West Highland Way | Kit List (August 2021)

ADz · Jul 26, 2021

Here is my final(ish) kit list for my WHW trip next month. I still have a few things to add/confirm and may be swapping/removing some stuff but this is close to final.

I'm going to attempt it over 7-10 days and roughly 10-12 miles a day if possible as I'm totally unfit and overweight and not been on a hike or camp for 3+ years now. So I'm just going to try and take it easy and enjoy it and in no rush to complete.
.....That's if I even make it past day 1 :rolleyeses:

I could have weaned this kit down a lot more if I wanted to go even lighter but I was trying to find a compromise. I'll certainly be waning down my health/first aid kits on next trip. Just want to see how I and my feet fair on this multi-day first.

Gold Star: Weighed
Red Star: Need to add/Weigh

Comment, Ideas, Questions, Advice, Roast away!

https://lighterpack.com/r/xjxpgx

Dr Zarkov · Jul 26, 2021

Nice list! Mod the headlamp maybe and take a smaller powerbank? Then again you have probably discounted these ideas. Not used a midge jacket before.

edh · Jul 26, 2021

Just been up in Tyndrum last 4 days.

It's midgey (ahem) so once in for the night (if bad) I'd stay in...as the moss net is a bit restrictive (used one on the PCT under a tarp)...

There are hotels

On the WHW the Lomond shore is probably hardest (not that you are asking) so budget time accordingly.

As to the rest of the kit; we all have our choices.

Micksjoiner · Jul 26, 2021

Don't think you need the power plug with the large power bank

ADz · Jul 26, 2021

Dr Zarkov said:
Nice list! Mod the headlamp maybe and take a smaller powerbank? Then again you have probably discounted these ideas. Not used a midge jacket before.

I am considering doing the shock cord mod if I get round to it. I think I have all the needed bits anyway so may do it.

I had considered taking only a 10,000mah bank but I have opted for the 26800 bank as it's PD and just want to see how much I will us on a multi-day trip. At least this way I should have ample power or ability to charge bank back up quickly in hotel.

edh said:
Just been up in Tyndrum last 4 days.

It's midgey (ahem) so once in for the night (if bad) I'd stay in...as the moss net is a bit restrictive (used one on the PCT under a tarp)...

There are hotels

On the WHW the Lomond shore is probably hardest (not that you are asking) so budget time accordingly.

As to the rest of the kit; we all have our choices.

I'll be up in Tyndrum on day 4-5 I think and staying at the Inn. I have a Beatons jacket that I was considering taking but if not I have a head net so should hopefully manage outside of shelter. Fingers crossed.

As far as your choices. What choices would you make as far as my kit?

ADz · Jul 26, 2021

Micksjoiner said:
Don't think you need the power plug with the large power bank

Taking it just in case. Then if I need to I can top it up. I'd rather take it this time and not need it then leave it and wish I'd taken it. Just testing capacity/usage really as I will be using phone a lot to record and check route etc as well as probably watching movies/tv in bed or browsing net when chillin.

Odd Man · Jul 26, 2021

Your electrolytes can be consumables?

ADz · Jul 26, 2021

Odd Man said:
Your electrolytes can be consumables?

Thanks. Missed that.

theoctagon · Jul 27, 2021

Love a good list…

Do the keto bricks melt if it’s warm or are they fairly stable even on a hot day?

Is that 6 pairs of socks?

What’s the capacity on the sub-nero?

What’s the anticipated use of the second pair of trousers?

Mole · Jul 27, 2021

My thoughts

Sungloves in Scotland? You must be an indoor working redhead?

Waterproof socks? 95%+ easy paths if I recall. No bogs.

I can't easily light esbit outside with a simple flame lighter like a mini BIC without an alcohol accelerant.

Your 15ml containers weigh a lot.

If it's midgy 15 ml will not be enough. But Smidge (and others) are for sale most places. You'll be able to buy more compeed too

15ml of soap for up to 10 days seems lacking. But guess you aren't always camping?

Food cosy seems OTT? You don't have dehydrated meals listed, and it's August.

I'll not discuss the electrical lump, as it's a hobby luxury.

I wouldn't take spare trousers or quite so many socks.

