by thinkmarsh | Nov 29, 2018 | outdoors, product review
As part of the Decathlon Bloggers’ Community, I was very happy to take part in their recent #sportforeverybody campaign. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone, no matter what there size or shape, is able to over their body in a way they enjoy. Most people think running is how they should get fit, but they actually don’t like running. One of the concepts I try to get across here on my blog is that you need to do what you love. Of course, you need to be a bit brave to try something new (and maybe a bit wacky) but you never know unless you try. This concept doesn’t just apply to sports, in my opinion, but also for going on adventures.
I have been so blessed that 2018 has been a big year of adventure for me. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and ran my first ultra marathon, which happened to be in a desert (race review coming soon). I also tried camping at a running festival in Wales and attended a yoga festival too. Turns out when you try new things, you need the equipment to go along with it. Because I wasn’t sure if I would actually enjoy all of these new experiences, I didn’t want to invest too much in the kit and supplies. When selecting what to invest is (vs borrow or hire), I reviewed the recommended packing lists and then made selections based on what I know about myself.
|
| Inside of my 3-person black out tent. Sleeping bag and borrowed mat on the right. All my kit and foot on the left. |
When planning for your adventure, consider if you are usually hot or cold. Me? I am always cold so it was worth it to me to invest in warm things. For example, I wanted to own a sleeping bag rather than borrow someone else’s (who knows the last time it was washed?). My Forclaz Helium sleeping bag* was warm enough for normal people to be out in 0 degree weather. I know myself, so I also used a sleeping bag liner* when camping in Wales and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I was snug as a bug in a rug in these extreme (for me) temps. Then I used the liner by itself (instead of my sleeping bag) when camping in the desert. I also packed it as an act of desperation in case I couldn’t find a place to sleep in JFK airport during a 9 hour layover. Sleeping bags are something I would recommend investing in due to hygiene and maintaining a suitable body temperature. Nowadays, sleeping bags pack down small so they don’t take up too much storage space.
In case you hadn’t guess, I like sleeping but am a light sleeper due to various factors. I need to make sure I a comfortable no matter where I am (except I’m the car. I have no trouble falling asleep there). A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress is something that not everyone will need so it is a good thing to borrow from a friend. If you are travelling solo, a sleeping mat is a good option but can still be a bit bulky to carry. If the ground won’t be too rocky or cold, you might not even need it.
We now have an air mattress* for when I go camping with my husband. It helps keep us insulated from the ground and we don’t need to be spend too much time selecting the perfect place to pitch our tent. We had some friends visit last month and they used it in our living room as our normal inflatable mattress had a leak. The Quechua Air Comfort mattress was super easy to inflate with the built-in foot pump. Even though it wasn’t very thick, my friends said it was comfortable and warm. Again, it depends on how light a sleep you are and how much space you have if you need to invest in one or borrow from a friend.
My husband needs complete darkness to sleep, no matter where he is. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned waking up with the sun at Love Trails Festival, that I realized how amazing our Quechua black out tent* is. No long are we at the whim of sunrise when camping. We can sleep as late as we want! It is also great having a zippered ‘porch’ to store our shoes, which keeps the inside of the tent clean. The waterproof bottom goes about six inches up the sides as well, ensuring dry kit on the rainy days. A tent is something you can also borrow from a friend but if you start to go on adventures more often, it would probably be easier to have it on hand for last minute escapes.
Having a few cooking/eating containers is a good idea. It is always best be prepared for any adventure at any time. You will always need to eat when you are out exploring. I highly recommend a multi purpose pot* (as above) to cook food in or prepare overnight oats. This one also fits on my camping stove, which is fantastic. I also have a handy thick plastic bowl that doesn’t conduct heat, making it easy to hold when the foot is piping hot.
This insulated mug was it was on my list of required kit for my ultra. I never used it though because I don’t drink coffee or tea. It is handy to have in London for hot chocolates on cold days as we are making more of an effort to carry our own hot drink cups. I already carry a stainless steel water bottle with me at all times.
