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 and kit
Rucksack with rain cover & waterproof liner, around 70 litres should be enough (this can be carried by a porter if required)
Day-pack of about 30 litres if the main rucksack is carried by a porter
Dry bags
Small stuff-sack/bag to leave city clothes at the hotel before the trek.
Trekking poles - extremely useful, can be hired at the gate
Outer Wear
Waterproof jacket and trousers for the summit morning when it can be cold and wet, a poncho for the lower part of the mountain.
Gaiters are also useful
Outer Wear Warm
Warm insulated jacket for evenings and early in the morning
Mid Layers
Trekking shirt - synthetic quick dry material, not cotton.
Trekking trousers and shorts - similarly quick dry
Base Layers
Long sleeved lightweight base layer top
Underwear - synthetic, not cotton
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
Lightweight but sturdy trekking boots
Crocs/sandals/flip-flops for indoors
Sleeping
Sheets, blankets and pillows are provided at the huts on the mountain.
Electrical
Head torch & spare batteries
Camera, memory card & batteries - in a dry bag
Power pack
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)
Books, Cards, Games
Diary & Pencil
Personal Wash Kit
Antibacterial hand gel
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Deodorant
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: 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.