kit is a 15-piece survival kit built for hostile environments. It fits in your pack and has everything you need--including Gerber's miniature multi-tool, a fire starter, a survival blanket, and a wire cutter--to survive even in the toughest spots.Survival Series Ultimate KitAt a Glance:15-piece survival kit b...

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Survival Series, Folding Sheath Knife $18.45 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Folding Sheath Knife is a compact knife that folds for easy storage and portability. A dual-sided thumb stud makes for easy one-handed opening. Its half-serrated, high-carbon stainless steel blade is ideal for edge retention and cutting rope, and it comes with a nylon sheath. A rubber grip and the lockback feature pro...

Picnic and Beyond The Rendezvous Collection for 2-As Shown 2 Ceramic plates (8") 2 Ea. knives forks & spoons (stainless steel w/PP handle) 1 Wooden opener (stainless steel) 2 S&P shaker (stainless steel) 1 Wine bag (insulated linning) 2 Napkins (cotton 14" x 14") -Materials: Cover 600 Polyester...

Picnic Time Turismo Cooler The perfect bag for: sightseeing, field trips, vacations, hiking, biking, carrying school supplies and lunches, trips to amusement parks, the beach or the mountains....

Columbia Coffee Backpack $84.95 Stylish backpack including brush stainless steel vacuum flask, cups, cream, and sugar containers. Thermal Shield insulated food compartment will hold a light snack. Rugged 600D canvas construction. Brushed Stainless Steel. Vacuum Flask with Push Button Top. Insulated Cups for Comfortable Drinking. Spill Proof Sugar and Creamer. Extra Front Storage Compartment. Custom Brushed Stainless Steel Accent...

Picnic Plus Woodstock 2 Person Picnic Basket Picnic Plus Woodstock 2 Person Picnic Basket...

Literature and the Writing Process (9th Edition) $59.95 Literature and the Writing Process combines the best elements of a literature anthology with those of a handbook to guide students through the interrelated process of analytical reading and critical writing. Text writing assignments use literature as a tool of critical thought, a method for analysis, and a way of communicating ideas. This approach emphasizes writing as the focus of the book with ...

Field Guide: Dog First Aid Emergency Care for the Hunting, Working, and Outdoor Dog $8.06 This is the first pocket field guide that will cover the injuries and problems that your dog can encounter in the field, presenting the symptoms and treatment. This first aid guide is 4 x 6, pocket -sized and spiral bound for easy use....

Sutherland Baskets SPB3121A1 Kaleidoscope Kids Backpack for 2 $24.99 Good things come in small packages! This colorful and fun backpack style picnic bag from Sutherland will delight that special little child in your life. It has a spacious insulated cooler compartment, 2 zippered front pockets, mesh beverage holder on one side and a mesh cell phone holder on the other. The shoulder straps are adjustable and padded for comfort. Picnic service for 2.Components2 plast...

Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme Cooler (Blue) $39.76 Xtreme Cooler keeps ice up to 5 days at 90° F Holds 98 cans with ice Hinged lid with four beverage holders Lid designed to accommodate 24 elastic cords for additional storage (cords sold separately) Two-way handles for easy lifting and transporting Channel Drain for easy, no-tilt draining of liquids Dimensions: 18.25 x 31.5 x 16...

GSI Outdoors Micro Table $24.49 A full-size picnic table is nice, but sometimes your car camping spot is far away from such amenities. Enter the GSI Outdoors micro table, a lightweight, collapsible table with a compact 15.5-by-11.25-inch top surface. The compact tabletop measures 15.5 by 11.25 inches. With dual-height legs that stand at either 4.1 inches or 6.1 inches, the micro table rests on a variety of surfaces, from you...

Kamp-Rite Compact Collapsible Tent Cot ...