Heart of the Highlands Wild Camping Adventure

Suggested kit list as follows, but lightweight is strongly advised. Aim for your total kit to be under 20kg.  If possible do a 'dry run' ahead of the event by packing everything you plan taking and go for a short walk - you can use this opportunity to adjust your rucksack for comfort and check that you will be able to carry it. Then try practising over a longer distance with some hills as this is what the adventure will be about!

Boots:  Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere.  Walkers should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support.  Boots should also be in good condition.

Socks: Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters.  

Gators:  Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee.  They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.

Walking Trousers:  Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth.  They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet.  Jeans must be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.

Waterproof Trousers:  Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall.  Walkers should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.

Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body.  This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a polyster or sports T-Shirt is sufficient.

Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt.  The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.

Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.  This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.

Waterproof Jacket:  A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking.  Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat.  Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.

Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential.  The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable. We will be in exposed places in mid-Summer so sunburn is a real possibility and can be dangerous if you're not protected. Consider a hat with a rim for sun protection.

Gloves: Gloves are advisable. It can snow here in June!

Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment.  Expedition sacks should have a capacity of around 60+ litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags (dry-bags) inside.

Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills.  Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are.  Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.

Food & Water:  This part of Scotland has lots of water, so although at least two litres of water should be consumed for each day hiking, with more being used for cooking, flowing mountain streams will provide us with regular places to stock up. 1 litre of water weight 1kg - so it makes sense to carry little and replenish often. Due to the amount of time away from a proper water supply it is recommended that you bring water purification equipment or products.  Enough food for the duration of the adenture should also be taken.  Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary. Boil in the bag meals, while more expensive than packet noodles, are nutritous and also reduce the amount of washing up you have to do. A stove is also required, remember to bring adequate gas for your needs for the journey.  Don't forget to bring a plate and eating implement - modern plastic packable plates, bowls and cups are ideal, along with a metal spork which has a spoon at one end and knife/fork at the other.

Tent and sleeping bag/mat: Your tent should be lightweight but suitable for camping in potentially wet and windy conditions. A warm sleeping bag is advised as temperatures at night can drop even in the summer in Scotland, and a sleeping mat must be brought - modern memory foam type mats are ideal for getting a good night's sleep.

Other bits: We may be away from civilization however that doesn't mean we stop looking after ourselves - pack some travel sized deodorant, shower gel, loo roll and lightweight travel towel for those impromptu opportunities to freshen up.  Midge repellant and sun cream are also essential for June.

Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, although signal will be extremely limited. A recharging pack is a good idea too.