Backpacking Gear Load Out for 5 Days - West Highland Way Kit List

[@BackpackingUK]

Links to all my gear can be found in the description along with the weight of each item. If you prefer a lighter set up, check out my 44L / 8kg backpacking gear load out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aobWmpKBjbCopdk . Personally, I had no issues whatsoever carrying 15kg and I used almost everything I took with me. Due to being a content creator, I would have taken more clothes and electrical items than most people so bear that in mind. Rightly or wrongly, I value comfort and organisation. This adds weight but makes me happy!

[@eamobyrne1]

This is one of the many reasons why I love your channel Andy. Lots and lots of practical advice. Loved your recent hike, this is what you brought. Perfect wrap up video.

[@joshubrook324]

I love how you have real gear that most of us can find and afford eg decathlon stuff not fancy pants USA stuff that has to be ordered online without holding first

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Always enjoy reading the comments in these type of videos! Most important thing is that this was your hike, and your kit decisions. There is usually a compromise to be made with weight/comfort. You’ll no doubt have learned what worked and what didn’t and apply that to your next backpacking trip. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@chrishiking8818]

Great useful video, great information. My backpack in Scotland never been that heavy but we are all different.

[@Gneiss365]

Thanks for this really helpful video showing what is necessary, affordable and appropriate for the season, weather and terrain. Some of those who have scoffed at the weight have surely missed the point. I'm in a much warmer climate (we would say "down to 15 degrees", not "up to") so my clothing and sleeping bag are lighter and less bulky, but I have to carry more water, and food because there are no nice pubs to stop in for lunch. There is no one size fits all.

[@hikebeyond]

This is excellent! Wish more experienced hikers would do this. Very inspirational, whether you are just beginning or experienced!

[@gerkostuff598]

Great video, very informative. Thanks! I would say a 16K pack is a bit too heavy for a 96 mile 5 day trip and a 60L pack can easily leave you packing too much bulky an heavy stuff. I would go a bit more ultralight. Cotton is a nogo, I always wear merino shirts, they are super light, don't absorb odors and dry super fast. Other merino 1st layers like long johns and boxers are great for this type of activity. I know, they are very expensive. But a great packing list you have composed, very useful as a checklist.

[@craigy1872]

Great stuff Andy, really helpful 👍🏻

[@Happyhiker58]

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm prepping the hell out of hiking the Snowdonia Way next month. Its the same distance so all your video's are really helpfull, I'm looking forward to your hints and tips video 👍🥾🎒

[@stephenlambert9826]

Lots of criticism about pack weight,yeah you can get the weight down but let’s say you are fairly new to this and have made mistakes when purchasing gear and you have what you have and can’t afford any more just make sure you are conditioned to carry the weight and your trip won’t be a nightmare.most people want to tackle the trails without putting the work in leading up to the trip and that’s fine if you’ve got the lightest of everything.my advice is to get yourself used to carrying the weight you will be taking a solid 5 miles(at least)at a good pace on some steep hilly ground and you will be fine.conditioning is king/key!

[@Grez537]

Brilliant video! 👍 Very informative and packed full of useful and helpful tips. Great job! Keep Up the good work. Looking forward to your future videos. Atb.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Glad you dropped this video .. my plan is to watch this , then watch HWH videos 👍👌

[@danielpreto122856]

hermoso video gracias por compartir tus consejos, felicitaciones, saludos desde Argentina

[@massimilianocerone3981]

Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers from Italy

[@simonluther3352]

Really interesting, thank you. I think I’d have varied the colours of the little bags in case I couldn’t remember which grey bag whatever I was looking for was in :0)

[@vvs3796]

I just saw someone's kit review for west highland way it was 5kg.including dcf rain quilts,altra trail runners and cold soaking pot..

[@TheAsrgrant]

This is brilliant.... same as my backpack, so this is perfect for my upcoming welsh trip. I never quite know what to pack. I think I take too many cloths... panacea 2 tent by the way

[@wandering_not_lost]

Nice set of kit, and as you say not outrageously expensive. You took a lot more spare clothes than I would have, clothes are so bulky. If I can't wash some clothes I'll risk just smelling although I wear a lot of merino wool which somehow doesn't seem to get very smelly. Interesting video, thanks.