To me, that weight ( you'll be carrying some water too? So 8 kg+?). seems a lot to carry in a pack like that. I use a GG Murmur (350g) for summer trips sometimes and find 7.5kg all told, the limit of all day comfort, and I carry heavier loads in sturdier packs much more often for longer, harder, daily distances than yourself by your own admission. A light framed pack makes all the difference in comfort to me, even if it's half a kilo more.

Question.

For my "natural splay" shoes, - Topos, which aren't quite as wide as Altras in the toebox, I found my superfeet weren't wide enough, and my big toe spread across the outer edge and dropped off, so rubbing. Do yours really fit and fill the toe area properly?

Balagan · Jul 27, 2021

A few questions and a couple of comments:
- Why count the Chest Pack as worn? It's attached to the front of your bag, if it was attached at the back, you wouldn't count it as worn.
- You have a Cuben pack and pretty much everything is in a DCF drybag, do you really need to add a liner? Possibly replace it with a drybag for clothes and easier admin?
- Water filtration: since you're drinking from a bottle, why not replace the 1L pouch on the Befree with the 2L CNOC and just use that or am I getting this wrong and 64 gr is the weight of the filter only (I've never handled a Befree)? Looks like you have a 4 litre carrying capacity which sounds a bit like overkill (but I've never set foot in sun-drenched Scotland).
- Six pairs of socks and two pairs of trousers: how many legs do you have? :wink:

- Alcohol Hand Sanitizer: meths works just as well (although it'll dry your skin up a bit) and you have some means of encouraging your Esbit tabs to do their thing.
- Biodegradable Wipes: these are usually landfill degradable rather than cathole degradable but I see you carry an odour-proof rubbish bag.
- Tech is a personal thing, as is all the rest of a pack's content, but the Big Three really should be updated to the Big Four nowadays...
- Your pot is heavy as crap for brewing coffee. :bla:

ADz · Jul 27, 2021

theoctagon said:
Love a good list…

Do the keto bricks melt if it’s warm or are they fairly stable even on a hot day?

Good question. I'm giving them a go today or tomorrow so will be leaving them on side and seeing if they handle temps and whether ill be taking them or not.

theoctagon said:
Is that 6 pairs of socks?

Yes but two pairs are liner socks. They will be used in conjunction with the Darn toughs. The 360Dry socks are there just in case. I am considering reducing though.

theoctagon said:
What’s the capacity on the sub-nero?

30L

theoctagon said:
What’s the anticipated use of the second pair of trousers?

Not sure tbh. This is my first long distance/multi day and just wanted to take two different types of pairs in case I prefer one over the other at times or one pair is being washed/drying.

jacobyte · Jul 27, 2021

Having done it earlier this summer, I'd offer the following advice:

1. Skip the first stage. It's mostly boring parks and farmland with what seems like a hundred gates to open and close on the path. If using public transport, from Glasgow, get the train to Balloch and then the bus to Balmaha and start from there.

2. The camping management zone alongside Loch Lomond until just past Rowardennan is a PITA for those that want/need to do shorter distances of around 10 miles per day. In my experience, camping by Loch Lomond was not what it should be anyway as I was annoyed by the sound of speeding jet skis on the Loch (why? it's a National Park for God's sake) until nearly sunset, and then the noise from overpowered and under silenced motorbikes speeding up and down the road on the far side of the Loch until well after midnight.
The camping management zone alongside the loch is narrow so you can avoid it (and the jet ski/motorbike noise) by heading into the forest to the east of the path out of the management zone and camping there. Here's a link to the management zone map so you can see how narrow it is,
Loch Lomond Camping Management Zone

I found the route to have a very Camino Francais type vibes - lots of people, lots of walking on hard packed gravel roads etc. It's not really a wilderness experience. I enjoyed the route by the Loch from Rowardennan to Beinglass, but it is pretty challenging.

ADz · Jul 27, 2021

Mole said:
My thoughts

Sungloves in Scotland? You must be an indoor working redhead?

For some reason I tend to get sore rash on back of hands sometimes when exposed in sun. Plus they help with grip on poles.

Mole said:
Waterproof socks? 95%+ easy paths if I recall. No bogs.

Mainly for use if shoe are wet after rain. I can put them on around camp and not use main socks. Or will be using them if I know it's going to be raining all day. Keep feet dry.

Mole said:
I can't easily light esbit outside with a simple flame lighter like a mini BIC without an alcohol accelerant.

Can't say I've had an issue before.

Mole said:
Your 15ml containers weigh a lot.

The weights are with the liquid not empty.