It isn’t an adventure without have to use a compass,* right? Decathlon’s basic model is on a lanyard with a transparent background to allow for map reading and orienteering. My husband, a geographer by training, was super excited when I brought it home. If you are just starting out with adventures, you might be able to borrow a compass when you need one but they are inexpensive and small so why not get one and practice your map reading skills? If there are maps involved on your trip, definitely have one. Your mobile phone won’t always have reception or battery power. You might have to go old school.
Just because I did some pretty crazy trips abroad this year, don’t think you need to do the same to be on an adventure. Micro adventures, such as camping in the backyard and going on a long walk that ends in a pub, are equally exciting. I like to think adventures take you into unknown or unusual situations which might even be outside your comfort zone. It is here that you will find personal growth.
 |
| A group of Adventure Queens |
Also, remember you don’t have to go solo. If you would rather have someone else figure out all the details, signing up for an adventure with a tour group is a great option. In my opinion, it still counts as an adventure. And it saves you a lot of hassle and headaches if someone else plans the logistics, knows the area, and can advise you on how to prepare. Why make things harder for yourself as you build your confidence in trying new things? You will meet a bunch of new people on the trip who are interested in the same things you are too.
I hope my suggestions on what kit you need to own versus borrow have inspired you to get out there and find an adventure! Remember, if you need some inexpensive but quality kit, definitely check out Decathlon. Their stock tends to be seasonal so keep that in mind if you are planning head. If you don’t have a lot of room for new kit or don’t have a friend with what you need, Decathlon also hires out kit and has a 365 day return policy. Getting a car to carry everything might be the only obstacle to overcome. (I am serious. I will never go camping via public transport again).
What is a piece of adventure kit that you can’t live without? What do you tend to borrow? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Decathlon get for gifting me the items marked with a * as part of their Bloggers’ Community. Items linked without an * are items I bought from Decathlon. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 29, 2018 | outdoors, product review
As part of the
Decathlon Bloggers’ Community, I was very happy to take part in their recent #sportforeverybody campaign. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone, no matter what there size or shape, is able to over their body in a way they enjoy. Most people think running is how they should get fit, but they actually don’t like running. One of the concepts I try to get across here on my blog is that you need to do what you love. Of course, you need to be a bit brave to try something new (and maybe a bit wacky) but you never know unless you try. This concept doesn’t just apply to sports, in my opinion, but also for going on adventures.
I have been so blessed that 2018 has been a big year of adventure for me. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and ran my first ultra marathon, which happened to be in a desert (race review coming soon). I also tried camping at a running festival in Wales and attended a yoga festival too. Turns out when you try new things, you need the equipment to go along with it. Because I wasn’t sure if I would actually enjoy all of these new experiences, I didn’t want to invest too much in the kit and supplies. When selecting what to invest is (vs borrow or hire), I reviewed the recommended packing lists and then made selections based on what I know about myself.
|
| Inside of my 3-person black out tent. Sleeping bag and borrowed mat on the right. All my kit and foot on the left. |
When planning for your adventure, consider if you are usually hot or cold. Me? I am always cold so it was worth it to me to invest in warm things. For example, I wanted to own a sleeping bag rather than borrow someone else’s (who knows the last time it was washed?). My Forclaz Helium sleeping bag* was warm enough for normal people to be out in 0 degree weather. I know myself, so I also used a sleeping bag liner* when camping in Wales and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I was snug as a bug in a rug in these extreme (for me) temps. Then I used the liner by itself (instead of my sleeping bag) when camping in the desert. I also packed it as an act of desperation in case I couldn’t find a place to sleep in JFK airport during a 9 hour layover. Sleeping bags are something I would recommend investing in due to hygiene and maintaining a suitable body temperature. Nowadays, sleeping bags pack down small so they don’t take up too much storage space.
In case you hadn’t guess, I like sleeping but am a light sleeper due to various factors. I need to make sure I a comfortable no matter where I am (except I’m the car. I have no trouble falling asleep there). A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress is something that not everyone will need so it is a good thing to borrow from a friend. If you are travelling solo, a sleeping mat is a good option but can still be a bit bulky to carry. If the ground won’t be too rocky or cold, you might not even need it.
