16 Must-have Hiking Essentials for a Gorilla Trek

I’ve traveled across the globe—from the mountains of New Zealand to the rice fields of Vietnam to the icy towns of Greenland—but the most logistically challenging trip I’ve ever been on was gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The packing list was no joke: industrial-strength bug spray that lasts 12 hours, waterproof hiking pants for unpredictable weather, and layers that manage to wick sweat and still look pulled together. 

Want to know the real challenge, though? It all had to fit into a single duffel bag, since our group trek involved tight quarters on a small tour bus—and my beloved extra-large, hard-shell suitcase was not invited. So what made it into the bag that worked for jungle trekking, safari outings, city shopping, and dinners? Here’s everything I packed for this unforgettable 10-day adventure. 

As a note, the temperatures can vary greatly, so layers are key. During the day, it can reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit at lower elevations but drop as low as 41 degrees at higher altitudes where the gorillas live. Also, when purchasing hiking gear to wear for gorilla trekking, buy only neutral colors—like army green, khaki, black, and tan — to avoid startling them and drawing extra attention to yourself. 

REI Co-op Zero Cloud Rain Pants

If you take away only one piece of packing advice from this article, let it be this: you need waterproof pants. Even though most gorilla treks in Rwanda and Uganda take place in the summer (the area’s dry season), the gorillas live in the rainforest, so rain can be expected anytime. Not only for rain, though, waterproof pants also resist stinging needles, which, as the name suggests, sting and burn your skin on contact. These zero-cloud rain pants were sturdy enough to hike the rainforest, while still being ultra-breathable and lightweight. Although a pricier option at $159, they’re built to last. Additionally, they offer adjustable straps at the feet, which offer additional coverage for your ankles as you’re trekking through heavy brush and bush. 

Columbia Skien Valley Hoodie

Just as the weather is unpredictable in the rainforest, so are the bugs. In addition to bug spray (which you’ll find later in the list), I also packed an insect shield hoodie for added protection. The exact one I brought is almost sold out, but this similar Columbia hoodie is treated with a synthetic version of permethrin, a natural bug repellent, that’s woven into the fabric for long-lasting protection from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. As a bonus, it also offers 50+ UPF protection against the sun, and the material is designed to be sweat-wicking to keep you cool and dry, even in hot, humid conditions. The repellent fabric is designed to last for up to 70 washes, so it should be plenty for the life of the shirt. It’s also available in men’s sizes for $70.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Leather Hiking Boots

The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone going on a gorilla trek (or really any hiking trip) is to invest in good quality hiking boots. I’ve almost exclusively used the Merrell brand for a decade, and have never been disappointed. For my Rwanda trip, I opted for these Moab Speed 2 Leather Boots. I chose them for the high top (for added ankle protection) and waterproof canvas, but I was extra surprised when I learned they offered odor protection. I also love the outsoles that provide excellent traction while walking uphill and rock scrambling. At $190, they’re the most expensive item on this list, but they are built to last for years. 

Pine Tree Tools Gardening Gloves

One of the most important items in my duffel was my set of gardening gloves. Our guide recommended the Pine Tree Tools brand specifically because of its durability, and I still use them to this day to garden in my backyard. The reason for gloves on a gorilla trek is simple—they protect your hands from the sharp and thorny vegetation you need to walk through to get to the gorillas’ nests. Plus, the walk up to where they live is rocky and uneven, so the gloves provided even more protection as I was trying to scrabble up and around boulders and slippery trails. They get bonus points for breathability and price, costing less than $10 a pair. 

N95 or KN95 Face Masks

One thing I didn’t realize until I started researching what to pack for my trip was that face masks (preferably N95) are mandatory when visiting the gorillas. Despite the similarities between humans and gorillas, we carry different diseases than they do, and without a mask, we run the risk of infecting the entire family with what could be fatal infections. Although any color mask is okay (as long as your mouth and nose are covered), I opted for these black ones for additional camouflage. 

The North Face Venture 2 Waterproof Rain Jacket

If rainforests are anything, they’re unpredictable, and we even had a little precipitation on our hike in June (Rwanda’s dry season). I didn’t just wear this North Face rain jacket on the hike—I wore it every morning and evening, too. Although on the pricier side ($110), this jacket comes with the quality you expect from The North Face, with impressive waterproofing that can also withstand high winds. It’s made to move with you so you won’t feel constricted, and the detachable hood and secured zip pockets add convenience. I went with the black for versatility, but it also comes in several other colors. 

Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Eco Spray

This one seems self-explanatory, but you’d be surprised how many people in my group forgot bug spray when we arrived in Rwanda. During the dry season, there are tons of mosquitoes, and they’re happy to bite any bare skin they see. Ben’s Tick and Insect spray is effective, made from a strong 30 percent DEET formula, and it offers up to seven hours of insect protection. This brand is also alcohol and fragrance-free, which many shoppers appreciate.

