Packing
4 min readEverything You Need to Pack for the Simien Mountains
This article is part of: Simien Mountains — Ethiopia in TRAILS THAT TRANSFORM YOU
The Simien Mountains sit between 3,000m and 4,550m. That means you're walking through equatorial Africa at altitudes where the temperature can drop to 0°C at night and the UV index hits "surface of the sun" by midday. The weather changes fast — clear skies to hail in 20 minutes — and the nearest outdoor gear shop is a $400 flight away.
Pack smart. Here's the list I wish someone had given me.
The Essentials
Layering system (non-negotiable):
•Base layer: Merino wool top and bottom. Synthetic is fine, but merino handles the sweat-to-chill cycle better at altitude.
•Mid layer: Fleece or lightweight down jacket. You'll wear this every morning and every evening.
•Shell: Waterproof and windproof jacket with sealed seams. The Simiens get sudden downpours and horizontal wind. A poncho won't cut it.
•Rain pants: Lightweight, packable. You won't wear them often, but when you need them, you'll be grateful.
Footwear:
•Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support. The trails are rocky and uneven, with loose scree on descents.
•Camp shoes: Sandals or lightweight slip-ons for camp. Your feet need to breathe after 6 hours in boots.
•Gaiters: Optional but useful for the muddy sections in rainy season.
Sun protection:
•SPF 50+ sunscreen. Reapply every 2 hours. At 4,000m, the UV is no joke.
•Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck coverage
•Sunglasses with UV400 protection (Category 3 minimum)
Sleep system:
•Sleeping bag rated to -5°C to -10°C. Nights at Chenek Camp (3,620m) regularly hit freezing.
•Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth and hygiene
•Inflatable sleeping pad (if not provided by operator)
Trekking gear:
•Trekking poles (adjustable). The descents into the Jinbar Waterfall valley will punish your knees without them.
•30–40L daypack if your operator provides porters for the main pack
•Headlamp with extra batteries
•Water bottles (2L total) plus purification tablets or a Steripen
The Underrated Items
Buff/neck gaiter:
Wind, dust, and sun protection in one piece of fabric. You'll wear it every day.
Zip-lock bags:
For keeping electronics, documents, and snacks dry.
Duct tape:
Wrapped around a trekking pole. Fixes boots, packs, and blisters.
Altitude sickness meds (Diamox):
Talk to your doctor before the trip. Most people acclimatize fine, but Diamox takes the edge off if you're ascending fast.
Wet wipes:
There are no showers on the mountain. Wet wipes are your shower.
Cash in small Ethiopian birr notes:
For tipping guides, scouts, and buying Coca-Cola at village stops (yes, they sell Coke at 3,800m).
What to Leave Behind
•Cotton anything. It absorbs sweat, holds cold, and takes forever to dry.
•Jeans. I watched someone attempt Day 2 in jeans. They did not attempt Day 3.
•Heavy books. Download your Kindle library.
•Excessive camera gear. A good phone camera and a lightweight power bank beat a DSLR rig when you're at altitude.
Gear Rental in Ethiopia
You can rent sleeping bags and basic camping gear in Debark (the gateway town), but quality varies. If you have your own sleeping bag and hiking boots, bring them. Rent the rest if you must, but inspect it before you commit.
Plan Your Simien Mountains Trek → | Read the Full Ethiopia Guide →
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