We now have an air mattress* for when I go camping with my husband. It helps keep us insulated from the ground and we don’t need to be spend too much time selecting the perfect place to pitch our tent. We had some friends visit last month and they used it in our living room as our normal inflatable mattress had a leak. The Quechua Air Comfort mattress was super easy to inflate with the built-in foot pump. Even though it wasn’t very thick, my friends said it was comfortable and warm. Again, it depends on how light a sleep you are and how much space you have if you need to invest in one or borrow from a friend.
My husband needs complete darkness to sleep, no matter where he is. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned waking up with the sun at Love Trails Festival, that I realized how amazing our Quechua black out tent* is. No long are we at the whim of sunrise when camping. We can sleep as late as we want! It is also great having a zippered ‘porch’ to store our shoes, which keeps the inside of the tent clean. The waterproof bottom goes about six inches up the sides as well, ensuring dry kit on the rainy days. A tent is something you can also borrow from a friend but if you start to go on adventures more often, it would probably be easier to have it on hand for last minute escapes.
Having a few cooking/eating containers is a good idea. It is always best be prepared for any adventure at any time. You will always need to eat when you are out exploring. I highly recommend a multi purpose pot* (as above) to cook food in or prepare overnight oats. This one also fits on my camping stove, which is fantastic. I also have a handy thick plastic bowl that doesn’t conduct heat, making it easy to hold when the foot is piping hot.
This insulated mug was it was on my list of required kit for my ultra. I never used it though because I don’t drink coffee or tea. It is handy to have in London for hot chocolates on cold days as we are making more of an effort to carry our own hot drink cups. I already carry a stainless steel water bottle with me at all times.
It isn’t an adventure without have to use a compass,* right? Decathlon’s basic model is on a lanyard with a transparent background to allow for map reading and orienteering. My husband, a geographer by training, was super excited when I brought it home. If you are just starting out with adventures, you might be able to borrow a compass when you need one but they are inexpensive and small so why not get one and practice your map reading skills? If there are maps involved on your trip, definitely have one. Your mobile phone won’t always have reception or battery power. You might have to go old school.
Just because I did some pretty crazy trips abroad this year, don’t think you need to do the same to be on an adventure. Micro adventures, such as camping in the backyard and going on a long walk that ends in a pub, are equally exciting. I like to think adventures take you into unknown or unusual situations which might even be outside your comfort zone. It is here that you will find personal growth.
|
| A group of Adventure Queens |
Also, remember you don’t have to go solo. If you would rather have someone else figure out all the details, signing up for an adventure with a tour group is a great option. In my opinion, it still counts as an adventure. And it saves you a lot of hassle and headaches if someone else plans the logistics, knows the area, and can advise you on how to prepare. Why make things harder for yourself as you build your confidence in trying new things? You will meet a bunch of new people on the trip who are interested in the same things you are too.
I hope my suggestions on what kit you need to own versus borrow have inspired you to get out there and find an adventure! Remember, if you need some inexpensive but quality kit, definitely check out Decathlon. Their stock tends to be seasonal so keep that in mind if you are planning head. If you don’t have a lot of room for new kit or don’t have a friend with what you need, Decathlon also hires out kit and has a 365 day return policy. Getting a car to carry everything might be the only obstacle to overcome. (I am serious. I will never go camping via public transport again).
What is a piece of adventure kit that you can’t live without? What do you tend to borrow? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Decathlon get for gifting me the items marked with a * as part of their Bloggers’ Community. Items linked without an * are items I bought from Decathlon. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Oct 25, 2018 | health, holistic, outdoors, product review
|
| Urban forest |
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Wild and Well Festival in Bristol. It offered four different themes: Move, Explore, Connect and Eat, with workshops, panel discussion, fitness classes, and demonstrations across five venues. For me, the theme of nature and being outdoors kept cropping up as I thought about my happiest moments, what calms me, and why I take on crazy fitness challenges. I also learned about the Blue Mind movement, which has sparked my interest as marine biologist, personal trainer and health coach. After the NYC Marathon, I will be reading up on these in my down time and sharing the highlights with you here on the blog and on social media (click on pink circle to the right to follow me).