[@AlbertOutdoorsUK]

Hi Andy, thanks for sharing with us everything that you took. I’m starting the C2C in just over a weeks time and have been concerned about my 12kg base weight. I don’t feel so bad about it now 😁👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Well jealous, that’s on my list! Good luck 🍀

[@AlbertOutdoorsUK]

@@BackpackingUK thanks Andy, it’ll be my biggest thru hike yet and I’ve been planning it for ages. It looks great and I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks again Andy, your videos and reviews have been a massive help with my gear choices and have helped make my previous travels successful 👍

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Andy, really informative and will be a massive help for when I’m getting my kit together for the WHW when I do it around this time next year. All the best Dave 🥾⛰🏕️

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I'd have taken less clothes and a lighter tent. My Helium 1 weighs 700gms less If you don't like trekking pole tents and I've pitched that in the mountains with no problems. I do like the Sierra designs bag though. Was the 15kg including food and water. I've found that food for meals was only really needed on the Loch Lomond stretch as there were pubs etc everywhere else for scran. I think most people would manage a base of 10 to 12 kilos with average gear and the OMM and inov8 stuff ain't exactly cheap.

[@jamajesty79]

Excellent video, very informative and caters for all of us. Thanks pal 👍🏽

[@adventurousdavee]

Hope to do this next year . Some great ideas in there . 15kg though worries me though 😂😂😂😂

[@Shan-outnabout]

Me too I would like my pack weight to be no more than 10kg as it’s not all flat 🏕️

[@LisaTheWanderingGeordie]

i wouldn't dream if carrying that amount id hate it and be angry at everything hahaha , i don't think i carry that in winter lol.... There is also food all along the trail but its mega busy, think the majority of You tubers when out there April May, i ended up jumping on to cape wrath trail for some peace hahahah

[@CTCF17]

Omg a pee bag! I need that for camping and my house! 😆

[@GeoffGreenawayOutdoors]

Brilliant Andy. We are thinking of doing a multi day hike here, lots of tips picked up watching this. I have a lanshan two but I’m not impressed with so thinking of trading it for the helm 1 compact after watching your west highland way videos.

[@darren3258]

Thank you. Great Video 🔥

[@remigiuszlenski2257]

The video I was waiting for 🙌🙌😁

[@lost_in_TheLakes]

Thanks. for the Loadoiut helps be loads on my journey

[@scotbotvideos]

Would be an interesting comparison to see you try it ultralight like the thruhikers on the AT.

[@jeppej4265]

Quite small amount of food. Did you eat out while on there? We usually go around 6 days into the wilderness and it's around the same weight, maybe a litle more where I land on. Heaviest is always the food, around 0.5 kg a day including some safety margin if something happends while we're further from nearest roads.

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, I had lunch out eat day 👍

[@Collected1]

Thanks for sharing all of your gear. Likewise I'm starting to think synthetic down is the way to go with anything likely to get wet.

[@LisaTheWanderingGeordie]

omg i cant believe how much stuff you took and the weight you were carrying it wouldve killed me lol. This was the 1st long distance hike i done many years ago think i carried around 11kg and never again, i well reduced the weight, my tent, bed, cook set up is under 3kg now lol. Done it 3 times now but doubt ill do it again as its far to busy for me now , you should look at the CWT but take lighter stuff lol

[@TonyHobbs]

Ouch that's heavy for this time of year. I'm planning five days up there and I'll be sub10kg inclusive food and no pubs along the way. Your pack and tent look very heavy. Giving me backache looking at pic 😆

[@BackpackingUK]

Fair enough, I know there’s a fair amount of less able people out there who can’t carry reasonably weighted packs.

[@davehopper7928]

Brilliant detailed video Andy. What is the ME hoodie your wearing?

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s the Eclipse Hooded Jacket. Basically, a lightweight fleece!

[@rewfisher1]

I done the 100 mile South downs way walk in 3 days. 6kg back pack in total.

[@BackpackingUK]

The SDW is on my hit list. The weather should be a lot more predictable than Scotland!

[@rewfisher1]

@@BackpackingUK Definitely. I've have a friend who's just been on Coll Island for 5 days with just bare essentials and I mean just a bum bag. Weather was predicting scorching but it turned very cold. Luckily he knows what he's doing. Yes Scotland is so unpredictable. SDW you got to do . Very very up and down a hell of a lot, but such a beautiful hike to do. +Loads of water taps along the route.