Mole said:
If it's midgy 15 ml will not be enough. But Smidge (and others) are for sale most places. You'll be able to buy more compeed too

Only parts that will be exposed really are hands/face plus have a midge net. I can always buy a new bottl of SSS or Smidge on route if needed.

Mole said:
15ml of soap for up to 10 days seems lacking. But guess you aren't always camping?

You only really need a small amount for pits and bits. Small amount of Bronners can lather up quite nice I don't mind basking in my own stink for day or two anyway lol. Plus yes, I will be staying in an Inn or two (one booked in advance).

Mole said:
Food cosy seems OTT? You don't have dehydrated meals listed, and it's August.

I initially had dried meals listed but removed them/changed mind. Forgot to remove cozy. Will remove now, thanks.

Mole said:
I'll not discuss the electrical lump, as it's a hobby luxury.

I wouldn't take spare trousers or quite so many socks.

Two of the pairs are liner socks and used in conjunction with the Darn toughs. On pair is waterproof and will be used around camp if shoes are wet and have dried/treated feet. Also can use them if I know it's going to be raining a lot that day.

Mole said:
To me, that weight ( you'll be carrying some water too? So 8 kg+?). seems a lot to carry in a pack like that. I use a GG Murmur (350g) for summer trips sometimes and find 7.5kg all told, the limit of all day comfort, and I carry heavier loads in sturdier packs much more often for longer, harder, daily distances than yourself by your own admission. A light framed pack makes all the difference in comfort to me, even if it's half a kilo more.

I an considering reducing the weight a bit further but 1L of water will be on chest strap not actually on pack plus the heavy power bank, phone etc will be in chest pack along with some snacks We're looking at roughly 6-7kg in reality in the main pack itself.

Mole said:
Question.

For my "natural splay" shoes, - Topos, which aren't quite as wide as Altras in the toebox, I found my superfeet weren't wide enough, and my big toe spread across the outer edge and dropped off, so rubbing. Do yours really fit and fill the toe area properly?

Yes they fit perfectly. I have been using them daily and love them.

ADz · Jul 27, 2021

Balagan said:
A few questions and a couple of comments:
- Why count the Chest Pack as worn? It's attached to the front of your bag, if it was attached at the back, you wouldn't count it as worn.

Because it's not part of my main pack, I would also class a fanny pack as warn weight. It's basically like carrying something in your pocket.

Balagan said:
- You have a Cuben pack and pretty much everything is in a DCF drybag, do you really need to add a liner? Possibly replace it with a drybag for clothes and easier admin?

No, The liner is there simply to segregate my quilt/extra clothes separate to rest of pack contents.

Balagan said:
- Water filtration: since you're drinking from a bottle, why not replace the 1L pouch on the Befree with the 2L CNOC and just use that or am I getting this wrong and 64 gr is the weight of the filter only (I've never handled a Befree)? Looks like you have a 4 litre carrying capacity which sounds a bit like overkill (but I've never set foot in sun-drenched Scotland).

The BeFree weights is the filter+soft bottle and sits in my bottle pouch on strap for quick and easy access. I will be mainly just filling that up and filtering into my 1L bottle so will be carrying at most through the day 2L. The CNOC is there mainly for base camp if I want to carrying in more than 2L. I drink a lot so want to have a decent capacity for drinking water, morning coffee as well as having a wash etc.

Balagan said:
- Six pairs of socks and two pairs of trousers: how many legs do you have?

Answered above.

Balagan said:
- Alcohol Hand Sanitizer: meths works just as well (although it'll dry your skin up a bit) and you have some means of encouraging your Esbit tabs to do their thing.

Never had an issue with Esbit plus I already have plenty of sanitizer about so no real need to buy/take some meths.

Balagan said:
- Biodegradable Wipes: these are usually landfill degradable rather than cathole degradable but I see you carry an odour-proof rubbish bag.

No I'll be burying them. These are cotton compressed "ekko magic" towels and are fine for cat holes.

Balagan said:
- Tech is a personal thing, as is all the rest of a pack's content, but the Big Three really should be updated to the Big Four nowadays...
- Your pot is heavy as crap for brewing coffee.

ADz · Jul 27, 2021

After consideration I think I'm going to remove the extra socks and pants. Will look at other bits see where I can save some weight as well.

