Five things to pack for a Mount Kenya trek

Mount Kenya crosses three climate zones in five days, so packing right matters more than packing expensive. 1. A proper base, mid, and shell layer system — temperatures swing from warm forest heat to sub-zero at Point Lenana. 2. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, not new ones. 3. A warm sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C for nights at Shipton's Camp. 4. Diamox or your preferred altitude medication, discussed with a doctor beforehand. 5. A headlamp for the pre-dawn summit push — you'll want both hands free. Most technical gear can be hired locally if you'd rather travel light.