How to look good in the wilderness............

[ZaraW]

I've (foolishly) agreed to climb Kilimanjaro early next year. We won't be having a shower for around 7 days. Anyone got any tips on looking half decent? Also any recommendations for clothing and equipment. I'm vegetarian so looking at thermal insulated jackets not down. Thanks

Dry shampoo!

Of course I didn't think of that thanks!

Babywipes, cut finger and toenails short day before and take mini nail clippers - toenail in boot is agony. Really really serious suncream. Jan is hottest time of year in east Africa but you'll need decent gear - buffalo jacket? Cold up there and the altitude is a serious challenge - be sensible about altitude sickness - puking and system collapse not a good look ever

Merino wool clothing is your friend. It doesn't smell even after multiple days. I wore a thermal for a multi day backpack in New Zealand - and it was still wearable on day 5.

Firsttimer7259 brilliant some great suggestions there thanks. The Buffalo Active Ladies shirt looks really good. True, not a good look ;)

capercaillie thanks I have some merino base layers have used them on previous trips so will definitely take them with me. That's pretty good going I get very sweaty so I may not make it to day 5!

Baby wipes, lip balm, hand cream, plasters, loo paper, chocolate.

Wear boots in well. In fact make sure you practice in all your clothes beforehand. You don't want to find that something chafes.

Lots of layers so you can add/take off as necessary. No idea about kilamanjaro but I did Iceland and although you get hot walking you can cool down immensely during breaks.

Eyebrow shape and eyelash tint beforehand. Remember, everyone will be as smelly and dirty as everyone else and you will really appreciate that shower/bath afterwards. Enjoy.

Oh and a really comfortable day pack. Try lots on in shops. You can get women's one nowadays that often fit better with chest and waist straps.

And a hat if it's going to hot. And sunglasses.

QueenCadbury brilliant thanks chocolate a necessity. Might bring some Kendal mint cake along as well.

My gear is worn in well already so no worries there. How did you find Iceland I am going on a 4 day camping/hiking trip in July and hopefully will fit in a glacier walk if I get time.

Would love the eyelash tint but I am allergic so unforunately not an option. Looking at packs at the moment I guess one that accommodates a hydration pack. I've been told that drinking at least four litres a day is a must.

You might be better looking for big side pockets on the rucksack for holding bottles. The problem with hydration packs is keeping the mouthpiece clean, especially if it comes loose and drags in the dirt when you put the bag down. Bottles (I recommend Nalgene wide mouth ones from personal experience) that can take boiling water can be cleaned more easily and taken to bed for warmth. Also less likely to spring a leak and easier to fill.

Synthetic insulation wise, I love my Rab Photon jacket and Generator vest.

Take a small pot of hand cream as a luxury. The alcohol gel will dry your skin out.

Abzs thank you, I have never used a hydration pack. A friend who climbed Kili recommended it but will definitely look at the bottles. I think drinking enough water is one of the tricks to make it to the summit.

I like Rab gear so will check that out as well. I may take a large pot and give my poor tired feet a treat as well!

I did hydration pack and a bottle which worked for me. I'd recommend walking poles but you may not like them. I'd recommend a 4 season sleeping bag and thermarest.

My SIL did wash her hair every day up to camp 4 ( partly through my brother's generosity with washing water). Also she is vegan and they did really well with her food - much better than a lot of UK restaurants.

But the absolute best thing I did was to book us into the Arusha Coffee lodge pre and post trek. When we returned ( me and my dad from the summit) they'd put on the generator for us saved hot water specially so there was absolutely loads ( I should add I did this in 2006 when Tanzania had enforced power cuts and so generators were used sparingly and only at certain times so hot water mid afternoon was a big deal)

And my other big tip is to put sugar into tea/ coffee - even if you don't normally. It helps to pack the calories in especially if you are forcing yourself to eat.

Take a little essential oil maybe to act as perfume?

Make sure you have an upper lip wax prior to the trip!
(Hehe)
Take with a lipbalm with spf in it, carmex have i believe.

Sounds like great fun but i don't think i could do without washing my hair for 7 days.

I did a charity mountain trek thing a few years back. 7 nights camping/huts with only one hot shower, rest of washing was stream/cold taps, ugh! Had one of those little camping towels which dry out really quickly - that was useful. Good socks and good blister plasters essential. Also took lots of boiled sweets - good for a sugar hit and hydration on long trekking days and they don't melt like choc etc. my luxury item was a Braun independent gas hair appliance - some laughed at this but it made me very popular with the other female trekkers! :D
If you have room, it's sometimes nice to take things for local kids, eg postcards of where you live, or maybe pencils/books if these things are needed locally.
You will have a great time - I signed up to my trek on a total whim, everyone was very surprised. It was tough at times, but soooo pleased I did it!

I used the hydration pack pocket for putting my papers in.

Definitely remember to book your shower at the lodge for when you get back. It'll be one of the best showers ever (even if it is actually a lukewarm trickle ).

How do you do something like this? I would love the challenge!

zara I loved Iceland. Did a 6 day trek for charity with 60 other people. Totally amazing. Hard work but worth it. I did lots of walking in preparation and used the treadmill at the gym for hill walk training. As for Iceland itself it was beautiful and green although we did come cross some glaciers which were hard work trekking across.

Your kendal mint cake idea is a good one. Chocolate is trickier. Anything you bring from home will melt before you get it anywhere near Kilimanjaro and you may find the locally available stuff limited in selection and very sweet even if the packaging looks familiar!

Definitely wet wipes. I had an unfortunate experience elsewhere in Tanzania once when a bird pooped on my hair. It was five days before I could get to a (bucket) shower. I have never gone anywhere without wet wipes ever since .

Sorry haven't been around have had problems with the internet........
bookishandblondish great information thank you. I have a thermal sleeping bag which is suitable for -15 temperatures so I guess that will be fine.

Good to know about the food was thinking of bringing snacks but I guess that won't be necessary. I am sure your shower was pure luxury when you got back to the lodge!

skinheadmermaid LOL! trust me the tash will be waxed!

Hey Luciani good on you for taking the hair appliance I am too lazy at the best of times I was thinking the beanie will cover my head hair days.

Abzs no doubt I will be dreaming of the shower
Serotonin - loads of tour companies do trips we are looking at Exodus, Intrpid, Explore, Into Africa, the Africa Walking Company etc etc
Queen Cadbury I can't wait to get there it looks so beautiful we are start in Þórsmörk and end in Landmannalaguar. We have a few days in Reykjavik as well and I want to fit a glacier walk in as well but also want to do whale watching, Viking pony riding and kayaking, I really wanted to do the Puffin trip but as you can't get off the boat not really worth it. We were in the Isle of May in Scotland back in July and I don't think anything could beat that experience.
Violet LOL that's so funny (sorry) ;)