It absolutely makes sense to me that being outside and connecting with nature can have healing powers. This really became clear to me after visiting Cape Town in February 2017. Two weeks in the sunshine and one week along the sea changed my outlook on life. I now know I need to be outside as much as possible, with a good dose of Vitamin Sea to be content, as well as ample sunshine. I found a sense of calm and enjoyed being alone in my thoughts while visiting South Africa. Part of this was due to a semi-digital detox without a SIM card to stay connected when away from my hotel. Think about how much time you spend each day being bombarded with emails, phone calls, text messages, meetings, and personal space invasions while on public transport. Removing technology can make a big difference in how you experience your free time.
 |
| Taking the path less traveled |
As I spent Sunday outside in the chilly sun of along Bristol’s harbor side, I realized how hard it can be for people living in cities to find ways to be in nature and/or unplugged. Available green spaces in cities might be small, with audio stimulation from traffic and visual stimulation from people walking by. Areas with water, such as rivers, streams, canals or reservoirs, are even harder to come by when landlocked. When was the last time you sat alone in the woods or a field and took in your surroundings?
 |
| Walking wild |
If you make an effort though to visit nature, maybe not daily, but at least once a week, (and leave the phone at home), it will help calm your body and mind. City life is overstimulating. Being alone in nature can help combat the effects. Here are some tips on how to find and enjoy the experience of nature healing:
- When you get to an open green (or blue) space, turn off any music you might be listening to and silence your phone. Listen to wind, trees and birds around you. Breathe deeply and listen to your breath.
- If you live in London, walk along the towpath in the early morning when it is least busy. Look at your surroundings rather than down in front of your feet.
- Flotation therapy, such as that offered by Floatworks in London, is where you float in super salty water in a pod which allows for sensory deprivation in a meditative state. You will experience physical and mental relief of life’s stressors that occur outside the tank. This is a great option to try if you cannot find green space or water near where you live.
- Consider a train or bus journey to the woods or coast for a day trip off the grid.
- Book an active holiday where you bike, hike, swim, run, or camp.
 |
| Capri length can be a good options in the spring and autumn |
- Dress appropriately so you enjoy the moment rather than worry about rain or temperatures. I know I can be miserable if I am too hot or too cold! The Jack Wolfskin tank show in the photos is great for warm days and for layering in the autumn. The cut is very flattering for someone who has wider hips, like me. Capri length trousers (such as the ones in the photos by Jack Wolfskin) are helpful too when the seasons are changing and you aren’t sure if the temps will be the same in the afternoon as they were in the morning. You never know what will happen so have some layering options in your bag if you can, including hat, gloves and rain jacket.
- Look at the plants and wildlife as you explore. See what you recognize and what you need to learn more about. You might want to pick up a flora or fauna guide to help you identify what you saw during your time in nature.
 |
| I love having my dog with me on my walks |
Do you ever feel the urge to be explore in green space? How do you feel when your phone is off and you are alone in your thoughts? What is your favorite part of being out in nature? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Simply Hike for providing me with the Jack Wolfskin kit to review. All opinion are honest and my own.
by thinkmarsh | Oct 25, 2018 | health, holistic, outdoors, product review
|
| Urban forest |
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Wild and Well Festival in Bristol. It offered four different themes: Move, Explore, Connect and Eat, with workshops, panel discussion, fitness classes, and demonstrations across five venues. For me, the theme of nature and being outdoors kept cropping up as I thought about my happiest moments, what calms me, and why I take on crazy fitness challenges. I also learned about the Blue Mind movement, which has sparked my interest as marine biologist, personal trainer and health coach. After the NYC Marathon, I will be reading up on these in my down time and sharing the highlights with you here on the blog and on social media (click on pink circle to the right to follow me).
