What should I wear for Mt. Rinjani?

Dressing for Mount Rinjani is all about layers, because you’ll experience tropical heat, strong sun, cool breezes, and near-freezing temperatures, sometimes within the same twelve-hour period. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, synthetic or merino wool. Avoid cotton completely. It stays wet and gets cold. Your mid-layer should be insulating, like a fleece or lightweight down jacket.

Your outer layer needs to be windproof and ideally waterproof, because rain and wind can hit without warning. For your lower body, quick-dry trekking pants are ideal. Some trekkers wear shorts on the lower slopes but switch to pants before the temperature drops. Bring warm socks, a warm hat that covers your ears, and gloves. The gloves aren’t optional.

Your hands will be freezing during the summit push without them. A buff or neck gaiter is also incredibly useful for keeping wind off your face and neck. Proper trekking boots with ankle support are essential. Running shoes, sneakers, and sandals are completely inadequate for Rinjani’s volcanic scree and rocky trails. At Lombok-Indonesia.org, we do pre-trek gear checks and offer rentals through our partner shop for critical items like jackets and boots.

We also strongly recommend sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun at altitude is intense and burns fast. Dressing properly for Rinjani isn’t about fashion. It’s about comfort and safety across a huge temperature range.