[@alanprioroutdoors]

Hi Andy, For the Inreach Messenger, does it need a clear view of the sky to work and is this the reason for putting it in a mesh pocket on the front of your rucksack OR could you have just put it in the top lid pocket of your rucksack - would it still have worked?

[@pootlingalong8928]

Great video but omg the weight 😬 Its not just the weight that would be the issue for me, it’s all the stuff that would do my head in, my brain can only cope with minimalist these days. Tent, pad, sleeping bag, blow up pillow, stove set, change of clothing, waterproof poncho, iPhone + battery pad + cable, water filter. All in about 6kg. I do understand it IS different for you as a content creator but your list of contents would have my mind in knots 👍🏻

[@Im_With_Stupid]

That weight is nothing in an Osprey Aether, though. You could spin that around on your finger like a basketball. If you tried it in something like a HMG pack or a more budget-minded GG Crown 60, you'd be crying by the end of the day.

[@stephie_10milehike]

I'm no lightweight hiker (cos I can't afford it!) but Jesus - I'd rather stink than carry all those clothes....and I do hahaha!!!!

[@vvs3796]

have you felt the need for a windshield for your cook set up ? so basically you done the trip without taking any energy bars and chocolate?.. thats unreal in my case..:)

[@BaronStomp]

Which boxers do you wear hiking or where did you get them?

[@BackpackingUK]

If I’m honest, I think I found my merino boxers in T K Maxx!

[@HobbyshireOfficial]

Would you say the osprey aether is better than the atom? Atom seems more readily available in my area

[@BackpackingUK]

The Aether features suit me better but it’s up to you. They’re both supremely comfy.

[@remigiuszlenski2257]

Andy would you choose Low Salomon Shoes if you would do that trail in summer? Considering terrain etc. I plan to do it in August and just looking to buy Salmon X 4 shoes/boots. Many thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

I love my X Ultra 4’s and they would have been much better suited to the weather I had. No need for ankle protection really on this route.

[@paulgallagher6544]

Do you think the decathlon mt 900 tent solo would be okay in june?

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, absolutely 👍

[@paulgallagher6544]

@@BackpackingUK thanks Andy just back from tmb, it went well. Weather great. I have some planning to do for Scotland as the weather will be colder but tent isn't something I'm planing to change so good news there.

[@remigiuszlenski2257]

Hi Andy. How would you compare Salomon Ultra 4 boots vs 360 boots? I’m size UK8, I’ve tried Ultra 4 in Go outdoors few times already and 8.5 feels too small (maybe they would break down a bit after time) and 9 is kind of big. It seems like non of the sizes feel right. I don’t want to spend that much money on boots that wouldn’t be very comfortable. I was wondering how 360’s feels like Andy? I will also do West Highland Way in a month time. I’ve checked but couldn’t find 360’s anywhere at shops so can’t try them on. I would appreciate any opinions, advices from anyone who tried both as well. Many thanks😊

[@BackpackingUK]

I prefer the Ultra 4’s. I’m a size 8 and go 8.5. I wouldn’t go to a 9. I suppose it depends on what socks you use though.

[@remigiuszlenski2257]

@@BackpackingUK Many thanks Andy. Didn’t you have a feeling when trying 8.5 that your foot is a bit “squashed “? I believe they will break in anyway. I’d like to use them on West Highland Way in month time.

[@marccoulson6555]

Nice vid again mate… just a quick one, wouldn’t you be better having your waterproof trousers in a more easily-accessible part of your pack? If it starts raining unexpectedly and they’re right at the bottom, your stuff is gonna get wet?

[@BackpackingUK]

Absolutely! Waterproofs should always be stored in the stash pocket if there’s a chance of rain.

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

Nice video mate. Looked like a good trip in your vids. Can I ask what microphone you’re using?

[@BackpackingUK]

Rode Wireless Go Pro 👍

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

@@BackpackingUK Cheers Andy mate.

[@brauer87]

Was camera gear added to the 15kg or was it included?

[@BackpackingUK]

Included 👍

[@bateptesicus]

Can you tell why you choose Aether model over Atmos? I am currently thinking of one of them to buy for similar loudout (15-16kg)

[@BackpackingUK]

I like the front stash pocket and the way you can access the main compartment.

[@mazza8723]

Hi, Do you recommend a good sleeping pad for less than £50 had one of them foldable ones and not very comfortable. Planning for the South Downs way next month.

