West Highland Way Gear List & Packing Guide
Scotland, UK · Milngavie to Fort William
Gear research & fact-checking
The West Highland Way is moderate underfoot but relentlessly wet — the gear list lives or dies on rain management. Waterproof everything, plan for boggy ground, and respect Scottish midges in summer: a head net weighs nothing and saves the trip.
- Distance
- ~154 km · ~96 mi
- Elevation gain
- Varies — confirm locally
- Max altitude
- 550 m
- Typical length
- 7–8 days
- Season
- Apr–Oct
- Difficulty
- moderate
Permits & logistics
No permit; wild camping is allowed under Scottish access rights with Leave No Trace care. Plan around the Apr–Oct window; this is a moderate one way with moorland, lochside, mountains, persistently wet.
What makes the West Highland Way different
- ▸Pack liner or dry bags and waterproof footwear — expect to hike wet.
- ▸A head net and treated clothing — mosquitoes/black flies can be brutal in season.
- ▸Extra guy-lines and solid stakes — exposed sections funnel strong wind.
The gear list, matched to this trail
Shelter
The West Highland Way sees exposed, wind-scoured camps, sustained rain, so a proven, storm-worthy pitch beats the absolute lightest one.
Sleeping bag
A 3-season bag suits the Apr–Oct window on the West Highland Way.
Sleeping pad
Comfort and a moderate R-value are enough for the Apr–Oct window on this route.
Backpack
A comfortable 50–65 L pack covers a 7–8 days self-supported trip on the West Highland Way.
Rain shell & insulation
The West Highland Way demands a genuinely waterproof shell (not water-resistant), a wind layer.
Water treatment
Reliable filtration covers the regular water sources along this route.
Stove & cooking
A standard lightweight canister stove handles the conditions on this route.
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West Highland Way packing FAQ
How wet does the West Highland Way get?
Assume rain most days regardless of season. A genuinely waterproof shell (not water-resistant), a pack liner or dry bags, and footwear you accept will get wet are non-negotiable.
Are midges really a problem on the West Highland Way?
From roughly June to September, yes — Scottish midges swarm at dawn and dusk near water and camp. A head net and repellent are tiny additions that prevent a miserable trip.