It absolutely makes sense to me that being outside and connecting with nature can have healing powers. This really became clear to me after visiting Cape Town in February 2017. Two weeks in the sunshine and one week along the sea changed my outlook on life. I now know I need to be outside as much as possible, with a good dose of Vitamin Sea to be content, as well as ample sunshine. I found a sense of calm and enjoyed being alone in my thoughts while visiting South Africa. Part of this was due to a semi-digital detox without a SIM card to stay connected when away from my hotel. Think about how much time you spend each day being bombarded with emails, phone calls, text messages, meetings, and personal space invasions while on public transport. Removing technology can make a big difference in how you experience your free time.
|
| Taking the path less traveled |
As I spent Sunday outside in the chilly sun of along Bristol’s harbor side, I realized how hard it can be for people living in cities to find ways to be in nature and/or unplugged. Available green spaces in cities might be small, with audio stimulation from traffic and visual stimulation from people walking by. Areas with water, such as rivers, streams, canals or reservoirs, are even harder to come by when landlocked. When was the last time you sat alone in the woods or a field and took in your surroundings?
|
| Walking wild |
If you make an effort though to visit nature, maybe not daily, but at least once a week, (and leave the phone at home), it will help calm your body and mind. City life is overstimulating. Being alone in nature can help combat the effects. Here are some tips on how to find and enjoy the experience of nature healing:
- When you get to an open green (or blue) space, turn off any music you might be listening to and silence your phone. Listen to wind, trees and birds around you. Breathe deeply and listen to your breath.
- If you live in London, walk along the towpath in the early morning when it is least busy. Look at your surroundings rather than down in front of your feet.
- Flotation therapy, such as that offered by Floatworks in London, is where you float in super salty water in a pod which allows for sensory deprivation in a meditative state. You will experience physical and mental relief of life’s stressors that occur outside the tank. This is a great option to try if you cannot find green space or water near where you live.
- Consider a train or bus journey to the woods or coast for a day trip off the grid.
- Book an active holiday where you bike, hike, swim, run, or camp.
|
| Capri length can be a good options in the spring and autumn |
- Dress appropriately so you enjoy the moment rather than worry about rain or temperatures. I know I can be miserable if I am too hot or too cold! The Jack Wolfskin tank show in the photos is great for warm days and for layering in the autumn. The cut is very flattering for someone who has wider hips, like me. Capri length trousers (such as the ones in the photos by Jack Wolfskin) are helpful too when the seasons are changing and you aren’t sure if the temps will be the same in the afternoon as they were in the morning. You never know what will happen so have some layering options in your bag if you can, including hat, gloves and rain jacket.
- Look at the plants and wildlife as you explore. See what you recognize and what you need to learn more about. You might want to pick up a flora or fauna guide to help you identify what you saw during your time in nature.
|
| I love having my dog with me on my walks |
Do you ever feel the urge to be explore in green space? How do you feel when your phone is off and you are alone in your thoughts? What is your favorite part of being out in nature? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Simply Hike for providing me with the Jack Wolfskin kit to review. All opinion are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Jul 27, 2018 | outdoors, product review, running, travel
This summer, nearly 1000 runners of all shapes, sizes and abilities descended upon the Gower Peninsula in Wales for three days of running, sunshine, beers, and music at the aptly named Love Trails Festival (LTF). I had wanted to go last year, but there were a few other things going on at the same time, such as Spitfire Scramble. This year also had conflicting races but I made LFT a priority and I am so glad I did. Here is why:
Sunshine
Yes, I realize this crazy British heatwave is an anomaly but the weather was gorgeous! Sunshine very day, a light breeze, and cool evenings make me a very happy girl. I was so happy topping up my vitamin D under factor 50 sunscreen.
Sunshine and sheep
Camping
When I was little, my family would go camping at least once a year in the state park. My husband and I never go around to it while dating in Michigan, nor since we moved to London. This camp sight had port a Loos and limited showers (I took 1 shower in 3 days but hey, everyone was sweating). It was relaxing to be outside. My new sleeping mat from Decathlon (Forclaz 400) is amazing. It self inflates pretty quickly (once you open the valve) and just needs a few puffs to get it to the correct firmness. I slept in leggings and my Polartec Alpha hoody and was snug as a bug in a rug in my Decathlon sleeping bag.
The
tent is Quecha Arpenaz 3 Fresh & Black from Decathlon. I had to pitch in the dark b I had already practiced once in my garden. I didn’t realize it but the Fresh & Black feature keeps the majority of the light out, manning I didn’t wake up when the sun started to shine. Instead, I work up when
Project Awesome started whopping their way through camp.