[@BackpackingUK]

The Unigear Camfy is about that price 👍 It’s on Amazon (I think it’s in my Amazon Shop so check the link out on my page)

[@woodsmoke1411]

The West Highland Way is not really remote from civilisation for more than a few hours walk. Roads, railway line, village shops cafes, pubs, hotels and B & Bs, bothies, hostels, etc. are numerous enough that you do not even need a tent. I walked with a couple who had pre-booked every nights accommodation in a pub and carried only daypacks, buying food along the way. My recommendation is to carry more money and less gear with you, for maximum enjoyment. You do not need to carry food for 5 days. They have shops and cafes in Scotland!! Carrying a packed lunch, snacks and one emergency ration meal is likely sufficient. Natural water sources are abundant. Take a water filter not water weight.

[@katherine1129]

The toothbrush spork is making me laughhhhh

[@rogerbean393]

Lots of comments and concerned about backpack weight , why ? 15 kilos ain’t heavy and he can handle it ,he’s obviously fitter and stronger than a lot of people commenting.

[@neveharden4170]

I don’t understand all the hate on the weight, if you can’t carry that much don’t, but for some it’s easily doable, 12kg always ends up being on the light side for me and id rather have everything I want and have a great time then be miserable and be missing everything 🥲 Heavier bag = more gains Some of you just don’t do leg day or train for the trails and it shows x

[@BackpackingUK]

100% agree 👍

[@benny_vanlife]

Enjoyed that mate. Did you wish you had the helm 2 at any point?

[@BackpackingUK]

To be honest, I would have taken a 2P tent had the forecast been rain. I was going to take my Terra Nova Pioneer 2 Compact. The pack size and weigh are almost identical.

[@richardbarnes8253]

Thanks Andy great video very informative 👍

[@JohnTaylor-zj9dt]

I did not see in comments a blade, med kit, fire kit, cordage, navigation kit. Backup to your Garmin inreach. If your Bic lighter doesn't work? Or you or someone gets injured? And you never go anywhere without a blade. But that's just me.

[@BackpackingUK]

Did you watch it all? First aid kit is in there. 4 types of nav is in there (phone, watch, garmin, map). The back up for a brand new fully working lighter is I eat cold. Blade, seriously?!?! This isn’t a bushcraft load out!

[@JohnTaylor-zj9dt]

I watched it. I was defending you because people in comments were saying you had too much stuff and a 33lbs pack is too heavy. I like your load out. All I said if you can ruck it, it isn't too heavy. I got backlash from it in comments for saying everyone should carry the 10 C's. Which they should any time your in the field no matter what country you live in. I'm a United States infantry marine. Yes. You should carry a blade. Always.

[@paddor]

Nice load out. But damn that’s a lot of little bags with UL stuff. I’d constantly worry about breaking something. Why not a poncho/tarp? They pitch anywhere. And for those temperatures I’d just bring a wool blanket. Sorry, I’m oldschool and don’t care about 3 kg additional weight.

[@christophhopfer237]

I was really surprised that you didn`t pull out your grannie on the bottom of the rucksack. Dear lord, how much stuff can one pack for a 5 day stroll.

[@therainbowgulag.]

I love whipping mine out but only after it's fully charged 🤣🤣

[@JohnTaylor-zj9dt]

I've read alot of comments saying his 15kg(33 lbs) pack is heavy. Lmao! Only if your not in condition for it. Obviously whoever thinks 33 lbs is heavy haven't served in a infantry platoon. That's ultra light, damn near empty for us. You should always carry necessities ( the 10 C's). Remember some comfort items are for morale. But the main thing is if you can ruck it. Then it isn't too heavy. Everyone is different. I prefer gear that is grunt proof. That doesn't breakdown when you need it. And much prefer comfort items more the carrying 60 lbs of ammo. Lol. Semper Fi my fellow adventurers.

[@richardharrison5622]

I'm ex Royal Anglian , thru hike with sub 4kg base weight in the summer months , carrying tent, sleep system, electronics, stove, first aid, poop kit, spare cloths, waterproofs, navigation, water filter ........ why carry anymore?

[@stephenlambert9826]

Absolutely no need for the 10c’s when backpacking though

[@JohnTaylor-zj9dt]

No need for 10 C's. Yep, until you need them. Then what?

