If you are planning a long-distance hike in the Scottish hills , you’ll need to choose your kit wisely. While there is a list of essential items, it’s a good idea to try to keep your pack as lightweight as possible to reduce fatigue. Here we look at what items to wear and what to take for a day of hiking in Scotland. Remember that the weather can be changeable, even from hour to hour, so you should be prepared for a range of seasons in one day.
Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Good quality footwear will help you to avoid blisters and general foot discomfort. You also want to make sure the shoes or boots have the right grip for the terrain you will encounter. Make sure you have worn the footwear a few times before heading out for a long-distance hike, too.
There are different types of hill hiking footwear:
- Options with high ankles and adaptive lacing will be suitable to keep the foot well fixed.
- Shoes made of a waterproof material. Ideally, choose ones made of a breathable membrane.
- Ensure the inner sole has good foot cushioning and that the outsole is grippy.
Rainwear & Other Clothing
The weather may start dry and then change. Make sure you have a waterproof jacket and over trousers. Even if you don’t need to wear thee, you should carry the in a rucksack.
Add a rain cover to your pack or carry everything in dry bags inside the pack.
Other clothing should be worn in layers so you can add or peel off according to your temperature. heat. Some people call it a “hiking onion” system:
- Thin T-shirt or thermal long-sleeve shirt.
- Comfy fleece jacket or lightweight insulated jacket.
- Windproof jacket or a hardshell one – choose depending on the season.
Choose hiking trousers, tights or shorts for your legs.
Technology Items
When hiking in the Scottish hills, a smartphone is a very good idea. You should be able to contact others or ask for help if you need to and a phone is great for taking photos.
If you like puzzle games on your mobile or want to check the best app to play poker on Cardmates or similar portals (unwind, in short), a smartphone is a must. It’s great for when you have a stop for a rest or food. To ensure it works all the way, don’t forget a 20,000 mAh power bank and a charging cable.
Just in case, pack the bag with a compass and a printed map of the location. If the phone battery is gone, or there is no GPS, the compass or map can save your life.
A headlamp is important, too. If your hike takes longer than expected, you will need a light to show you the way in the dark.
All these things can make your hiking much more enjoyable, convenient and safe.
Hydration & Nutrition
Pack high calories foods that are easy to eat while on the move and won’t be affected by the heat or weather. o, the basis of your menu should be non-perishable, easy to carry and consume.
As a fast snack, consider some energy bars with nuts and cereals. Dry kitchen meat (jerky) will delight you with a feeling of satiety, as well as crackers or other biscuits.
You could even take a stove and cook a meal for even better energy during the day.
You will need some water, obviously. It is best to put a small volume in a flexible flask in your bag. It will decrease in volume after you drink the water, so that it won’t take up space in your bag. To obtain the rest of the required water, take a pocket-sized filter, and you‘ll have the chance to purify water on the go from streams and rivers you encounter along the way.
Some items you’ll also need:
- Stainless steel cup
- First aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Rubbish bag (that’s a must!)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Gloves
Hat.
How to Get Fit?
If you want to successfully hike longer distances in the Scottish hills, it’s not just your bag that needs to be well-prepared. Your body requires it as well. Training sessions should include strength exercises and cardio. Also, go on short training hikes with a load. Gradually, day after day, increase the distance and the bag’s weight.
Then you will enjoy journey through the Scottish hills the thrill of being surrounded by nature.
