Backpacking Gear for 7 days - Costs You Need to Know for the West Highland Way

[@wazeroonie6084]

There’s a Greggs at the start, and a Wetherspoons at the end. What more do you need.

[@majellafergus3643]

Although I'm looking at a different scottish walk to the West Highland Way I want to say a HUGE THANKS for taking the time to go through your gear and the stops! I've picked up so much useful info from this and now I'm off to watch your walk videos. Great job, thanks again!

[@coraandtheexplorer]

I had the same regret camping at Glen coe centre, only place my dog cora was not allowed. I also wished I had pushed on to kingsxhouse, beinglass is one of my favourite sites ever. Congratulations on doing the hike Paul

[@Chilternwildcamper]

Like the approach, common sense, practical, realistic and great idea to put the waterproof trousers in the little pocket under the rucsac, I've now done that as a permanent solution!

[@sprucegoose4204]

really love that you reassured us that you don't need any gear like this and that it is super personal! So often I feel like these videos try to sell us on the products and not the experience!

[@gud2go50]

Very helpful! Camp sites where I live in Arkansas USA are nothing like where you live, but how you packed your kit helped me quite a bit! Thank you.😊

[@petersmith6974]

Like Canada. Usually more private spots,further apart

[@lui5422]

Thanks for the run down. Love your approach with not obsessing about weight - on these long hikes in Scotland, if the weather gets shut you absolutely need comfort over UL

[@SupaPuffer]

Fantastic to include pricing and total cost. This is definitely going to the top of my list for an affordable adventure. Cheers!

[@oreilly1237878]

Paul Mesners camping trips and explanations are absolutely fascinating and a must go to for wild campers or really anyone camping.Thankyou very much.

[@davehumpleby3440]

Appreciate the breakdown on kit, costs, and accommodation. Glad you had a brilliant trek.

[@feetunes]

Thanks for this Paul. A very helpful tool for me as I look forward to my own trip next year. I'm celebrating turning 60 and I've persuaded my 5 sons and 2 foster sons to do the WHW with me. Just starting to plan it all now.

[@shi1355]

hire a baggage transfer between bnb/campsites - it's not cheating the terrain is challenging enough, it just frees you up to enjoy it 💪🏻

[@Dutcharmytent]

I have never used my sleeping bag as an enclosed bag. I always open it out fully and then I can move about freely. Your down quilt looks appealing .

[@DaveWright-bo8dp]

A great series on the WHW. Brought back memories of when I did it in April 2010. Superb weather - used a Vaude Power Lizard tent and Berghaus Vulcan rucksack. Many thanks.

[@pootlingalong8928]

Thanks for giving us this run down of kit and basic costs Paul, much appreciated. You obviously enjoyed the trail which is the best result and we have a great collection of videos to pore over and plan our own trip sometime! 👍🏻😁

[@callumbucknall]

Beinglas campsite is cracking! I live about 45 mins away and go there quite frequently! The pub is great too.

[@jho7389]

Oh, a gem this video, exactly what I was looking for in my head whilst doing the preparations - stove, water filter, bottles as a hiker not a camper - tent is hired from RAB. I'll be heading that way next Thursday with a car though from down South and a sister (climber not a camper) as my companion . Wish us luck.

[@MrNineCherries]

Watching your video has inspired me to organise a whw walk with my daughter. There has always been an excuse but watching this mini series was great and given us the boost 👍🏻👍🏻 thanks Paul

[@garrygreen3210]

Nice one Paul lad, great overview. Enjoyed your videos of the trail, congratulations. You got real lucky with the weather😀!

[@johnywaffle1365]

Thanks for the run down Paul. Im looking to do it solo next year so this will be a great help. Well done on completing the walk . Enjoyed the videos

[@seanhague60]

Hi Paul. Really enjoyed the WHW vids. Can I ask where you sourced your Sawyer Permethrin spray from? I've been trying to get hold of some for a week in the lakes next month and no-one seems to stock it. Cheers.

[@TonyHobbs]

Scotland bound soon to meet a friend on his little trek 😊 my kit list a bit less than this. Great video as always. Fun to see what you take.

