Packing for the West Highland Way can feel overwhelming, whether you’re camping, staying in accommodation, or using a luggage transfer service. These West Highland Way gear checklists cover every piece of gear you need for your situation – essential items, clothing, footwear tips, and full camping kit – so you can set off confident you haven’t forgotten anything.
In this guide:
Before We Start: Quick Gear FAQs for the West Highland Way
If you’re new to long-distance hiking – or just new to Scottish weather – these are the questions people ask most before packing for the West Highland Way.
What size backpack do I need?
- Camping: 50–65L
- Staying in accommodation: 35–45L
- Using luggage transfer: 20–30L daypack
Choose a comfortable backpack and test it on practice hikes.
How heavy should my backpack be?
- Camping: 12–15 kg
- Accommodation hikers: 6–9 kg
- Luggage transfer: 3–5 kg
If your pack is much heavier than this, reconsider what you’re bringing – extra weight adds up quickly on long days.
Do I need hiking boots or trail runners?
Both work, it really comes down to preference and the weather. Make sure to test your shoes before starting.
- The trail is good enough that trail runners work fine, though make sure they have good grip.
- Trail flooding is common during heavy rain – consider boots for that reason or combine trail runners with waterproof socks for maximum comfort.
Do I need waterproof clothing?
Yes. Bring:
- A reliable waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers (highly recommended)
- Dry bags or pack liner to protect your gear
Scottish rain can be light and misty or absolute downpour – plan for both.
Do I need trekking poles?
Up to personal preference, but they are good for stability, reduce fatigue and help protect your knees.
What’s the deal with midges?
If you’re hiking between June and September, pack:
- Midge repellent
- A head net (especially for camping)
- Light, long-sleeved layers
Checklist: Essential Gear for All Hikers
No matter how you plan to hike, some items are non-negotiable. Think of these as the core kit that every hiker should carry with them along the West Highland Way:
Clothing
- Moisture wicking top (short sleeve or long sleeve)
- Shorts and/or trousers
- Mid-layer (fleece or insulated jacket)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers (optional but recommended)
- Waterproof socks (optional but recommended if using non-waterproof shoes)
- Hat
- Gloves
- Buff
- 3 pairs of underwear (ideally merino)
- 2 pairs of socks
Note: Funky smelling clothing can either be washed at a campsite (many have machines for this) or in the sink of your accommodation. Some hotels may have laundry services. No need to overpack!
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes
- Comfortable camp shoes or sandals (optional but recommended – your hiking shoes might be wet)
Food
You can replenish your supply throughout your trip – see my resupply guide.
- Snacks for during the day
- Lunch options (sometimes possible to eat out mid-stage)
- Electrolytes (optional)
Weather & Comfort
- Midge repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof lining or bags for inside your pack
- Raincover for your pack (optional)
- Sit pad (optional)
- Trekking poles (if you use them)
Documents & Money
- ID
- Insurance information
- Booking confirmations (on phone or otherwise)
- Cash and card for meals, snacks, and emergencies
Cash is generally not needed but it’s good to have some just incase.
Other
- Water bottle(s) or hydration bladder
- Map, compass, and/or GPS app
- Phone charger
- Power bank
- Small first-aid kit (include blister care)
- Doggy bags / Trash bags (pack out all toilet paper and rubbish)
- Medications
Checklist: Hikers using Luggage Transfer
If you’re using a luggage transfer service, you don’t need to carry everything in your backpack – just the essentials for the day mentioned above. Other than that, you can pack whatever you want for this trip and the rest of your holiday!
Some tips for using luggage transfer services:
- Keep pack weight light — most services allow 15–20 kg per bag.
- Keep valuable items in your daypack, not in transferred luggage.
Checklist: Hikers Staying in Accommodation & Carrying Gear
Staying in accommodation but carrying your gear? Here’s what to take in addition to the essential packing list above:
Clothing
- A change of clothes for relaxing/eating out in the evening
- Pyjamas (optional – could do without or sleep in your ‘relaxing’ clothes)
Toiletries
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- Comb / hair accessories
- Any other items – but keep it minimal
- Quick-dry towel (if using hostels / pods)
Food
If budget conscious you could take additional food to cook in the evening.
Hostels will generally have cooking facilities, if using campsites with pods you will either need to bring:
- a stove
- gas or alternative fuel
- pot
- spork
All accommodation along the trail has some kind of eating-out option nearby. Check ahead for dietary restrictions.
Miscellaneous Options
Think of some things you would enjoy having while on the trail. If you don’t overpack you can afford a luxury or two. Only pack things you will use! Some ideas:
- Camera
- Journal / Notebook
- Small binoculars
- Book / E-Reader
- Downtime activity, e.g. pack of cards
Staying in accommodation means you can keep your backpack relatively light while still enjoying creature comforts in the evenings.
Checklist: Hikers that are Camping
This list is for the classic hiking season, if camping during winter you will need 4 season gear.
Clothing
Bring some additional clothes for changing into after showering / for sleeping in. This is optional but I do recommend it – your hiking clothes might get wet.
- Merino base layer top
- Merino base layer bottoms
- 1 Additional pair of socks
Shelter
- Tent
- Tent Pegs
- Groundsheet (optional, but recommended)
Sleep System
- Sleeping bag (3-season recommended)
- Sleeping mat or inflatable mattress
- Pillow or stuff sack pillow
Cooking
Only necessary if cooking your own dinner, if using campsites there is often an option nearby to eat-out. Check this in advance by using by resupply guide.
- Stove
- Gas canister, or alternative fuel
- Lighter
- Cooking pot,
- Spork or other utensil
- Collapsible cup (optional)
- Biodegradable soap and small sponge (do NOT use in streams or other water sources)
Food
If cooking your own dinner you will need to bring additional food for this. You can resupply along the route – see my resupply guide to know how much food to carry.
Toiletries
- Compact toiletries kit
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Shampoo / Shower gel
- Other
- Quick-dry towel
Other
- Headlamp (rechargable or with extra batteries)
- A headnet – make sure its midge proof, not just mosquito proof
- Either an additional battery pack, or take one with a larger capacity
For Wild Camping
- Trowel for burying waste
- Water filter (optional, but carrying less water will lighten your pack significantly)
- If the forecast looks bad, consider bringing an extra layer or booking into campsites with drying facilities to stay comfortable – wet gear may not dry overnight.
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Bringing too many clothes or toiletries
You really don’t need them. If you want multiple extra sets of clothes consider using a luggage transfer service.
Your back with thank you.
Underestimating Scottish rain
Make sure your waterproofs are actually waterproof, not just water resistant.
Keep your waterproofs easily accessible in your pack.
Really consider bringing waterproof socks.
Overpacking food early on
There are loads of places to eat out, honestly boxes, and small shops – you don’t need to pack food for the entire trail.
Check out my resupply guide to see where you can stock up.
Feel Ready Yet?
Packing for the West Highland Way doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you’ve got reliable waterproofs, comfortable footwear, and a setup that suits your hiking style, you’ll be absolutely fine. Use these checklists as a guide, tweak them to your own preferences, and you’ll be ready for an incredible trip!
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