1. Clothing
2. Food
3. Equipment & Other Supplies

Please keep in mind that many people have made successful Mt. Fuji climbs without considering even a tiny bit of what is presented here.  These recommendations are based on the experiences of professional Mount Fuji Guides (I am not a professional guide), of folks who enjoyed the experience, and of others who swear revenge against those who "talked them into it."

As a general rule, you should pack carefully and lightly, but try to be prepared for sudden or extreme changes in the weather (hot, cold, sun, wind, rain, etc.)

Packing lightly may seem difficult, considering the possibility of weather changes and the fact that you'll probably want to bring something to eat and drink.  Nevertheless, let's press on and look at some items to consider bringing/packing.

If you get to the mountain and decide you don't need some of these things, you can temporarily store them in rental lockers (if you come by public bus), or in your car or tour bus.  Rental lockers can be found at some of the souvenir shops at the trail heads.  The charge for 24 hours of storage depends on the size of the locker.  Expect to pay 300 to 500 yen for the use of one locker.

CLOTHING

Sturdy footwear, with a good tread, preferably high-top and water resistant is the (suggested) minimum requirement.  Hiking boots are recommended.

Thick socks, regardless of the type of footwear, to help cushion your feet.

Comfortable, lightweight, non-restrictive clothing suitable for hiking and steep climbing.

Some type of head cover/hat will protect your scalp from direct exposure to the sun and UV radiation.  Even on a cloudy day the UV will be strong enough to give your head a good burn.  It doesn't matter how much hair you have or how thick your hair is, the UV will get you.  You haven't lived until you have experienced the pain of a sunburned scalp.

Gloves will protect your hands from blisters (from your climbing stick), rock cuts, and injury if you stumble and fall.  They will also keep your hands warm if you climb at night.

Something warm to layer over your hiking clothes, when you stop to rest or if you get cold.

Some kind of lightweight rain gear, including rain pants, is the recommended protection against inclement weather.  An umbrella will not be effective against rain that often blows UP the slope.  It may also catch a gust of wind and blow away (this is the "Mary Poppins" effect).  A poncho may be suitable, if it can be tied or belted at the waist to prevent it from "blowing up."  But most folks on the mountain prefer the 2-piece suit-type, even the throwaway plastic kind.

A clean, dry change of clothes, wrapped in a plastic bag, to change into after the climb, including extra socks.  The plastic bag also serves as a container for your soiled items after you change.  Remember the coin lockers ... you don't have to carry everything up the mountain that you bring with you.

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FOOD

Bring at least 1 liter of water.  2 liters is recommended.  It is usually cool and dry on the mountain.  Some people perspire and don't even realize it.  Before they can compensate they become dehydrated, which can be disabling in itself.  There is no naturally occurring water on Mount Fuji.  All the drinking water up there has been hauled up by tractor and/or on people's backs.  A four ounce glass of water can easily cost a dollar or two.   Bring as much as you can carry.

Can you carry enough food for one or two meals, plus snacks?

Here are a few recommended* items:

1. boiled eggs
2. b-l-t sandwiches
3. rice balls (onigiri)
4. vegetable sticks
5. fresh or dried fruits
6. trail mix (low salt)
7. grilled chicken pieces
8. lemon wedges sprinkled w/sugar

* These are some of my personal preferences.  Bring whatever suits your tastes, but try to stick to high carbo items for longer lasting energy.  Avoid foods high in sugar or salt content.  Bring a little extra if the trip is overnight.

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EQUIPMENT & OTHER SUPPLIES

A pack large enough to hold all your things.  Now comes the test.  Remember?  "Pack carefully and lightly!"

A flashlight, with fresh batteries, especially if you will climb at night.  Consider that even a daytime climb can turn into a nighttime descent if you're moving slowly.  Can you see in the dark?  There are no lights on any of the the trails.  Light from the huts will not be sufficient to guide you on the switchbacks.  TIP: Make sure the flashlight works, then remove the batteries and pack them separately in a small plastic bag.  This will keep them fresh in case the flashlight switch accidentally turns on in your bag.

Sunscreen lotion, SPF 15 or greater. (Learn or Burn, folks.)  And if you bring it, use it.  If you put it on before you leave home, the lotion will have more time to be absorbed, will last longer, and won't be wiped away so quickly if you start to sweat.  Then bring a small amount to reapply later, or for Day 2 if you are spending the night on the mountain.  Chapstick might be useful if your lips dry out easily.

Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare.  The bright sun at high altitude glares off everything, and can burn your eyes.  Most uncomfortable.

A hand towel, washcloth and/or other small towel.  Also soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste.  Bring the hand towel with you while climbing; keep the other items in a coin locker (or in your car, etc.) while you're out on the trail.  You'll really appreciate them when you get back.  Brushing your teeth will remove the gritty red and black pumice, and the colorful line it usually leaves on your smile.

Toilet paper; even a partial roll, flattened, with the center tube removed, and stored in a small plastic bag.  Toilet paper is a scarce item in the mountain latrines (there are no "real" toilets; and no flushing water.)  It is also more eco-friendly, being more easily biodegradable than facial tissue.

A few band-aids; also some non-aspirin pain medication in case you develop a headache.

A camera with extra rolls of film.  If you don't record this event for posterity you'll regret it, no one will ever believe what you went through, and I doubt you'll want to have another go at it just to take pictures.

Sealable bags, sandwich & gallon size; and plastic trash bags, wastebasket size.  These will store and protect everything you bring with you.  Line your backpack with the larger plastic bag, then put everything else in that.  Check some of the climber's stories on the links page to find out why.

YEN!  You can buy just about anything you need at the trail starting points, or at the huts along the trails.  There is only one place, known to this writer, where dollars (perhaps other currencies, as well) can be exchanged for Yen on Mount Fuji.  The Postal Agency desk inside the 5th Station Rest House at the Kawaguchiko 5th Station is an authorized currency exchange, but don't expect to get the same rate as you would at a regular bank.  (Note: here's a link to the Japanese entrance for the 5th Station Rest House site.  The intro is pretty cool.  Then you can just click on the "English" link at the top of the page.  Yes, I know this text is very small.)

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