Packing for Mount Kinabalu
Packing everything you need and nothing that you don't is the key to keeping your backpack weight under control. Make sure you check the list below at least a few days before your climb and again after packing your bag to be sure you have everything you need.
Packing tips
1. Carry a small backpack weighing no more than 7kg, including 2L of water. Each extra kilo that you pack will be weight on your back for every single one of Mount Kinabalu's many many steps so do yourself a favour and leave any non-essentials behind!
2. If you have any concerns about carrying your bag or have to travel with extra equipment, don't be shy to engage the services of a porter, this will benefit both yourself and the porter's family who rely on their income.
3. If you are travelling with additional luggage that you don't need for the climb, use the luggage storage room at Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters to store your belongings for RM12 per bag (any size).
4. To keep the contents of your bag dry, use a correctly-fitting waterproof cover, bring a poncho big enough to river both yourself and your bag or simply pack all the contents of your bag inside a large plastic bag (your bag will get wet but the contents should remain dry).
5. Remember to save some space in your bag as you will need to add-in your packed lunch before setting off on your climb.
2. If you have any concerns about carrying your bag or have to travel with extra equipment, don't be shy to engage the services of a porter, this will benefit both yourself and the porter's family who rely on their income.
3. If you are travelling with additional luggage that you don't need for the climb, use the luggage storage room at Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters to store your belongings for RM12 per bag (any size).
4. To keep the contents of your bag dry, use a correctly-fitting waterproof cover, bring a poncho big enough to river both yourself and your bag or simply pack all the contents of your bag inside a large plastic bag (your bag will get wet but the contents should remain dry).
5. Remember to save some space in your bag as you will need to add-in your packed lunch before setting off on your climb.
Packing list
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A sleeping bag is not required as blankets are provided at Laban Rata and sleeping bags are provided at Pendant Hut. |
During your summit climb, you can leave anything you don't need at the accommodation and just bring warm clothes, head torch, water, snacks & camera/phone. After sunrise, you will head back down to the accommodation for breakfast and can collect the rest of your belongings before continuing back down to Park HQ
Clothing tips
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Pack layers that you can keep adding on as the temperature cools down and remove as you descend and warm up. Lightweight thermal layers are perfect for saving weight and space whilst keeping you warm.
The temperature at Timpohon gate where you will begin your climb is usually around 18 to 24 degrees and most climbers begin their climb in shorts or leggings and a T-shirt. You will be sleeping at over 3000m asl and the temperature at the accommodation is usually around 8 to 12 degrees so you will want trousers, a fleece plus a wind and water-proof jacket.
At the summit you can expect temperatures as low as -3 to 5 degrees with an additional windchill factor: thermal layers, wind-proof jacket, hat, scarf & gloves are highly recommended. |
Be prepared for the temperature change!
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Packing notes for Via Ferrata climbers
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In addition to the above, Via Ferrata climbers should take note of the following:
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Quick reference
Planning your climb
Mount Kinabalu climbing packages
Mount Kinabalu trail notes
Mount Kinabalu accommodation
Mount Kinabalu climbing packages
Mount Kinabalu trail notes
Mount Kinabalu accommodation
