Choosing the Best Down Jacket for Climbing Kilimanjaro (Really Important!)

How do I keep warm while climbing Kilimanjaro?
At higher elevations, Mount Kilimanjaro can be brutally cold. You’ll need a quality down jacket, also known as an insulated jacket, a puffer jacket and puffy jacket, to keep you warm.
A down jacket is an insulating layer used for chilly to extremely cold weather. They are usually worn at camp in the evenings, during the night time summit assault, or for short periods of time while taking a break on the trail. One of the most common gear mistakes people make is bringing a down jacket that is not appropriate for the weather conditions.
In this video, we discuss what things to look for in a down jacket for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Here are our recommendations when it comes to choosing a down jacket for Kilimanjaro:
*Your down jacket should have a fill power of 650 or more. The higher the fill power, the warmer the insulation. My personal down jackets all have 800 fill power.
*Your down jacket should have a fill weight of 200-300 grams. That translates to 7- 10 ounces. Keep in mind, this is the recommended weight of the down only, not the weight of the entire jacket. So called down “sweaters” or “ultralight” down jackets are not warm enough for the mountain.
*Get a jacket with a hood. Being able to shield your head from wind will keep you significantly warmer than one without. Any serious down jacket will have an insulated hood.
*Look for a jacket that has not only hand pockets, but a chest pocket and inside pockets. These pockets come in handy to carry gloves, phones, batteries, snacks, lip balm, and other knick knacks.
*Find a jacket that can be stuffed and packed into its own zippered pocket for convenience and portability.
*Your heavy down jacket is meant to fit OVER your other layers, including the hard shell. It is the last layer you will put on.
Of course, each individual has varying degrees of cold tolerance. While a certain jacket might be suitable for one person, it might not be enough for another in the same weather conditions. A particular jacket might be perfect in mild 30 degree weather, but completely inadequate in a blizzard. So take other people’s advice with a grain of salt.
When it comes to selecting your puffy jacket, you want to prepare for the worst possible scenario. That means erring on the side of warmth. Because the climb is fully supported, the weight of a thicker down jacket, which amounts to just a few extra ounces in most cases, shouldn’t be a concern.
While many people have been exposed to very cold temperatures at some point in their lifetime, not many people have had to withstand the cold for so many hours straight. So, the question you should ask yourself when picking a down jacket is, would I be able to tolerate -20 degree temperatures for a period of 8 hours wearing this and your other layers. If you can confidently answer yes, then you have yourself a good down jacket.
Read more: www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/w...
Gear recomendations: www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/u...
Join our Kilimanjaro facebook discussion group: / ultimatekilimanjaro
VIDEO CONTENTS
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Natural Down
1:21 - Fill Power & Fill Weight
2:42 - Synthetic Down
4:19 - Selecting a Down Jacket
5:46 - Evaluating My Synthetic Down Jackets
6:23 - Evaluating My Natural Down Jackets
7:34 - Cold Tolerance & Weather Conditions
8:20 - Final Thoughts
ABOUT ULTIMATE KILIMANJARO
Ultimate Kilimanjaro® is, quite simply, the #1 guide service on Mount Kilimanjaro.
With more than 15 years of experience, Ultimate Kilimanjaro® has a proven expertise on Mount Kilimanjaro. We lead over 150 climbs per year, with more than 1,000 adventurers climbing with us annually. Literally thousands of climbers have stood on the top of Kilimanjaro with us. Our clients have included celebrities, film makers, senators, ambassadors, authors, journalists, and even the world record holder for the oldest person to summit.
All agree, you won’t find a better Kilimanjaro outfitter.
Our expert guides, high quality standards, and focus on safety have made us the top choice for thousands of customers from all over the world. In short, we know what it takes to get you to the summit - in an safe, fun, and affordable way.
Thousands of people have stood on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with us.
Won’t you join us on the Roof of Africa?
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www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com
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[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

Take a look at our specific down jacket recommendations here 👉www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/what-is-the-best-down-jacket-for-climbing-kilimanjaro/

[@LinusWilson]

I’m gonna use my Patagonia DAS Parka. Often the keyword “belay” is helpful to find a quality parka. Belaying involves not moving in the cold.

[@TinyJ91]

Thank you for the information! Looking forward to booking!

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

We look forward to having you.

[@leopoldbloom4835]

People underestimate the other factors than mere temperature. Wind chill and moist air can make all the difference. I did dog sledging in Lapland at - 37 C (-34 F) and it didn’t feel half as cold as - 15 C (5 F)at the coast, where the air was much more humid.

[@studioventitre23studiovent71]

You have the best advice and thank you for your super info clips!!!!

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

You are so welcome!

[@hollyball1497]

Thanks Kevin! Great info!

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bonefixer100]

Thank you Kevin

[@stevenleduc7381]

I have used synthetic insulated jackets in some very cold hikes including Kilimanjaro and Iceland in winter. Proper layering is more important.

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

We didnt' mean to imply synthetic insulation was not suitable for Kilimanjaro, because it is. Just the jackets that the presenter owned were on the thin side. And yes, layering is the key.

[@jchoong84]

Hey guys, ive got a Crux Lava (315g down, 860fp) its super warm, but also very bulky (about 770g and with waterproof outer). It would be great if it ends up being extreme conditions, but I'm concerned it would be overkill and unlayerable for most of the other hikes... would i be better off with a lighter non-waterproof puffy instead, and more layers? E.g., Cumulus 850fp

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

More layers gives you more versatility, but we wouldn't suggest buying another puffy when your current jacket will do. It's plenty warm as it should be and is your outermost layer anyway (you won't layer on top of it). You'll likely only wear it at camp in the evenings and on your breaks on the way to the summit, not while hiking unless its exceptionally cold.

[@rafashyft]

I have a question that may sound stupid but, if you choose a down jacket on your regular size (let's say M), are they made a little bit larger in order to accomodate other base and mid layers of the same size? Or if, for example, I dress everyting size M, I need to buy a L sized Down Jacket? Thanks

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

Down jackets are not oversized. Generally, you'd buy the same size as you normally wear, just try it on with a few layers and see if it fits.

[@hamoudamen]

Hi, Could I ask you if a jacket like Rab electron pro (800 cuin / 183g fill weight) would be enough for climbing kilimandjaro ? With a hardshell

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

It's on the lighter side but if you have good cold tolerance it's probably ok, especially if you bring additional midlayers. We always recommend going warmer if you are purchasing it just for Kilimanjaro. For instance, we'd be more confident in the Neutrino Pro and Positron Pro.

[@backlogbrood2451]

@@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro i'm surprised at this response. The Electron pro is markedly warmer a jacket than the marmot guides down hoody which is specifically recommended on your website about down jackets

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

@@backlogbrood2451 Is it really markedly warmer? Here are the online specs. Marmot Guides down hoody is 700 fill, unknown fill weight, 658g jacket weight. Electron Pro is 800 fill, 190g fill weight (under our recommended 200g fill weight), 523g jacket weight.