After just a few miles into my challenging 96-mile hike in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, I realized that my packing skills were lacking. It was unbelievable to me that I had forgotten to include some basic essentials like a water bladder, blister pads, and a knee brace. Despite having hiked thousands of miles before, there were certain items that I hadn’t anticipatived needing until now.
Fortunately, you can avoid making the same mistakes by taking note of the essential items I wish I had packed for this incredible journey.
To start, I regretted not bringing my trusted 55-liter Osprey backpacking backpack. Instead, I opted for a smaller 26-liter backpack (which wasn’t made by Osprey) that ultimately caused discomfort and pain in my lower back due to its ill-fitting waist strap and sternum strap. Lesson learned – I will always bring a backpack that I have extensively tested and know I love.
Besides a proper backpack, a waterproof backpack cover would have been a lifesaver. As my guide, Tim Willis, wisely noted, just because something claims to be “waterproof” doesn’t mean it can handle the relentless rain and wind of Scotland. Though I thought my backpack was waterproof, I failed to bring a rain cover. Thankfully, another hiker lent me a waterproof backpack cover, proving the importance of being prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
Another crucial item I overlooked was a water bladder. While I usually rely on water bottles, the convenience of a water bladder with its easy access tube became apparent on this hike. It evenly distributes the weight along the center of the backpack, allowing for effortless sips while on the move. Although I typically have no issues with my water bottle strategy, the constant rain and need for a rain cover made it challenging to access my bottle quickly. This inconvenience became particularly frustrating during the long hikes, highlighting the importance of packing a water bladder for future adventures.
When it came to blister prevention, I found that my usual thin blister pads were insufficient for the rigorous 14 to 16-mile daily hikes. Thankfully, I was able to find thicker and more effective blister pads made by Compeed at local stores in Scotland. To save myself the trouble next time, I will bring my own stash of these reliable blister pads.
In terms of rain gear, my trusty waterproof pants turned out to be a hassle. They required me to remove my boots to put them on or take them off, resulting in me wearing them even when it wasn’t raining. To improve efficiency, I recommend investing in zip-up waterproof pants that allow for easy removal without having to take off your boots. This way, you can adapt to Scotland’s ever-changing weather conditions more effectively.
Considering my recurring knee pain during steep descents, it was strange that I had never hiked with a knee brace before. This seven-day hike reinforced the value of such a brace, and luckily, my guide let me borrow one he had brought along. Note to self: always pack a knee brace for future hikes to alleviate knee pain.
To combat my aching knees, I frequently requested ice from the establishments we stayed at each night. However, without a proper ice pack, I had to resort to makeshift solutions like using a hiking buff or towel to contain the ice cubes. To simplify this process, packing travel-sized ice packs would be a smarter solution.
While this particular region of Scotland may lack dangerous animals or poisonous snakes, it certainly has midges – tiny, pesky insects that can quickly ruin any outdoor experience. Although the rain and wind mostly kept them at bay during my hike, I observed that many fellow hikers came prepared with midge nets. In the future, I will definitely join their ranks to avoid these bothersome creatures.
In conclusion, my 96-mile hike along the West Highland Way taught me valuable lessons about packing essentials for such a challenging adventure. By considering these items – a comfortable backpack, waterproof backpack cover, water bladder, proper blister pads, zip-up waterproof pants, a knee brace, travel ice packs, and a midge net – you’ll be better equipped and prepared for your own extraordinary journey.
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