Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Ding ding - 3 month warning bell part 2


Part 2: 3 months less 2 days until departure date for our Kili adventure. See part 1 for a detailed summary of the clothing and footwear we'll need to take. This is a summary of some of the other stuff we need to think about, taken again from Explore's dossier:
Trek kit bag: ex-army type can be obtained cheaply. Nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is also suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong and waterproof, as porters are not very gentle with baggage. Soft luggage is essential as framed rucksacks are unsuitable. The weight limit for the bag AND its contents is 15kg but you'll probably find that you don't need this much.
Small rucksack/day bag: during the course of a trekking day, you don't have access to the luggage that is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysack should therefore be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, fleece, long trekking trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 3 litres), tissues, kitchen sink, make up and your pack lunch. Most people usually find this adds up to 3-5kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare film during the day. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack that is not full, than to carry a small pack that is overfull with stuff tied on the outside. Something between 25 and 35 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is not a practical alternative. Nor is a carrier bag, Steve.
Heavy duty plastic bags: to pack your gear in, inside your kit bag, to stay dry in case of rain. Also, it will be easier for you to sort through. Remember...the less you have to unpack in the evening the less you have to repack each morning! One of these bags to use inside your day pack is also strongly recommended.
Sleeping bag: as you don't carry it yourself, this may be down or synthetic, but it must be a 4-season comfort rating (temperature -10C to -5C). A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and adds an extra season. (Hmm..I didn;t know there were 5 seasons but I suspect we'll learn a lot of new things on this trip).
Sleeping mat: an inflatable thermarest style mat is essential in order to help you get a good night's rest.
Sleeping aids: you may find ear plugs and an eye mask useful at night (in case the neighbours are throwing a really noisy party).
Trekking poles: strongly recommended and can usually be hired in Moshi, at US$6 per pair. Or take your own (there are loads of Poles in England at the moment).
Water bottle or platypus/Camelbak hydration system: water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable until purified. Take at least two 2-litre personal water bottles or a system that allows for this much water, perferably insulated. A personal supply of iodine tablets/drops is essential. Powdered fruit juice can be used to disguise the taste. Energy snacks, including chocolate and sweets, are also recommended whilst on trek (don't forget the chocolate hobnobs to have with our elevenses, Mrs M).
Sunglasses/snow goggles: a good pair of sunglasses/snow goggles are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.
Sun hat/high factor sun cream/block and lip salve: choose a high factor suncream (factor 30 or more) to protect skin against sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/lip salve is ideal for facial protection.
Torch/batteries/bulb: a head torch is essential for finding things at night (now then....where did I leave my inspiration?) and finding your way on summit night. Remember to bring spare batteries and bulb.
Toiletries: keep heavy cosmetics to a minimum (probably no need for blusher & mascara, ladies). Essentials are toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, small towel & small nail brush (??). "Wet wipes" are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes).
Personal first aid kit: on each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, plaster supply, aspirins & other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader.

So not much to think about then. All this stuff to buy or rent, as well as layers and pricks, fitness, fundraising for World Vision...and saving for the trek (balance due at the end of December, team, and then the US$ cash to take to Kili for the local payment to porters, guides, drugs, alcohol etc.). Just as well then that there are no distractions like work. Or Christmas.....

Monday, November 20, 2006

Ding ding.....3 month warning bell

3 months from today we'll be flying out to do battle with Kilimanjaro. That's scarily close and what seemed like loads of time to get fit, raise money, buy kit and steel nerves has already disappeared more quickly than Ian Dowie from Charlton....or England's chances of keeping hold of the Ashes.
Apart from layers and pricks, what have we got to organize in the way of kit and logistics to try and make sure that we come back in one piece....?
According to our tour leaders from Explore:
Part 1 - clothing & footwear:
Walking boots: we strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes or similar do not give the ankle support needed. Many people now trek in lighter weight Goretex or leather boots. Avoid the type of boot often found in high street shoe shops that are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on - they give little support (like Man United fans feasting on prawn sandwiches) and will probably not last the trek. It's a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage (terrorist restrictions permitting) on international flights or wear them - should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow and scree out of your boots.
Trainers or trekking sandals: useful around camp, in towns and when travelling. But they afford little protection from stubbing of toes when walking around rock-strewn campsites at night.
Socks: best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect against blisters. Avoid nylon socks...they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters.
Jacket: after sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A very warm jacket is the most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature plummets.
Waterproofs: breathable jacket and trouser-type waterproofs made from material like Goretex not only protects against rain and wind, but also stops you from overheating. They breathe and avoid condensation that you'll get from nylon waterproofs.
Long trousers: light trekking trousers are best for everyday walking. Avoid jeans...cumbersome when wet!
Thick sweaters & fleece jackets: essential for very cold nights at altitude. Make sure your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater and/or (5) fleeces.
Thermal underwear: long sleeve tops and (sexy) "long john" legging thermal underwear is essential.
Shorts: can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case of sunburn or cold.
Waterproof gloves, a warm scarf and a warm hat: especially useful in the mornings and evenings at higher altitudes and essential for summit night. Lightweight gloves or mittens are not practical. Also, bring a scarf to cover your neck and a warm hat/balaclava.
But don't wear this on the plane, otherwise all our kit will rot at the same time as we do, locked up in an African prison.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Layers and pricks

Just 3 months to go from this Thursday, everyone. I'm beginning to realise how much we need to think about between now and 23rd February. As if the fitness, cash and fear weren't enough to concentrate on, there's all the logistics to take into account.
Layers. On summit night alone Explore advise 8 - yes, eight - layers of clothing:
Climbing Kilimanjaro is the equivalent of trekking from the Equator to the Pole. It is essential that you have the proper equipment and clothing to ensure that you enjoy the trek and also give yourself the very best chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. After many years of trekking and reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, we strongly recommend that you should wear the following for your summit night: Torso: you should have 8 layers of clothing covering your chest. Starting from base layer to outer shell, you should wear a long sleeve thermal underwear layer, a comfortable long sleeve shirt, a jersey, a thin fleece, a thicker fleece, and a thick waterproof and windproof outer shell that may contain a fleece lining. Yikes...I won't have been fleeced like this since being on the poker tables in Las Vegas.
Your legs: you should wear 3 layers of clothing covering your legs. Starting from your base layer to the outer layer, you should wear "long john" thermal underwear, light trekking trousers and a waterproof and windproof outer shell.
Your extremities: your head must be covered by a warm hat or balaclava and your neck should be covered by a scarf. Your hands must be covered with thick waterproof and windproof gloves. You must have thick warm socks for summit night.
Just as well we're expected to walk slowly...this is going like to be the Michelin man attempting the climbing wall on Jeux Sans Frontieres.
And then there's the pricks. We strongly recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and yellow fever. Travellers may also wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
I'll write again on Thursday about the rest of the stuff we've got to think about and organize...and. oh yes, we've got to work and live as usual too. Remind me again why we're doing this crazy thing......