[@VeritySnatch]

get yourself a midge hood, or suit. make sure its a fine mesh or you wont have a good time.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

You did take a lot of clothes … on trousers I like my ‘zip offs’ which gives you the option to use them as hiking shorts as well as long pants on cold days …. Wearing shorts might be the answer to your rash developing on the bottom of your legs … jus saying 😂 also use your pump sac as you clothes dry bag … saves a few ounces but it all helps …. Love the fact you’ve become a DJI Convert … still using my original DJI action camera … still great video without the inherent problems of GoPro … you did it the right way on the campsites you gotta have your creature comforts right 😆 awesome video series thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@ethicalbunny]

This is really helpful! I would love to do the WHW or a multi day hike and camp 👌🏻

[@mtadams2009]

I live in the US if I was to do this trip what time of year would you recommend? Thanks for sharing your experience. It looks amazing. My father was from Scotland.

[@bbwoolfy]

Good vid! Haven't watched your WHW vids yet but that was a fair assessment there. Definitely a good shout for baggage transfer for last section of Loch Lomond (rocky sections, ladder, fallen trees, slippery banks etc). In Aug 2020, the day after we left Beinglas it was under 2 feet of water! Imagine doing that horrible LL section in torrential rain only to arrive at campsite and it's 2 feet under water! 😮 Camping at Inverornan is a must, great night to be had in that wee pub (like stepping back in time) and great food and location. Also, definitely agree to skip Glencoe ski centre campsite for the King's House (wild camp at rear and decent public showers for £1). You missed the best part of the WHW by finishing it at Wetherspoons... The Black Isle bar! Amazing pizzas and organic Scottish craft beer! Need to do it all again for that! 🍻😉

[@mark36]

What a great informative and concise video! Thank you Paul. This will hugely guide me for my plans for the future on the trip 👍

[@andycroager8850]

I did the WHW as part of my LEJOG, in May 2018, in t-shirt and shorts. As it was wall to wall sunshine. The rest of my gear was a jetboil, tent, sleeping bag, waterproof jacket and a floppy hat. I like the WHW is a lot better then the Pennine Way, as the WHW campsites and shops on the actual route and all within a day's walk from each other. The cost of campsites have shot up, Drymen campsite was a fiver a night. The Beinglas campsite they hire out towels so you can have a shower. Between the two campsites are 2 bothys

[@frostybloke]

Good breakdown Paul - thanks for the costings too. The 'end card' things were all over your notes at the end - can you drop those into the comments or description somewhere too please?

[@PaulMessner]

I think I've removed the end cards now so should be able to refresh the video and see them

[@davemcw.2803]

I find videos like this really useful, thanks Paul.

[@johngillespie2686]

Hi Paul well done thanks for taking us on ure journey and kit review yes ure correct some places are bit expensive but hey worth it for the journey you take care. J.g.

[@PaulMessner]

Absolutely. Loved the trip, loved the challenge and…Scotland is an amazing country. I will be back.

[@petrhota529]

Extra point for pillow between legs! You are legit side sleeper!

[@xrpdiesel8847]

Really enjoyed your video mate... You've earned another subscriber. You can't beat wild camping in Scotland 😁👍🏻

[@bikecommuter24]

Comfortable and it works beats any high tech must buy item because someone said you should, those of us getting older sometimes we make concessions for comfort a few grams or Kilos to get a good nights sleep is worth it so you are rested and in the mood to complete the journe I think sometimes some people get caught up in the gear and tech and forget hiking is supposed to be fun and enjoyable and a way to recharge your mental, physical and emotional states at least thats the way I look at it. LOL and if you find an item that you really feel you don't need or want you can always send it home or pay it forward and give it to someone else and let them enjoy it.

[@nicky-pn3pj]

I'm Glad you have stuck with it,.

[@RollrightKnights]

Interesting you say about sleeping with a pillow between your legs might have to look at that Flextail mat for that purpose myself. I'm also interested in a quilt, I think I can see the benefits! The Step One boxers/trunks are absolutely brilliant. I now wear them exclusively. Top quality! 👌

[@joebrown6486]

Living in a touristy part of Scotland I can tell you that most restaurants/cafes are tourist traps. You'll be paying £15 for a frozen burger and chips they buy from lidl

[@martinjanze1752]

Quite interesting gear, surely a helpfull Video. For this summer our plan (thanks for the inspiration👍🏼) going the West Highland Way was, for some reasons, postponed (Norway for the 9th time...🤷🏼), but it is top of the list for next year. Greets from Lower Saxony.