I kept camp food simple and light. Each morning, I had bagel with peanut butter and Fuel protein porridge pot for lunch. Dinner and drinks were from one of the six or so the festival vendors.
 |
| Running along the beach #winning |
Nature
Just look at these views. I ran through the woods, along the coast, on a beach, over salt marshes, and literally through a creek. You don’t get that in London (which is also why it seemed much harder than it should).
 |
| Welsh coast #lush |
Community
I was lucky enough to lead a few 3-5k organized runs which was amazing way to meet lots of people. I was with my blogger friends Becs (The Style Dynamo) and Bethan (A Pretty Place to Play) plus their partners, whom I have known for years but don’t see as often as I would like. We met through running years ago, stay connected through blogging yet are always busy because we live in London. We could actually just hang out and catch up in a leisurely way. If we had met in London, I have a feeling it Would have been incredibly rushed.
 |
| Me and Becs |
Things I would do differently for next year:
- Hire a car or bring less stuff. Carrying a 90L bag, 38L bag, tent and camping chair all over London and on public transport was terrible. Glamping is very attractive to me at this point. With a big enough group, the cost can be effective. I would also leave my camping chair at home as I barely used it. Perhaps if the ground had been wet, I would have used it more.
 |
| Yes, I know this photo is blurry but you get the idea about how much stuff I carry |
- Attend more talks. There was so much going on, I couldn’t be at three places at once. Hopefully next year, the program will have a bit more detail about what the talks are on so I can be inspired to move more.
 |
| Chilling at Camp Fire Stage |
- Try more shoes. Salomon had tons of tester shoes you could take out for a spin. I also did so on the last day and in hind site, should have tried as many as possible. I am always nervous about investing in new running shoes because of the expense, especially if it turns out I don’t like them. I am a big fan of Salomon trail shoes and should really give the road shoes a try.
 |
| I did try the Suunto watches a few times |
- Take loo roll. Unfortunately there was a shortage of this on Saturday night. It was a rookie camping/festival mistake not to keep some tissues on me at all times. Lesson learned.
- Pack coffee for camp. Not for me but since I have a small stove to boil water, it would be nice for others. Coffee was a good 15 minute walk away at the main festival area and always had a queue first thing in the morning.
So are you in? Early bird tickets are now on sale for £109/pp. The LTF will be 4-9 July 2019. See you there? Or if you are up for an adventure, there are also sister events in Chamonix and Falkland Islands planned.
 |
| Amazing drumming for the Beer Relay |
by thinkmarsh | May 8, 2018 | Kilimanjaro, outdoors, product review
Packing for Kilimanjaro was a process that took months. I did tons of research, checking packing lists by various trekking company’s suggestions, reading books, and talking to other people who have experienced Kilimanjaro. Of course, there was about one million things I needed to back into a 90L duffle bag so I thought I would let you know the things that I found useful to have. The girls on my trip also had a few tips on what they found useful.
If you think you will only use an item for this trip, your tour operator should be able to arrange hiring (renting) certain things. Be sure to ask the price before you get the item and keep in mind that what you hire may not be to your Western standard. It will probably be something that a toursit left or sold after their trip.
Essentials to pack
I used Osprey Eja 38*, a lightweight rucksack designed for a woman’s body. It was a little big for day-to-day climbing but perfect as a carry on as I needed to have all my essentials in case my bags got lost on the plane (two of the six in my group had luggage problems). The essential features were water pouch compatible, pockets on lid flap for storing things, hip and chest straps, and it only weight 1.13kg. It also had straps on outside to hold my walking sticks while climbing Baronco Wall. I also got an Osprey rain cover* kept my stuff dry. The only pockets were in the lid, which meant that I needed Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes* to keep organised. I had one for my electronics, one for snacks, and another for toiletries. I t would have been helpful if each cube was a different color to make it easier to pull out of the Eja in a hurry. As an alternative, I tied a piece of colored ribbon on the zipper, which helped a bit.
My Camelpack pouch was essential. Having the tube and mouthpiece made it so much easier to drink on the go. I would say the thermal control kit is important too (although my tube froze on summit night anyways), along with a cap that keeps dirt out of the bite valve.
