KINABALU EXPEDITION - TIPS FOR KOBI’s CLIMBERS

Your basic climbing gears check list:

Sport shoes: Make sure you get a pair that can take a lot of abuse cause thats what's going to happend especially when you decent the mountain.
Warm clothing: Get warm clothing that is wind and rain proof, easy to put on and take off and not too bulky or heavy. Warm clothing may be too warm at lower altitude so, get extra rain coat. The weather can vary from sunny to mist to rain and wind within minutes as you move through different parts of the forest and altitude.
Water bottle: One or half litre should be enough. There are at least six shelters along the way to Laban Rata Rest House where you can refill your bottle with REAL mountain water. The second part of the journey you may want to bring more water cause there's only two stop where you can refill your bottle and you may want to bring a termos to keep warm water cause its really cold up there.
Food: Just bring some high-energy stuff like chocolate, nuts, raisins, glucose sweets, etc. For lunch, dinner and breakfast you can buy from the canteen at Laban Rata Rest House. Prices are a bit steep, at least twice the price you pay at the base of the mountain but when you see the locals carrying gas tanks up the mountain you will know why its so expensive. Heck, those locals who carry gas tanks can still climb faster than me! More like run than climb up the mountain. Wait till you see them "fly" down the mountain.
Torch Light: Bring one that is ultra bright and ultra lite if you can. I promise you won't regret it. I still remember those days when I used to haul along my Jurasic torch light. Six D cels in the torch and six spares weighs at least a couple of kilos. Now that I am older, wiser ever since I got my wisdom tooth, I carry one that takes only two AA batteries. Not as bright as I would like but it does the job.
Gloves: You need one that can take abuse, something that you don't mind getting bruised. When you are all so tired and still have to decent the summit, you will most likely grab onto the ropes and run down the slopes and grabbing the ropes to slow down yourself. It is actually easier to run/walk without break than to walk down the mountain.
Mask: You need one that can hide your entire face, like the ones robbers use unless you don't mind the wind "biting" at your face.
Medicine: Headache tablets are the most useful. I always take them before I start the climb and after heavy rain or when I get headache. Diarhea and vomit prevention tablets are useful too. Please take into consideration that you will experience variations in atmospheric pressure and unpredictable weather. People with high blood presure and other health problems are advised not to climb but no one is going to stop you from climbing just be careful and know when to quit.
Plastic Bags: Put all your things in plastic bags unless your bag is rain/water proof.
Misc: I always bring along second pair of dry cloths, socks, tissues, plastic bags, etc.
Super tip: Travel light ^_^

*Special Note :It is recommended that all climbers should have themselves medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. If you have a history of suffering from the following ailments, it is highly recommended that you should refrain from Climbing : Hypertension, Diabetes, Palpitations, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Severe Anemia, Peptic Ulcer, Epileptic Fits, Obesity/Overweight, Chronic Asthma, Muscular Cramps, Hepatitis/Jaundice, orthopedic problems; or any other disease or injury which may hamper the climber.