[@Path2Peak]

Hi Paul, great vid as usual do you have a link for sawyers permethrin spray thanks

[@jacquelinemarkham6526]

I really enjoy your videos and always watch them, great to see you enjoyed the WHW and thank you for filming your journey. I am having difficulty sourcing Sawyer Permethrin in the UK please can you say where you bought it from. I tried Lifesystems version but it left my gear greasy. Thank you 😊

[@Atamanxxxvii]

Thanks for the detailed run down, but what I want to know is if Andrew got bit by the wild camping bug? Are we going to be seeing him on anymore adventures?

[@johnprice4893]

ive just got hold of the Xmid Pro2, and will do Ben Nev to Inverness in July - should be fun, thx for all the ideas

[@ianwilde1800]

thanks paul verry informative i expected it be alot more expensive

[@easternmenace]

Man this brings back memories. After doing a couple of other trails in Scotland the WHW pales in comparison in terms of views but the experience is something I will remember for a long time. When I did it there was a massive heat wave so it was more like hiking in a desert which I was not prepared for. I struggled to find water in some sections of the hike, yeah struggled to find water in Scotland which is crazy haha.

[@Chilternwildcamper]

Which other trails were good? I'm gonna do the second half of the Affic kintail way this June as my first Scottish hike!

[@Chilternwildcamper]

Am assuming be lots of water!

[@easternmenace]

@@Chilternwildcamper Cape wrath trail takes you through Scotland's best areas in my opinion. And just last week I did the Skye trail which just had amazing views all the way through and is probable the best trail if were talking about views.

[@Chilternwildcamper]

@easternmenace I am a beginner, but I will look into those trails thanks

[@Happyhiker58]

Great informative video. Very helpful as I'm sure I'll be doing the WHW at some point 👍

[@earlebacciochi9796]

❤ Great tips and information for all levels 👌 Thanks Paul 😊

[@MarkMcLarenVaingit]

Watched the series Paul, well done mate. Just back from a little Skye Trail trip with the other half. Brought her the flextail mummy pad, 100% sure they use teflon to coat this thing. Slightest incline and she was surfing across the tent. The silicon idea is def happening soon! I did find it to be a noisy pad, what's your thoughts??

[@samhill3496]

Good vid Paul. Damn good walk either way a person does it. Beautiful and interesting. well worth the money and time. Good records Next time Cheers

[@crazyblindguy]

Very amazing video well done and keep up the great work

[@clownclown3]

I find the flex tail pump lasts more than a whole trip! Haven’t had to charge it mid trip.

[@crazyblindguy]

My kit ways 16kg that does me for all weather all year round and I use a british army basha and British army gore tex bivvy bag and a Vango Stratos 250s sleeping bag and foam matt with my compact stove and mess tins

[@seanthehaggis]

I found another bivi and tarp guy, I was starting to think it was just me

[@crazyblindguy]

@@seanthehaggis bivvy and tarp is the best all weather set up

[@BrokenBackMountains]

@@crazyblindguy Not in midge season.

[@seanthehaggis]

@@crazyblindguy 👊 damn straight it is, I use British dpm hoop biv in cold weather and my 15 year old terra nova Jupiter for longer warmer weather trip, still going strong, the old flo2 goretex was the best 👌

[@seanthehaggis]

@@BrokenBackMountains I could never stop them getting inside a tent anyway, so I though if they are coming in, I may aswell be out. But its all personal preference.

[@markcooke5270]

Enjoyed your Scotland trip.... Keep it up 👍

[@C4sp3r123]

Costings were really helpful 👍

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Sometimes comfort is more important than weight . Too Right, Paul. I've got my base weight down to 10kg. I could get it lighter but my pack is so comfy and, as a side sleeper, I haven't gone ultralight for my sleep system. A good comfortable sleep is important. I'm trying an experiment for when I can get out and going to try trail running waterproofs. Way lighter with the advantage the trousers can double for going home on the train. Are they Rab torque pants? I love mine but haven't had good luck with buying a second pair. The originals are still going strong. Bought another which ripped in the arse. Bought another pair and was wearing them under my motorbike trousers. They got cut off in my accident. Will it be third time lucky? Don't know as the originals were better. Rab changed the zip and cord and the new ones aren't as good. Do like them though.