[@stephenlambert9826]

@@JohnTaylor-zj9dt we’re in the uk you berk you are never far away from civilisation,we have already taken everything out with us that we need to survive.we are not going to be making fires to survive on the moors or mountains 😂

[@JohnTaylor-zj9dt]

You already carrying the t10's when backpacking. Your tent and footprint are Cover. Your cook pot and water bottle is your Container. Your tent guide lines are Your cordage, your garmen inreach is your navigation. Your head lamp or flashlight is your Candling device. Yes you do need the t10's when backpacking. I'm just saying to have a backup. You can do that with extra pound of gear.

[@jeroenbrink4710]

4 t-shirts are u serious 😮

[@BackpackingUK]

Content creator, I can’t look like a tramp all week 😂

[@OldtricksForolddog]

I would like a "budget " way of doing it please..i wish do do 'south downs way' but budget restraints are causing issues...Goid heads up though Andy..thanks chap 🫡

[@stabar8578]

15 kg it is creasy

[@truepaulesko]

In my opinion you take too many tshirts pants and things like that. Normally I have just a long sleeve merino and a fleece for up. And a long and thin pants with merino leggins. And that's it. I also take with me way more food 😅

[@BackpackingUK]

The t-shirts are really a content creator thing, I wouldn’t usually take that many! I like clean underwear though! 😂

[@truepaulesko]

@@BackpackingUK Ah! I get it. And yes, clean underwear is nice, nothing bad to say about that. Have fun!

[@ascar77uk]

After watching this i will say - if you can pitch a normal tent then you can pitch a trekking pole tent so what you say is BS. The weight of the tent heavy at 2Kg you can get lighter for cheaper, the rucksack weighs a ton so what you save on the OMM gear you loose before you even start. A good rule of thumb is 10% of body weight for gear excluding food and water and looking at you you do not weight 150KG

[@BackpackingUK]

Sorry, you’re wrong.

[@Shan-outnabout]

That’s a heavy pack to carry 😢

[@BackpackingUK]

Not really.

[@saskhiker3935]

Man those birds are loud

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

Far, far to much stuff...😲😲🤔

[@paddor]

Right? Poncho, wool blanket, and sleep pad. That’s all you need (almost).

[@vvs3796]

What would you reduce?

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

@@vvs3796 less clothes for a start, then...less food, there's lots of places to buy food on the WHW. No need to take satellite communicator's...the main problem is not bumping into other hikers. That's a start, I've completed the WHW twice in the last 20 years as well as many long distance treks in the UK and Europe. If I was setting off next week on the WHW I'd expect to be carrying no more than 4.0 kg plus any food and water....no need to carry more than 500ml... there's water everywhere in Scotland, usually falling on your head!

[@vvs3796]

@@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad ok..and 5kg means cold soaking food or eating in pubs? And dcf tent?

[@vvs3796]

@@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad I was wondering Abt other treks in Scotland, and bumbing into other hikers is not Smth I want..is whw Smth worth doing? I m after views and solitude..

[@rogerbarnett8838]

Link to pee bottle please? 😂

[@BackpackingUK]

I think it’s there but the best out there is the Nalgene Canteen (big wide mouth version 😂). No risk of missing or drippage 😂

[@richardharrison5622]

Way too much kit , zero need for half that , want to be under 10kg ideally for long distance hikes and on the WHW not need to carry that much food , that many places to pick stuff up , why carry it when you can buy it ?

[@BackpackingUK]

Sorry, don’t agree.

[@richardharrison5622]

@BackpackingUK with a base weight of 4 kg and literally 1000s of miles in thru hikes under my belt , including the WHW ,trust me I know I'm right ! Only got to look at other channels and kit they used to lug about , now all going light weight Andy Beavers and Paul Messner are prime examples .

[@BackpackingUK]

@@richardharrison5622 Not the greatest of examples! Andy went ultralight and temps got down to -3. No thanks, I’ll stick with my winter gear. Also, look where they were camping, I’d choose my camping spots over theirs all day long. I had the gear to make those choices and have ZERO regrets.

[@tomwig100]

Theres no right or wrong answer, what works for you might not work for him and vice versa.

[@richardharrison5622]

@BackpackingUK minus 6 in glencoe when I did it , my cumulus 450 quilt which is a winter one kept me perfectly toasty and weighing just 710g! Again it's all down to experience and quality of equipment

[@asishkumar5164]

doraemons bag

[@evanmc7006]

Nearly got shot? What

[@BackpackingUK]

I was in a shooting wood and didn’t know 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ERUtheWINDRIDER]

Way to much crapp.