By Rupert Shanks, Chief Storyteller
Published: Apr 24, 2018More by Rupert
By Rupert Shanks, Chief Storyteller
Published: Apr 24, 2018More by Rupert
Although this cliche raises a smile, it also gives a slither of insight into how to prepare for hiking in Scotland.
We have been taking folk on hiking holidays in Scotland for over 16 years. Our combined hiking experience amongst the team must stretch out to over 750 years! So we feel qualified to give some sartorial advice. Here’s our essential gear list for summer hiking in Scotland.
We are going to explain our clothing choices below and how these items can work together to keep you warm, dry and happy while hiking in the hills. We are also going to recommend some clothing and kit from outdoor manufacturers that we love. Disclaimer – we do have a partnership with Haglofs so there are quite a few nods in their direction. However, we truly believe they make fantastically comfortable, high-performance and durable outdoor gear.
Hiking boots with good ankle support.
Socks – the best hiking socks are wool based or synthetic, avoid cotton socks as they don’t wick away moisture.
Boots – you may feel used to hiking in trainers in your local hills. But for Scottish hill-walking, we really recommend waterproof hill-walking boots with good ankle support. Even on easy-graded hiking trips, you will likely encounter wet and rocky terrain. We would also advise getting your boots properly fitted at a local store. It’s a good idea to try and break in new boots with a good few longer hikes before taking them for a week of daily walking.
Leg Gaiters – we recommend these for keeping you warm and dry on those wetter days. They can also do a great job of keeping things from getting into your boots that shouldn’t!
Lightweight hiking trousers and merino base layer. Whitewells, Cairngorms National Park.
Heavier mid-layer or softshell and waterproof hiking overtrousers. Cairngorms National Park.
Woolly hat and gloves for those colder moments at higher altitude.
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