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What to Pack for Mount Rinjani: Complete Checklist

What to Pack for Mount Rinjani: CompleteChecklist:

Packing for Mount Rinjani can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first high-altitude trek. I’ve guided hundreds of trekkers up this mountain, and I’ve seen people bring everything from inflatable pillows to full-sized hair dryers (true story).

The truth? You don’t need much. But what you do bring needs to work hard for you at 3,726 meters, where temperatures plummet and conditions change fast.

This guide covers exactly what to pack, what to rent, and what to leave at home. I’ve organized it by category so you can tick items off as you prep for your adventure.

The Golden Rule of Packing for Rinjani

Your daypack should weigh no more than 5-7kg.

Remember: porters carry all camping gear, food, and cooking equipment. You only carry your personal items for the day. A lighter pack means more energy for the summit push and more enjoyment of the incredible scenery.

Essential Clothing

Base Layers

What to bring:

Pro tip: Merino wool is your best friend on Rinjani. It regulates temperature, doesn’t smell after multiple days, and dries relatively quickly. Brands like Icebreaker or Uniqlo’s Heattech work brilliantly.

Insulation Layers

What to bring:

Why this matters: At the crater rim (2,639m), nighttime temperatures drop to 5-10°C. At the summit, it can hit near freezing, especially with wind chill. I’ve seen trekkers shivering through sunrise because they only brought a hoodie. Don’t be that person.

Outer Shell

What to bring:

Even in dry season, sudden rain showers happen. Your rain gear doubles as wind protection during the summit climb.

Footwear (This Is Critical)

Hiking Boots

What you need: Proper hiking boots with ankle support and good tread.

The trail to Rinjani’s summit includes loose volcanic scree, steep inclines, and rocky descents. Running shoes or casual sneakers won’t cut it. Your boots should be:

Can you rent? Yes, at our office in Senaru. We have quality boots for IDR 150,000 for the entire trek.

Gaiters

Highly recommended, especially for the summit climb. Volcanic ash and small rocks will otherwise fill your boots within minutes. You can rent these from us for IDR 75,000.

Camp Shoes

Bring lightweight sandals or flip-flops for wearing around camp. Your feet will thank you after 7+ hours in boots.

Trekking Gear

Backpack

A 25-35L daypack is perfect. It should have:

Trekking Poles

Not essential, but they reduce knee strain by about 25% on descents. The journey down from the summit to the crater rim is where most knee injuries happen. Rental: IDR 50,000/pair.

Headlamp or Flashlight

Absolutely essential. The summit push starts at 2-3 AM in complete darkness. Your headlamp needs:

Rental: IDR 75,000 (includes batteries)

Sleeping & Camping

You don’t need to bring:

What you should bring:

Our sleeping bags are rated to -5°C, which is adequate for most people. However, if you sleep cold or are doing the trek in June-July (coldest months), consider bringing your own -10°C bag.

Toiletries & Personal Care

Essentials:

Nice to have:

First Aid & Medications

Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, but bring your personal medications:

Recommended:

About altitude medication: Even fit trekkers can experience altitude sickness above 2,500m. Diamox helps with acclimatization. Consult your doctor before the trek.

Food & Water

What we provide:

What you should bring:

Water is heavy. Don’t carry more than 2 liters at a time. We refill at each checkpoint.

Electronics & Documentation

What to bring:

What NOT to bring:

Extras

Optional but useful:

What NOT to Pack

I’ve seen it all. Here’s what to leave at your hotel:

❌ More than 3 changes of clothes ❌ Full-sized bottles of anything ❌ Jeans (heavy, don’t dry, awful for hiking) ❌ Cotton clothing (holds moisture, makes you cold) ❌ Perfume/cologne ❌ Valuable jewelry ❌ Your entire makeup collection ❌ Multiple pairs of shoes beyond what’s listed

Packing Checklist (Printable)

CLOTHING:

FOOTWEAR:

GEAR:

TOILETRIES:

MEDICAL:

ELECTRONICS:

DOCUMENTS:

EXTRAS:

Rental Options at Oke Rinjani

Can’t bring everything? We rent quality gear:

All rental gear is clean, well-maintained, and regularly replaced.

Packing Tips from Years of Guiding

Use packing cubes: Keeps everything organized and makes finding items in the dark much easier.

Pack a “summit bag”: Before you go to sleep on summit night, pack a small bag with headlamp, warm layers, snacks, and water. When the 2 AM wake-up call comes, you’ll grab and go.

Waterproof everything: Use ziplock bags or dry bags for electronics, extra clothes, and anything you can’t afford to get wet.

Wear your heaviest items: On transport to the trailhead, wear your boots and jacket. Saves pack space and weight.

Test everything at home: Don’t discover your headlamp batteries are dead or your boots give you blisters on Day 1.

Final Thoughts

Packing for Rinjani doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is bringing items that serve multiple purposes and leaving behind “just in case” extras.

Remember: You’re climbing a mountain, not moving houses. Every kilo you carry uphill will feel like five kilos on the descent. Pack light, pack smart, and focus on what genuinely keeps you safe, comfortable, and able to enjoy one of Indonesia’s most spectacular treks.

Need gear advice for your specific situation? WhatsApp us at +62 87777 425255. We’re always happy to help you pack right for Rinjani.

Ready to book your trek? Check out our 2-day and 3-day trek options on GetYourGuide.