[@PaulMessner]

I think that's what they are. I have 2 pairs but one is bright orange 😂

[@kendibben3179]

Nice one paul, I must get my gear out and get hiking 👍

[@Martycycleman]

Cheers, Paul, thorough review.😊

[@GMiller75]

Did you drop by the Inversnaid Bunkhouse? If not, you should pop in there the next time. It is one of my favourite stops. The food there is amazing.

[@KeithRobertson57]

Hi Paul. We are doing the WHW in June with Celtic Trails - a luxury option 😎. Nice to watch all 4 videos to see trail underfoot. I seem to attract Ticks on my sea-kayaking expeds. What was the stuff you used to ‘spray everything’? I didn’t quite catch it, thanks.

[@PaulMessner]

This is the stuff I use sawyereurope.com/insect-repellent/sawyer-sp657-permethrin-insect-repellent-treatment-spray-for-clothing-gear-and-tents-739ml-24oz

[@KeithRobertson57]

Great, thanks Paul 👍🏻. I will have to get some. I notice that Lifeventure do something similar: Lifeventure EX4

[@LoneWolfExplorer]

Thanks for sharing Paul, I always appreciate seeing the gear people use. With regards to the DJI action 4, I've been using mine & its a great bit of kit and like you I found the audio on the camera is good enough without using a separate mic. I like the idea of the windslayer, I'm going to look into one of those ;)

[@xjessukx]

Is there anything in your kit list you would change if you did it again ?

[@Thedagda801]

Great content, always something to learn!

[@chrisr5975]

Just curios looking for a decent tent and saw some ex military tents are any worth buying?

[@wrigglymule]

My dads name is paul messenger how strange 😂😂 ive just started getting equipment ready for my first wild camp, your videos have been very helpful

[@AlJetdriver]

So what was the total weight of all the kit/pack that you carried? I just did 25 miles with 17.5kg and didn’t have the amount of stuff you did!! Do you have a secret ultralight wheelbarrow?!

[@carrick16100]

If your forward planning , Book trains 12 weeks in advance , Great savings to be had . We even got 25 quid back for small delays. !!!! Yeah agreed food is not cheap on the trail ..

[@COYSMike]

Ordered a pair of those boxers with your link. A bargain at 50% off thanks, and hopefully you get your pair too :)

[@EtherealSunset]

Silicone sealant on the bottom of a sleeping pad is such a great idea to stop it slipping around.

[@nickkowal6537]

I've seen some people suggest thinning it with mineral spirits to get a really thin fluid you can brush. This would get you a better finish than blobs from a tube

[@nippz2831]

That terrenova tent is almost identical to the Naturehike Cloud Up 2

[@PaulMessner]

I think there’s only so many configurations of tent designs out there. Everyone is copying everyone a bit. The only real improvements they can make now is in price and how ethically it’s produced. 👍🏻

[@vilpertzon]

Clothes are very difficult for short trips. Today I headed back from 1 night trip because it started raining and I didnt have rain clothing or change clothes.

[@coleroth6980]

What shower towel did you take, please?

[@RichPober]

Excellent content and detail.

[@stickleback73]

Enjoying this on the run up to a hiking trip in Aviemore soon! can't wait! 🏔️ ⛺ 🌲 Great work Paul always loving the content. I must do the West Highland Way soon, inspired by your good self 😜

[@user-qi5or2pl1k]

I feel like £10/£15 per tent is standard now. We’re walking Hadrian’s wall on Thursday and that’s what we’ve paid. I once camped at Knepp in Hampshire and it was £25 per person! A 2 person tent, 2 people £50!! Chicken oriental!

[@gud2go50]

I plan on using Permethrin on all my kit, because the ticks are savage here in Arkansas, USA. Even taking a leisurely walk through the woods here, you find ticks on your body. Yuck!😖

[@teestravels]

My weight was 15kg all in with food water and camera gear didn't feel over loaded see many people with much more than me for sure

[@JamesJeffrey1995]

Have you got a link to the pemthrin spray you used please?

[@yymmss]

Another request for a recommendation of what you use would be massively appreciated. Just did my first wildcamp in the lakes on Friday and brought three guests home on me. Looking to treat my kit and clothes for next time.

[@jamin500]

Great video mate.

[@Lumsden-g7o]

Did you loose a bit of wieght on your trip Paul ? It looks like it from here ! Mike.

