West Highland Way | EQUIPMENT
Here is the list of gear we would pack for hiking the West Highland Way. We’ll keep updating it on a yearly basis, based on our growing knowledge and experiences on different trails.
❗ Recommendation:
We advise to carefully plan your equipment list for hiking this trail. Keep in mind… a too heavy and bulky backpack would increase your effort while hiking and would make the trail experience less enjoyable.
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WHW Gear List
This gear list was created using Lighterpack.
The last category block, called “Trail-Specific Gear”, lists all additional items that are trail dependent. Out of these items, the ones we would recommend for hiking the West highland Way are discussed further down below, in the Trail-Specific Gear section.
⛺ Camping Gear:
If you choose to enjoy the luxus of accommodations and restaurants along the trail, you can simply ignore the gear listed under “Shelter” and “Cooking”.
📅 Weather and Temperatures:
We hiked the WHW in September. Your gear list can of course change depending on the period you are planning to go. We advise to check the weather forecast and temperatures when planning this adventure.
💥 Hike Your Own Hike:
Use this gear list for inspiration, but don’t take it as the one and only way to go! “Gear” is a very subjective topic, as every hiker is different and therefore has different needs while on trail. We too are still inside an endless learning phase… so find what suits you best and HYOH!
Trail-Specific Gear
☂️ These are the items from the category “Trail-Specific Gear” that we would carry on the WHW.
Sitting Pad: if you are planning to stay at hotels and choose not to bring any foldable pad (like the one listed under “Sleeping”), I advise to bring at least a sitting pad… you’ll never regret this choice during breaks!
Boots: we recommend to wear mountain boots, since the terrain can get very wet and muddy.
Fleece: for cold days.
Long Pants: for hiking, instead of shorts and wind pants.
Rain Pants: for rainy days.
Gloves (light): for cold days.
Mosquito Net: for the infamous midges.
Deet Insect Repellant: for the infamous midges.
Additional Notes
Sleeping System: even if you are planning to stay at the hostels along the trail, we recommend to take a sleeping bag or a liner with you, as they sometimes provide blankets and pillows, but no bed sheets.
Shelter and Cooking systems: if you choose not to camp and enjoy the luxus of the provided accommodations along the trail, you can simply ignore the gear listed under these categories, hence reducing the weight of your pack.
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