Hiking boots were a big concern for me. With Achilles tendinitis, I am very picky about what I wear on my feet. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX hiking boots* were something I knew I would need to keep my feet warm and dry. With heel lifts and loose laces, I was able to manage minimal Achilles pain. I only wore the Quest boots on summit day. The rest of the time, I wore my Salomon Womens Escambia GTX trail shoes which are a few seasons old. At times they were a little slippery but they kept my feet dry. Before I left, I treated them with Nikwax waterproofing to ensure my feet would stay dry.
Water purifying tablets were something I didn’t bring, but luckily someone else did. Although Eco-Climbing Africa’s team boil the water, my stomach was still funny. I have a pretty sensitive stomach no matter where in the world I am and some people experience problems at altitude too. Purifying tablets are light and inexpensive, so I say have them on hand just in case you or someone else needs them.
Gaitors and hiking poles were the two things that were on every list. The ones I used were Decathlon’s Forclaz 50*. I worn them every day and never got snow or rocks in my low top shoes. You can wear with shorts or long pants. And they were really helpful at keeping my long pants clean for inside tent too.
 |
| Wearing my gaitors to keep the snow out of my shoes. I am also trying not to fall too. The snow was very slippery. |
As I just mentioned, adjustable hiking poles were the other key item to pack. A friend lent me their old Leki poles, similar to the Sherpa XL V. The adjustable heights are key as many days there is a gradient to manage, both up and down. By adjusting the height of the sticks, it makes ascending and descending much easier. Our guides were really good at setting the poles to the correct height.
Head torch is probably number three on my list. When we got back to camp, my head torch went straight into my pocket. Climbing in March meant early nights. After dinner, it would be pitch black.out and therefore hard to get back to our tents. The camp sites are uneven, full of rocks, and have tent poles and ropes everywhere. It would be a shame to get injured walking from one tent to another rather than make it to the top. Unilite sent me a Sport H1 head torch* to try. It offers 175 lumens, with 70m beam distance, red light, and various flashing patterns. We put fresh batteries in all of our head toches just before we started climbing to the summit and it lasted the rest of the trip.
I went to Kilimanjaro in March, which is close to the start of rainy season. My 25 liter dry bag was a bit of an overkill but a 5-10 liter bag for electronics and socks is a good idea. My duffel bag was a 90 liter dry bag too but the porters put it in another bag when they carried it. Their exterior bag was a bit worn through but this may depend on the company you travel with. Wet clean clothes and damp sleeping bags would really damper the trip, so try to find something that can resist some rain.
Hand sanitizer is a no brainer. There isn’t any water to wash your hands 95% of the time. Be prepared.
In addition to your Camelback, bring a water bottle that doesn’t leak to act as a hot water bottle. I mistakenly brought my Hydroflask, which is so well insulated that it didn’t keep me or my sleeping bag warm overnight. My tentmate was a godsend and lent me a plastic bottle to use at night. I owe her big time.
Every day, no matter how cloudy it was outside my tent, I put on sunscreen as we were very close to the equator. Don’t forget to apply it to your ears (I burned mine).
Pack several pairs of gloves in several different thicknesses. They will get wet so it is good to have a few alternatives. Although porters may not have gloves, I would suggest keeping your’s until the end of the trip. At the end of the trip, you can give any unwanted kit to the Kilimanjaro Porter’s Assistance Project. I picked up a few inexpensive pairs of gloves at Decathlon in the snow sports section that were great.
No matter what time of year, I would say a raincoat is an absolute must. Climbing to the top of Kili takes you through several exosystems. The weather on the mountain changes rapidly and you would hate to be caught out in a storm. I found a raincoat more helpful than the poncho got off Amazon because my poncho was long and I kept tripping on it while I was climbing. Look for a jacket with pit zips to help regulate your body temperature. I have needed a new raincoat for a while, so bought a Forclaz 400 from Decathlon. I bought a size bigger to allow for layering on the mountain.