[@LetsGoLewis]

Great video paul

[@NathanAtton]

Which test do you guys recommend, im on a budget and looking for a roomy 2 person with room to cook in the vestibule. Currently looking at the hoolie 2 and the vango xenon 2 if anyone has either of these. Thanks

[@Simonj110]

Where the trains paid in advance or on the day at the station?

[@Simonj110]

Also, Rail cards may help some people.

[@PaulMessner]

All bought about a month before. I think you get the best deals when they first go in sales. I don’t have any rail card though

[@angelaknisely-marpole7679]

I don't think the price of food was OTT - most places in the Peak District just coffee and cake will set you back £16.00 for 2 people! Remember the cafes have to make a years profit over a short summer season!

[@IntotheMountains_]

Could have cut your grass Paul… 🙄😂 Always good to see a kit load out. Enjoyed the WHW series too 👍🏼 as you say lots of ways to do these multi day trips. Everybody has their own preferences ATB, Craig

[@PaulMessner]

It’s not my grass 😂. I often head here to film videos. Wasn’t expecting such growth

[@IntotheMountains_]

@@PaulMessner I figured mate… only joking 🤣 all that rain.

[@slothoutdoors]

really handy video, thanks.

[@NathanAtton]

Which tent do you guys recommend, im on a budget and looking for a roomy 2 person with room to cook in the vestibule. Currently looking at the hoolie 2 and the vango xenon 2 if anyone has either of these. Thanks

[@daviddemmers130]

Ha exactly, the price for some of the food was outrageous. Had the exact same experience at the balmaha oak tree. And the By the Way site was nice with nice facilities. But the site at fort williams really was a let down. Especially due to the terrible trek to and from the town past this road with 50/60mph cars.

[@gjef9971]

brilliant video thank you

[@matt6477]

Great video - thanks

[@HikingWithMartin]

You look like you are getting fitter, your face is changing you look better well done. nice video.

[@outdooraf]

Can't beat a merino Buff

[@yorxshire]

Loving the Rab C Nesbitt shirt 😆

[@unhgro]

แผ่นโซล่าเซลล์กี่วัตต์ครับ

[@miriamcollett7456]

I remember buying a jacket spud with beans and cheese at Tyndrum and it was £12! 😳 I was so hungry tho I didn’t care! 😂

[@simhamilton1762]

To stop your sleep mat slipping, use your spare clothes also move them around to level your mat on uneven ground

[@AJ_Alive]

How do you do it when you have kids and family?

[@happycreativemind]

With a very understanding wife 😂

[@AJ_Alive]

@@happycreativemind I’m assuming this is from his good lady 😂

[@duncanwalker4770]

Dining out is hit and miss along the way but Beinglas campsite was my favourite too and not too bad price, Kingshouse "The Way Inn" was awesome atmosphere and another great tasty highland burger..the lemon drizzle cake is to die for..price a little steep but worth it. If anyone stops in Kinlochleven for a break and you want to skip restaurants and bars there is the Coop but just down from there is a wee place called "Leven Bites" which does a mean bacon roll amongst tons of other things. Glen Nevis campsite restaurant is massively overpriced and poor food quality in my opinion, better off going into Spoons!!..But Glen Nevis breakfast bar on site and the shop is pretty damn good. Beech tree inn was £4.50 odd for a can of lager, it's one of the first places you come to, pricey but if you fancy that drink :/

[@MrPurplepirate77]

Hey Paul well done on a great hike and video blog, what socks and how many pairs and what footwear thanks?

[@PaulMessner]

I took a mix of socks. Toes socks, darn tough and bridgedale. I preferred the bridgedale overall. The footwear was Altra Olympus 5. I wanted that bit of cushion for the tough terrain. They were great.

[@steveb1972]

“Only had it up 2 or 3 times.” Said the Bishop!🤣

[@kurteuropa8813]

Wow £230 for the entire trip...in South Africa a 7 day trip would have cost us half that including food and transport. The difference is we got huts to sleep in.

[@dontbelievethehype9502]

Yep - can see you weren’t bothered about weight with things like three pillows, an umbrella and one of those useless solar panel chargers plus a power bank.

[@VeritySnatch]

i recommend a midge hood or suit. as the summer goes on the midgies get progressively worse. they will drive you absolutely mental when they are bad and repellents do next to nothing

[@VeritySnatch]

and.. make sure your tent is midge proof or you will be going home early