Scotland Hiking Packing List for Women: Bold Spirit Travel
Scotland offers unpredictable weather. You should bring layers, warm clothing, and rain gear.
Honestly, the best hiking gear is often what you already have and feel comfortable in—your well-worn, reliable hiking boots and that quick-dry workout shirt you’ve been using for years.
IMPORTANT: You are limited to one bag weighing 50 lbs. This restriction is due to the driver who will help lift and handle your luggage. It also has to do with van space. You should also plan to bring a sturdy day pack designed for hiking.
What to bring:
1 soft-shell suitcase or duffel bag (hard shell suitcases are very challenging to pack in the van)
1 day pack (25-35 liter capacity)
1 purse
No laptops please. If you need to stay connected, use your phone or a tablet — something lightweight.
The following items are Bold Spirit Travel packing recommendations. Please remember that these are guidelines and that your personal preferences will dictate what you will want to bring.
Clothing
Having the right clothing and equipment will make a big impact on your enjoyment of the trip. Be sure your waterproof clothing and gear really is waterproof and break in your hiking shoes well ahead of time.
The weather in Scotland is often described as four seasons in one day! The Highlands in September offer cool, crisp weather with average highs around 14°C (57°F). Expect a mix of sunshine, rain, dramatic skies, and quick-changing weather. Consult your weather app as you get closer to the departure date.
Let’s talk about cotton—it’s not great for hiking. It holds onto sweat and water, which means it sticks to your skin and can lead to chafing and blisters. Instead, go for synthetic or wool —it dries faster and keeps you way more comfortable.
2-3 hiking shirts (moisture-wicking base layers, short- or long-sleeved—avoid cotton)
Lightweight mid-layer (microfleece or sweatshirt/hoodie)
Heavier weight warm layer (thicker fleece or “puffy” jacket such as Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoody)
100% waterproof and breathable rain jacket (e.g. Goretex; do not bring a poncho. When buying a rain jacket, look for one with pit zips, which help regulate your temperature.)
2 pairs hiking pants (quick-dry, moisture-wicking, or water resistant)
Waterproof rain pants
Waterproof leg gaiters
Wool hat/beanie
2 pairs gloves (1 waterproof pair if possible)
3-4 pairs hiking socks
2-3 sports bras (avoid cotton)
1-2 cotton/comfy bra & undies to wear when not hiking
3-4 pairs active underwear (quick-drying and breathable, avoid cotton)
Casual Clothing:
2-3 comfortable shirts
1-2 pairs comfortable pants or jeans
Extra sweater, fleece, or hoodie
2 pairs socks
Pajamas
Swimsuit
DAY PACK, Gear, & Accessories
Day pack (25-35 liter capacity - plenty of room for layers, snacks, water, and personal items; look for a women’s fit and a rain cover that will fit over your pack)
Waterproof pack cover and/or 2-3 smaller drybags to pack inside your backpack
Water bottle or bladder (1-2 liter capacity - Platypus SoftBottle is another option)
Travel towel
Baseball cap or sun hat
Sunglasses
Insect headnet (for protection against midges)
Sunscreen
SPF lip balm
Body Glide *optional (anti-chafe body glide for your thighs and feet to avoid chafing and blisters)
Handkerchief or extra kleenex
Blister kit with Compeed, moleskin, or blister bandages
Hand sanitizer
Walking poles (hiking in Scotland can be rugged and rocky and poles are handy for knee protection and added stability on the trail; get a pair that folds down and can easily be stashed in your bag; poles will need to be transported in checked luggage for international and domestic flights)
Thermos *optional
Buff or neck gaiter *optional
Foldable sit mat *optional
Spare shoelaces *optional
Headlamp *optional
Buff *optional (many uses: wet it and wear it around your neck to keep you cool and protected from the sun or wear it around your face in windy or cold conditions)
Shoes
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
Walking shoes are not suitable
Fully broken in and comfortable before the trip
Tennis shoes/sneakers or casual shoes to use when not hiking
Flip-flops or slides for around your hotel room and loch swim
Personal ITEMS & First Aid Kit
Your guide will carry a comprehensive first aid kit, but you may wish to bring some of your own items.
Eye mask and earplugs for sleeping
Face mask (in case you are sick)
1 at-home COVID test
Passport and ID (make photocopies, send yourself an email with copies)
Plug adapter for cell phone/camera charger (Epicka Universal Travel Adapter)
E-reader/Kindle *optional
Portable power bank (for charging phone/camera on the go) *optional
Binoculars (for spotting wildlife) *optional
Medications (clearly labeled)
Toiletries
Anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen)
Analgesics (e.g. aspirin)
Anti-diarrheal (e.g. Imodium)
Anti-histamines (e.g. Benadryl)
Insect repellent (try Smidge)
Antiseptic ointment (e.g. Neosporin) *optional
Scissors, tweezers, safety pins *optional
Tick tweezers *optional
Electrolytes *optional (great for jet lag and hiking)
Additional Considerations & Tips
Apply for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) It costs £16 to apply online or through the UK ETA app.
Bring cash for tipping tour leaders, buying drinks at bars, souvenir shops, coffee stops, etc. We recommend that you bring £350-450 in GBP.
Leave the Rolex watches and diamond earrings at home. No laptops, please. If you need to stay connected, use your phone or a tablet—something lightweight. Bold Spirit Travel is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
Make copies of all of your important documents and stow them in different places in your luggage. Same with money. Split up your money and your credit cards.
Please call your phone carrier and request an international data plan that will allow you to have internet access at all times while on the trip. This is mandatory for safety. You could also use an e-SIM.