Wet wipes are handy for a quick “shower” in the tent. Just be sure to get biodegradable ones and remember to pack some spare bags for your rubbish. Everything you carry into the parks, you have to carry out.. I didn’t use wipes much (other than armpits every morning) but my camp mates said they are a must.
Quick dry towel is really handy washing your face and hands at camp. You don’t have much time to leave it out to dry so a small size is the way to go. I packed my Life Adventure towel, which is also treated with Polygiene to reduce the smell between washes.
Your phone won’t be able to charge as there isn’t any electricity on the mountain, nor can it capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape. I brought my G-Eye900* active camera from Decathlon and meant to pack a small point and shoot but forgot it in the rush to get to the airport. You will need to consider the size and weight of the camera you pack. If you have a choice, invest in a camera that is drop proof and water proof. Or if you borrow one, learn how to use it before the trip.
I wore a scarf around my neck the while trip to help wipe sweat and snot away. Alice, from Alice’s Adventures on Earth, made us all of us some really cool ones with the trip logo on them. I also slept in my lighter Buff polar balaclava because I was so cold. My friend, Victoria, borrowed one of my balaclavas on summit day to stay warm. I started off with the Cross Tech buff but quickly took it off because I got warm.
This wasn’t on my essentials list, but everyone else in my group said handwarmers! I packed small ones that you can use while skiing while the girls brought body warmers. Mine didn’t keep me very warm but the others stuck them to their shirts during the day.
Optional
It rained so much that I couldn’t wear my Nabaiji pool clogs* at camp for fear of my feet getting wet. In addition, because I didn’t wear proper hiking boots on a daily basis, my feet weren’t too sore, tired, or heavy. The others in my group had camp shoes they wore in the evenings so you might want to pack a pair.
As long as your head is covered to protect you from the sun, you should be ok a proper hat. I didn’t wear my baseball hat too often while others wore a scarf, visor or brimmed hat.
My memory for details isn’t the best so I wanted to make sure I wrote down what we did each day, aside from walk, in a journal before going to bed. Proof is in the pudding as I went to bed rather than journal the night before summit day and I couldn’t remember anything about what we did. Carrying a small pad of weatherproof paper might be a good way to remember the crazy phrases you come up with on the trail.
My tentmate brought a small spiky ball. When she showed it to me, I wish I has thought of that. It is such a good idea to foam roll sore or achy muscles. We didn’t have much room to use it though as the tent was the only dry place we had to lay down.
If you have a camera or will be listening to music along the way, definitely bring one a solar charger. There are not any plugs on the mountain. Get one with a power bank if you can in chase it is cloudy for a few days.
 |
| Massai women with the solar charger I donated to them. |
This will probably be controversial, but a pillow is something I would say is optional. My tentmate had an inflatable one while I brought a £1 travel neck pillow which wasn’t the best for actual sleeping. Sleep is key so if you are a light sleeper, think about what you will sleep on. Another option would be a pillowcase filled with clothes.
I spent £20 at my local Poundshop for various toiletries and supplies pictured below. Most were things my tour company recomended that I never would have though off (baby powder which I never used, dry shampoo (never used), throat losanges (never used), antiseptic creme (never used), ultra lite pads (as an option for not changing underwear on a daily basis), and ear plugs (never used)).
Skip
We made a quick stop at a convenience store before we started the drive to the gate. I was in the back corner of the van so didn’t go in. In the lead up to the climb, I had been mentally preparing myself not to have any Diet Coke for seven days. But when the other came back with Red Bull, I changed my mind. The lead guide was pretty upset when he found out we had Red Bull as caffiene can increase your heartrate which you don’t want to happen at altitude. We didn’t drink it on summit day but we did have it on the way down the mountain. I felt bad making the porters carry it the entire way and not drink it so we split it amongst the ladies.
If you have something to add to this list for buying, borrowing or leaving at home, please leave a comment below. Knowledge is power.
Before you go
I am fundraising for a Moshi local primary school and a Maasai tribe. Scroll to the bottom of my Kili summary post for more info on how to donate.
Items marked with a * were gifted to me to review. All opinions are honest and my own. Thanks to Osprey, Buff, Salomon, Decathlon, Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, and Unilite for their generous support of my crazy adventure.
Recent Comments