Scotland Hiking Kit List – What to Wear and Bring

Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and weather make it one of the world’s great destinations for hiking. But those same landscapes and weather also bring challenges that make it absolutely essential that you are appropriately dressed and equipped, otherwise your hike could turn from pleasure to problem very quickly!

Scotland’s weather is famous for being very changeable. It can be very wet at times, very sunny at others. On some days it is so variable that we often tell people to just wait ten minutes if they don’t like the weather – with rain, wind, and sunshine often occurring on the same day. While conditions can be challenging, they are also a huge part of what makes Scotland so rewarding to explore. Hikers can expect anything from clear skies to sudden downpours, but the ever-changing weather adds a distinctive character to the experience, and enriches the beauty of the landscape. Proper preparation is therefore essential, but with the right gear you can stay comfortable and safe. As we say, there’s no such thing as bad weather – only inadequate clothing!

One of the worst clothing choices for hiking is anything made of cotton. The fibres of cotton are extremely hydrophilic, so they absorb many times their weight in water. This water is then trapped against your skin, rapidly conducting heat away from your body. This can lead to dangerous hypothermia if you are drenched in cotton clothes on a cold day.

To stay comfortable, we dress in layers that are designed to function together.

1. Base Layer
   Worn next to the skin, your base layer is made of a non cotton fabric, designed to move moisture away from your skin (a process called wicking). This is usually a close fitting garment so that it will work effectively. It should be made of material that wicks well and stays warm if it gets wet. Usually this is either a high quality wool such as merino, or a synthetic material.When hiking you will work up a sweat, so it’s important to have a decent base layer that will not absorb moisture and trap it against your skin, which will make you get cold.
   It’s not usually necessary to wear a base layer on our legs unless it’s very cold i.e in winter conditions.
2. Mid Layer – Light Insulation
   On top of our base layer we wear something warm, such as a fleece or sweater. This helps us keep a comfortable temperature if the air is cold. If you feel the cold you may want something thicker, but for most people a thin fleece will do while you are active.
3. Outer Layer Shell
   The outside of our layering system is called the shell. This is your wind and waterproof layer that keeps you dry in the rain, while still allowing moisture from inside to escape. It’s just as important to have a shell layer for your legs as it is for your torso, so you should carry a pair of waterproof over-trousers as well as a waterproof jacket.
4. Spare Layer – Extra insulation.
   If the weather is very cold, wet or windy then you should have an extra warm layer you can put on in case it gets colder, or if you cool down because you’ve stopped moving. A popular choice is an insulated puffy jacket with either down or synthetic-down fill. These are light, pack up small and are very warm for their weight, but it’s important to keep them dry as they may lose their warmth when wet.

This layering system works very well for most people. The crucial thing is to adjust layers as needed. You won’t necessarily need everything every day, but it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of the weather changing or turning out differently to the forecast.

Good footwear is crucial to your comfort and safety while hiking. Scotland’s terrain can be rough and wet underfoot, so it is crucial your footwear has a suitable sole with good grip, is waterproof to keep your feet dry, and is properly fitted so you avoid blisters and other problems.

There is a big difference between hiking boots and “other boots” which are more designed for fashion or work such as Caterpillar boots, Timberland, Doc Martins etc. These are not designed to support your foot comfortably while hiking for hours at a time, and the relatively soft treads will quickly wear and be slippy on wet ground.

Likewise, sneakers/trainers may be fine for the easiest of trails in good weather (Grade 1A), but on anything rougher and wetter you are likely to get wet feet and have a higher chance of slipping and injuring yourself.

Footwear for hiking comes in the form of both boots and shoes. For Scotland, we generally recommend boots as they provide greater protection to your ankles from stones and debris; have excellent grip; and the higher cut helps keep your feet dry from ground water.

Hiking shoes are acceptable for easy and moderate trails (Grade 2A/2B), but are not recommended for hills and rougher ground. They are still a better choice, though, than boots not designed for hiking.

Your Hiking Boots should be properly sized and fitted. The best way to ensure this is to buy them from a shop with a specialist boot fitting department. There is more to your foot shape than it’s length, so having boots properly fitted can make a huge difference. A good fitter will measure the length and width of your foot, as well as examining the way you stand and walk. They can then choose some suitable options for you to try, as well as making any necessary adjustments such as insoles to adjust your gait, or lacing to adjust the fit.

Different brands are made on different ‘lasts’ i.e model feet, so different brands are good for different people depending on the shape of their feet. For example Merrel, an American brand, have a slightly wider overall fit than, say, Scarpa, an Italian brand. A good fitter will know the difference and help you find the perfect choice. Once you have a boot make that is right for your foot, you tend to stick with it.

Good quality socks can make a remarkable difference to your feet when hiking. Thicker socks can help provide more cushioning, but they can also be very warm and cause the foot to sweat more, increasing likelihood of blisters. Sock thickness is a personal choice, but a well sized quality sock in a well sized quality boot should keep you comfortable. Most hiking socks are a wool/synthetic blend to get the ideal balance of compression, cushioning, breathability and odour control.

Upper Body:

• Wicking base layer – merino wool or synthetic
• Warm layer – fleece, wool or synthetic sweater
• Waterproof jacket – breathable, with hood
• Spare warm layer – down or synthetic insulated jacket; or heavier fleece

Lower Body:

• Non cotton underwear
• Hiking trousers – ideally a quick drying, stretch fabric
• Waterproof over-trousers – ideally with full length leg zips to put on/remove easily

Footwear

• Properly fitted waterproof hiking boots with good grip
  or
• Properly fitted hiking shoes
• Wool or synthetic hiking socks

Head

• Sunhat
• Warm hat – wool/fleece
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Hands

• Gloves
  – For summer, a pair of thin liner gloves will probably suffice, with a warmer fleece pair reserved for colder days or windy mountain tops.

Equipment

Essential:

• 15-25L backpack with rain cover
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Personal medication

Optional:

• Phone/camera (waterproof/shockproof case recommended)
• Insect repellent (recommended)
• Gaiters
• Walking Poles
• Binoculars
• Thermos Flask
• Foldable Sit Mat

Safety Gear

If you are joining a guided adventure with Highland Guiding then there is no need to bring any of the following items as your guide will be doing so. But if you’re heading out on your own then you may also need these items if you are planning an adventurous hike.

• Map and compass (and know how to use them)
• GPS/Emergency beacon
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Shelter

Hiking in winter brings extra challenges due to the short daylight hours, cold temps, and potentially stormy weather. Scotland’s mountains, especially, become a truly challenging environment.

Since Highland Guiding does not offer winter mountain adventures, we are limiting this list to what is needed for low level. To venture onto the mountains in winter requires additional equipment and expertise such as ice axes and crampons.

Additional gear that may be needed for winter conditions:

• Headtorch and spare batteries
• Heavier weight winter hiking trousers with thermal lining
  or
• Thermal tights – merino or synthetic
• Spare gloves
• Microspikes for traction on ice and snow