What should I pack for Mount Kinabalu Climb? Here is a complete Mount Kinabalu Packing Idea for your preparation of Mount Kinabalu Climb. The comprehensive Mount Kinabalu Packing List will give you an idea of things to bring for Mount Kinabalu Climb and how to pack it. It is important to maximize comfort and enjoyment!
Everyone and even beginner can climb Mount Kinabalu as you do not need any special skills or equipment to conquer it, but at least to have the basic fitness level. In order for you to climb safely and successfully, it is important that you pack WELL and pack LIGHT. Follow the Mount Kinabalu Packing Idea below and we will show you the things to bring for Mount Kinabalu Climb and how to pack it. The weather on Mount Kinabalu can be either warm (as high as 23ºC in the daytime) or windy and cold (as 3ºC in the wee hours in the morning) – usually both! Raining can happen at any minute, so be prepared to encounter all types of conditions.
Do not overpacking, try to keep the weight of your backpack to not more than 10KG by taking only the necessities (in our recommended list of things to bring for Mount Kinabalu) and avoid “nice to have” supplies. Carrying a lot of weight on your back will naturally cause you to hunch forward. As often as you can, remember to keep your back straight to help evenly distribute your weight and maintain body balance.
The weather on Mount Kinabalu is unpredictable. Even if the lower part of Mt. Kinabalu is sunny, once the summit is covered in clouds, there is a chance you may run into bad weather. Hence, you must fully preparing yourself against the cold and rain during your climb.
What you prefer to wear on the trail is really a matter of personal preference – it’s all up to you. Some climbers prefer to go light with wearing only a t-shirt and shorts for the early stages, adding a warm jacket as they reach higher altitudes but some others prefer to wear long-sleeved shirts or pants. Just adjust your clothing depending on the weather. Remember to bring the necessities with you. The infographic above will give you an idea of how should you wear during your DAY CLIMB.
There can be more than a 10°C difference in temperature between the Timpohon Gate and Panalaban Base Camp. Make sure you pack right!
The summit ascent for Mount Kinabalu begins at 2.30 am to 3 am and the weather usually is cold and windy. Layering your clothing is an excellent way to ensure your comfort on the mountain and keep your body warm. It allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather.
Dress in 3 layers:
Extra belonging which you don’t need during your night climb can be kept in your room but do not leave any valuable items behind.
You may have the satisfaction of carrying your own bag with you at high altitude on this mountainous trek, but you will enjoy it a lot more if you hire a porter to carry your gear for you. As the porter’s job is only to carry your gear/equipment, they will not trek with you along the journey. Thus, you still have to carry some necessities with you along the climb (packed lunch, raincoat, water, jackets, energy foods, medication, etc) following our Mount Kinabalu Packing List even though you decided to hire a porter. But, what should I pack for Mount Kinabalu Hike?
If you plan to carry your own bag for your Mount Kinabalu hike, what is your recommended Mount Kinabalu backpack size? An average-sized regular backpack will do fine (about 30L volume backpack). In addition, backpack with hip belts helps keep the weight off your shoulders by distributing the weight to your hips. If your backpack is not waterproof, then a backpack rain cover is necessary.
No matter what choice you make, it is important to keep the rain out of your pack and protect your gear from getting wet (use backpack rain cover / waterproof bag / pack them inside plastic bags to keep your gear dry).
If you simply can’t beat the over packing habit or wish to have a comfortable journey, hire a porter. You’re going to need one. But this is fully optional and depends on individual.
| Porter Fees | Rate |
|---|---|
| Timpohon > Laban Rata Resthouse > Timpohon | MYR 13/KG |
| Timpohon > Sayat-Sayat > Timpohon | MYR 15/KG |
| Timpohon > Summit > Timpohon | MYR 16/KG |
There is always a question of “What should I pack for Mount Kinabalu Hike?” among climbers. Here are some tips for you to avoid overpacking all your things to bring for Mount Kinabalu and save more space:
