The following responses are derived from correspondence with prospective climbers where similar issues have been raised on more than one occasion. Please check this list before asking us any of these questions so that we can aim to minimise delays on correspondence. The answers below are generally given in the first person as they are largely drawn directly from email correspondence.
When you climb Kilimanjaro on our Advantage or Excel Series, you will carry as little weight as possible. The main reason for this is that youβll acclimatise better and faster if your respiratory rate is as low as possible β which is why your guide will introduce you to the βPole, poleβ pace within 10 minutes of entering Kilimanjaro National Park.
While substantially inferior to the more robust, larger Ortlieb dry bag that is preferred by soldiers encountering hostile conditions, if youβre not planning more adventures after Kilimanjaro, this bag ought to suffice to keep your stuff dry within your holdall or rucksack while you climb Kilimanjaro with us.
Many rucksacks have a built-in rainproof cover sewn into the lid or the base of the bag. If you use a decent rucksack liner itβs not essential to use a rucksack cover, however, it is nonetheless advised as it is advantageous to ensure that your rucksack remains reasonably dry so that it does not become frozen and brittle at night when the temperature drops below zero.