Mount Kinabalu Kit list
This is a comprehensive suggested kit list to help you to think of all the things that you may need. You may have preferred equipment that you have found works for you in these environments and activities. If so then feel free to adapt the contents below. Please also speak to us if you have any questions before buying any new or expensive gear. For a look at gear for other Borneo tours, see our Borneo kit list page.
Views along the Mount Kinabalu summit trail.
Bags
Max 85 Litre Rucksack with rain cover & waterproof liner (Carried by a local porter)
35-45 Litre Rucksack (Day-pack carried by you)
Small stuff sacks, waterproof, various sizes.
Small stuff-sack/bag to leave city clothes at the hotel before the trek.
Outer Wear
Waterproof shell jacket, breathable
Waterproof shell trousers, breathable
Gaiters Goretex or equivalent (optional but useful)
Outer Wear Warm
Warm insulated jacket for evenings eg fleece/PrimaLoft
Mid Layers
Warm fleece top
Softshell jacket (optional but useful)
Trekking trousers and shorts
Base Layers
Long sleeved lightweight base layer top
Underwear
A look at the rocky landscape on Mount Kinabalu.
Head Wear
Warm hat
Wide-brimmed Sun Hat or cap with neck veil
Sunglasses
Hands
Insulated windproof gloves
Thin liner gloves
Footwear
Trekking socks
General socks
Lightweight but sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support
Crocs/sandals/flip-flops (optional)
City/travel clothes (can leave at hotel)
Sleeping
2-3 season sleeping bag (suggested comfort temperature 0degC or lower)
Waterproof stuff sack/compression sack for sleeping ba
Electrical
Head torch & spare batteries
Camera, memory card & batteries
Solar charger (optional)
Eating/Drinking
2x 1-litre drinks bottles
Favourite high energy snacks eg chocolate, energy drink powder, energy gels, jelly cubes etc
Looking at the lowlands while perched high in the clouds on Mt Kinabalu.
Other
Earplugs (optional)
Passport & copies, visa, insurance details, money, credit cards, plane ticket no.s
Waterproof pouch for documents
Books, Cards, Games
Diary & Pencil
Mountain Hardware
Walking Poles (optional)
Personal Wash Kit (optional!)
Antibacterial hand gel
Wet wipes (optional)
Toothbrush with cover
Toothpaste
Roll on deodorant (optional)
Shaving gear & small mirror (optional)
Showergel/shampoo (<100ml for before/after climb)
Microfibre trekking towel
Personal Medical Kit
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Antiseptic Wipes
Adhesive Plasters
Blister Plasters
Zinc Tape
Insect Repellent
Antihistamine tablets
Sunblock Cream
Water Purification Tablets
Rehydration Sachets
Personal Medication as required: Anti-Malarials, Asthma Inhalers, Insulin, Epi-Pen etc
Lip Salve
Throat Lozenges
Latex gloves
Tubigrip knee/ankle support bandage(s)
Hydrocortisone Cream
Ciprofloxacin tablets (general antibiotic; prescription required)
Sunsets are stunning from a beautiful Kinabalu lookout point.
Note: you must check with your GP for your personal suitability to all medicines and their possible side effects and interactions. Please inform us of the details of all regular medication that you intend to use through the course of your trip and any relevant allergies and medical history related to them. You also need to check the requirements and regulations of the airline and all countries visited in relation to medications. For example; laws governing transport of some pain control medication and the need keep insulin at a suitable temperature, ie not in the cargo hold.