Conquering one of the most grueling challenges on the planet doesn’t happen by chance—it takes dedication, strategy, and the right gear. Tifosi ambassador Scott Taylor is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime: climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro. In this guest blog, Scott shares an inside look at his training regimen, the mental grit required for such a demanding event, and the essential gear that protected him on his journey. Whether you’re an aspiring racer or an endurance enthusiast, his journey is sure to inspire.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak at 19,341 feet, was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It required months of preparation and training, both physically and mentally. As someone who has always embraced an active lifestyle through running and hiking, this adventure was an opportunity to push my limits in a way I had never done before.
I began training specifically for Kilimanjaro in the fall of 2022. While I’ve always been a regular runner, participating in races ranging from 5Ks to marathons, I knew that hiking at high altitudes presented an entirely different challenge. To prepare, I incorporated a series of high-altitude climbs and rigorous outdoor activities into my routine.
One of my first training milestones was summiting Mt. Timpanogos in Utah. The climb tested my endurance and gave me a taste of the kind of stamina I would need for Kilimanjaro. Another significant training climb was Mt. Hood in Oregon, where I climbed and snowboarded back down near Devil’s Kitchen at around 10,000ft. These experiences gave me critical insights into pacing myself and managing energy at higher altitudes.
Mt. Shasta in Northern California was another pivotal part of my preparation. After gearing up with splitboards and camping essentials, we began our ascent from the Bunny Flat Trailhead. Skinning uphill with heavy packs was a new experience, and it quickly became apparent how demanding the climb would be. The steep terrain, soft snow, and relentless sun pushed us to our limits, especially as we neared our campsite at Helen Lake. The final stretch was grueling, but reaching camp was a huge morale boost.
The summit day on Mt. Shasta tested us further. Starting at dawn, we climbed Avalanche Gulch with crampons, navigating steep slopes and avoiding rockfall. The sight of climbers scattered across the slope and the challenge of keeping pace on the boot-packed trail made every step an effort. At the base of Misery Hill, we dropped some of our gear and made a push for the summit. Reaching the 14,179-foot peak was a milestone—my first time climbing above 14,000 feet. Snowboarding down from camp added a thrilling end to the experience, even if the heavy pack and steep terrain made it nerve-wracking at times.
During my training, there was one particular trail run that left a lasting impression—and not just because of the scenery. While running on a wooded trail, I stepped on a stick that flung upward, striking me square in the lens of my sunglasses. In that moment, my Tifosi sunglasses saved my eye from what could have been a serious injury. It was a stark reminder of how important good gear can be, not just for comfort, but for safety.
These experiences prepared me well for Kilimanjaro. By the time I arrived in Tanzania in July 2023, I felt ready for the challenge. The 9-day climb was an incredible journey, filled with breathtaking landscapes and moments of camaraderie with climbers from around the world. I encountered individuals with inspiring stories, including a 6-year-old boy named Gabriel who summited on his 7th birthday, a testament to careful preparation and determination.
Kilimanjaro was grueling but manageable thanks to the months of training and lessons I had learned from previous climbs. Each step toward the summit was a mix of awe and effort, and standing at 19,341 feet was a moment of pure accomplishment. The preparation, persistence, and support from my climbing group made the journey unforgettable.
For me, Kilimanjaro was more than just a mountain; it was a reminder of what’s possible with dedication and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The training climbs, the miles run, and the challenges faced along the way all contributed to making this adventure truly extraordinary. It’s experiences like these that inspire me to keep exploring, pushing my limits, and finding joy in the journey.
- Scott Taylor, Tifosi Ambassador