Update:
Removed Extra Socks
Removed Extra Pants
Removed Midge Jacket
Removed Foot Cream

Balagan · Jul 27, 2021

ADz said:
After consideration I think I'm going to remove the extra socks and pants. Will look at other bits see where I can save some weight as well.

Update:
Removed Extra Socks
Removed Extra Pants
Removed Midge Jacket
Removed Foot Cream

Now you just need to order a Toaks 650-Light pot and you'll be set. :wink:

Whiteburn · Jul 27, 2021

I’d suggest getting down to GO Outdoors & replacing everything: what you need is a Vango 70L pack, Banshee 200, Vango SB, a self-inflating mat, some heavy boots & ditch all the backpacking food a browse along the trail (shops & pubs).
This approach will at least mean that you fit in with everyone else & can complain profusely about how heavy your pack is & how many blisters you’ve got.

cathyjc · Jul 27, 2021

ADz said:
Not sure tbh. This is my first long distance/multi day and just wanted to take two different types of pairs in case I prefer one over the other at times or one pair is being washed/drying.

I always have some sort of back up trousers when out in Scotland. You only need to get soaked once and then you'll be grateful. Also if you are staying in a B&B/hotel/hostel you might want something clean to change into. I'd keep them. Just make them as light as possible.

ADz said:
For some reason I tend to get sore rash on back of hands sometimes when exposed in sun. Plus they help with grip on poles.

My son gets a nasty rash on his hands when out in Scottish sun. We've not been able to establish why. I sympathise.

ADz · Jul 27, 2021

Balagan said:
Now you just need to order a Toaks 650-Light pot and you'll be set.

He really did take that to heart lol

Whiteburn said:
I’d suggest getting down to GO Outdoors & replacing everything: what you need is a Vango 70L pack, Banshee 200, Vango SB, a self-inflating mat, some heavy boots & ditch all the backpacking food a browse along the trail (shops & pubs).
This approach will at least mean that you fit in with everyone else & can complain profusely about how heavy your pack is & how many blisters you’ve got.

Indeed. I've been watching a lot of videos and reading trip reports and it's hilarious just how much and how big some of these pack. Packs go two feet higher than head, Huge tents strapped to bottom of bags.

Saying that I'm carrying a crap load of extra weight in body this year so I'm being quite hypocritical :rolleyeses:

cathyjc said:
I always have some sort of back up trousers when out in Scotland. You only need to get soaked once and then you'll be grateful. Also if you are staying in a B&B/hotel/hostel you might want something clean to change into. I'd keep them. Just make them as light as possible.

My son gets a nasty rash on his hands when out in Scottish sun. We've not been able to establish why. I sympathise.

This was my initial intent. Having a backup clean set for when in a Hotel or Pub or just for when 1 set maybe soaked. However I do have my Paclite pants I could use as a substitute I suppose if needed so maybe the Montane Pack Pants were a bit surplus?

Yeah it seems to flare up randomly in Sun and once it starts it gets quite itchy/sore. Only thing I have been able to use to get rid of it is 1-2% steroid cream.

craige · Jul 27, 2021

Seems a pretty sensible list overall tbh. You've got an insanely light setup for the most part but a lot of miscellany that's added up.

Personally I'd ditch the powerbank for a 10k, you can charge every day (or near enough, depending on your stops). You have a lot of clothes and little bits and bobs that I'd pare down, 3 pairs of gloves in August is nuts to me for example. I imagine you'll be spending a decent amount of time in camp so I understand some extra clothing I suppose.
I won't take a cook kit on the WHW again. You can eat in a pub pretty much every day so just need snacks.
I don't think anyone has mentioned your stakes? Is that 10 groundhog stakes? Imo 4 or 5 would be plenty, plus 4 easton 6" or two eastons and a couple of shepherd hooks. 2 groundhogs for front and back guys then 2 for windward side, eastons for the rest. If a stake breaks the back pullouts can surely hook to the groundhog at the back?
Damnit I'm considering doing the WHW yet again now

ADz · Jul 27, 2021

craige said:
Seems a pretty sensible list overall tbh. You've got an insanely light setup for the most part but a lot of miscellany that's added up.

Personally I'd ditch the powerbank for a 10k, you can charge every day (or near enough, depending on your stops).

I considered taking my 10k but I do use a lot of power when out, especially at night and for sake of extra 200g ish I would like to have peace of mind, at least on this trip.

