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.
Your West Highland Way kit: start here
If you buy nothing else on this list, these are the three that decide whether the trip is comfortable.
Prices move with sales and season, so check the current listing rather than budgeting from an old number.