Osprey Daypack

Although a gorilla trek isn’t a multi-day activity (you can only spend one hour per gorilla family per day), this Osprey daypack was a necessity for everything I needed to bring. Not only is it lightweight and water resistant, but it also has a non-padded hip belt for added support, which came in handy as we were hiking uphill to the gorilla’s nest. Additionally, it has an included hydration bladder, so I didn’t have to lug around a heavy water bottle. Despite its relatively small size, this pack fit everything from my rain jacket to my discarded clothing layers, plus my insect repellent, camera, and a snack.

Vuori Energy T-shirt

Every “what to pack if you’re going gorilla trekking” website I found mentioned bringing long-sleeve shirts exclusively. And yes, those are important. However, I’m even more thankful I packed a few of these Vuori T-shirts. Our trek was in June, and the days got very hot (especially after hiking for an hour or two). When safe to do so, I constantly took off layers and spent my afternoons in these short-sleeve tees. They’re a little more expensive than a standard tee (around $58 each), but they’re sweat-wicking, so they stay fresher longer. Bonus? They’re ultra-flattering, offering a slight crop that is as cute with safari pants as with jeans. 

Merino Tech Base Layer Set

Merino wool is arguably one of the best materials to hike in, and a gorilla trek is no exception. Sweat-wicking and odor-resistance add longevity to this base layer set, allowing for multiple wears before needing a wash. The set is also thermoregulated, so it keeps you warmer when the temperatures are low and cooler when they heat up. The sets come in three weights—lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. I went with the lightweight set for my trek in June, but if you go in around September, a midweight set would be more beneficial; the heavyweight is recommended for treks in December through February.

Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks

There’s nothing worse than blisters when you’re hiking, especially when you still have a few days of activity left to go. That’s why most gorilla outfitters (like Overseas Adventure Travel, the company I traveled with) strongly recommend tall hiking socks. They not only work to prevent blisters, but they also add more coverage under your pants, keeping your legs free from stinging nettles, brush scratches, and mosquito bites. These dry-tech socks from Dickies also dry faster, so you’re not stuck with wet feet as you walk.

REI Co-op Trailmade Pull-on Pants

One reviewer says these REI Co-op bottoms are quickly becoming their “go-to hiking pants,” and, after trekking in them for two full days (and wearing them on an eight-hour safari drive), I have to agree. They’re water-resistant and offer six pockets (two front hand pockets, two back pockets, and two cargo pockets with flap closures), an elastic waistband, and slim-tapered legs for additional coverage. The many pockets were clutch for holding my phone, Go-Pro, and chapstick, while the sunglass hoops made storing my sunnies so much easier. 

Jessie Kidden Women’s UPF 50+ Safari Shirt

Aside from my merino wool layer, this UPF 50+ safari shirt was my most-worn article of clothing during my 10-day trip. Not only did I wear it on the day of the gorilla trek, but I also wore it on the safari day and a few times to shop in Kigali and walk around Musanze Town (near Volcanoes National Park). It’s clearly super versatile, but it’s also sweat-wicking and offers maximum protection from the sun. Plus, the mesh-lined, vented back provided comfortable airflow. 

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters

Yes, you need gaiters for a gorilla trek, even with proper pants, hiking socks, and boots. Often worn when fishing, gaiters are integral for a gorilla hike because they offer the necessary protection against vegetation, bugs, mud, and debris. With an almost five-star rating at REI, I went with these Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters, and they held up spectacularly. The coated nylon top layer protected my feet and ankles from water, mud, and stinging nettles, while the uncoated upper layer added some much-needed breathability. 

Sunday Afternoons Ultra Storm Bucket Hat

Since my trek was in the middle of June, the sun was often blazing hot by mid-afternoon. Even with ample sunscreen, I would have been far more sunburned had I not brought this ultra-storm bucket hat. I loved this particular hat for the more modest brim that offers better sun protection, and it’s 100 percent waterproof and seam-sealed design, to better keep my head dry if it started to rain. It also boasts 50+ UPF protection with a very lightweight, breathable fabric.

Lepro LED Headlamp

Although not necessary for the actual gorilla trek, a wearable headlamp was strongly recommended by our guide. The hotel we stayed at in Volcanoes National Park was large and offered cabin-style accommodations. After a day of hiking, we often had to walk to dinner in the dark, and these headlamps provided hands-free illumination. Additionally, if you camp or stay in similar accommodations on safari, you often have to navigate the darkness to find the restrooms as well. These headlamps at Amazon have over 12,000 five-star ratings, are fully rechargeable, and cost just $10.

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