Will pubs or cafes plug banks in for you if you ask? Non-PD banks tak quit a while to charge up full so would only really be able to charge enough if staying over night somewhere. That wa one of the reasons I decided to tak the large capacity PD bank on this trip.

craige said:
You have a lot of clothes and little bits and bobs that I'd pare down, 3 pairs of gloves in August is nuts to me for example. I imagine you'll be spending a decent amount of time in camp so I understand some extra clothing I suppose.

I have 2 pairs of gloves. A small thin pair of sun gloves (I like them for grip and protect back of my hand as detailed above) and a thin pair of warmer gloves if needed.

craige said:
I won't take a cook kit on the WHW again. You can eat in a pub pretty much every day so just need snacks.

Not taking a cook kit. It's there simply to boil water for coffee or herbal tea/chocolate on night. I'll be eating Biltong, Trail bars and whatever I fancy from the shops/pubs

craige said:
I don't think anyone has mentioned your stakes? Is that 10 groundhog stakes? Imo 4 or 5 would be plenty, plus 4 easton 6" or two eastons and a couple of shepherd hooks. 2 groundhogs for front and back guys then 2 for windward side, eastons for the rest. If a stake breaks the back pullouts can surely hook to the groundhog at the back?
Damnit I'm considering doing the WHW yet again now

I need minimum of 6 stakes for shelter and 2 for the optional pull outs. I also always carry two extra. I am considering switching some for my eastons and shepherds for the pull outs. Tbf it's about peace of mind. Groudnhogs have never let me down and I like idea of having maximum hold on all sides.

Odd Man · Jul 27, 2021

ADz said:
I have 2 pairs of gloves. A small thin pair of sun gloves (I like them for grip and protect back of my hand as detailed above) and a thin pair of warmer gloves if needed.

Sun gloves + Deca cheap over mitts would give you multi-use setup. Sun, rain and warm/rain.

craige · Jul 27, 2021

ADz said:
I considered taking my 10k but I do use a lot of power when out, especially at night and for sake of extra 200g ish I would like to have peace of mind, at least on this trip.

Will pubs or cafes plug banks in for you if you ask? Non-PD banks tak quit a while to charge up full so would only really be able to charge enough if staying over night somewhere. That wa one of the reasons I decided to tak the large capacity PD bank on this trip.

Yeah, I've never had someone say no to plugging stuff in, often if you ask when you go in they'll sit you next to a socket or if there's none stick it on charge behind the counter.

I have 2 pairs of gloves. A small thin pair of sun gloves (I like them for grip and protect back of my hand as detailed above) and a thin pair of warmer gloves if needed.

Plus the waterproof mitts. When I'm moving my hands don't really get cold though, my May trip was cold, snowy and very wet. I had a pair of magic type gloves I wore for a total of about 2 hours so maybe I'm just a weirdo?

Not taking a cook kit. It's there simply to boil water for coffee or herbal tea/chocolate on night. I'll be eating Biltong, Trail bars and whatever I fancy from the shops/pubs

Ahhh, I don't do hot drinks so I didn't even think about that.

I need minimum of 6 stakes for shelter and 2 for the optional pull outs. I also always carry two extra. I am considering switching some for my eastons and shepherds for the pull outs. Tbf it's about peace of mind. Groudnhogs have never let me down and I like idea of having maximum hold on all sides.

Sure, I understand and did the same on some of my early trips. Haven't carried a spare in a couple of years though, because as you said they've never failed and if one or two do there are always ways to make it work.

Edit: sorry about the text in the quote, dunno how you did the mini quote thing and thought my reply would automatically do the same.

theoctagon · Jul 27, 2021

ADz said:
Good question. I'm giving them a go today or tomorrow so will be leaving them on side and seeing if they handle temps and whether ill be taking them or not.

Yes but two pairs are liner socks. They will be used in conjunction with the Darn toughs. The 360Dry socks are there just in case. I am considering reducing though.

30L

Not sure tbh. This is my first long distance/multi day and just wanted to take two different types of pairs in case I prefer one over the other at times or one pair is being washed/drying.

Sounds like you’re all set. Guess the extra troos make sense for in a hotel etc

Be good to hear if/what you’d change gear wise post trip

Have a good wander!

West Highland Way | Kit List (August 2021)

Thru Hiker

Section Hiker

Thru Hiker

Ultralighter

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker

Thru Hiker