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

Here is my backpacking gear load out for 5 days thru hiking. My backpacking bag including food and 1L of water weighs 15kg. I used this camping gear to complete the West Highland Way but is also suitable for wild camping in the spring and autumn.
I packed my wild camping gear for nights that were down to -3 degrees and days up to +15 degrees. I did pack some of my winter camping gear that I was thankful for!
I have created a backpacking gear list that includes all weights and links below. I hope this helps people decide what to take with them thru hiking and also gives people some buying options too.
Watch Day 1 of the West Highland Way here: • Backpacking UK - The W...
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Also, if you’re interested in the Helm series by here with 20% off using the code backpackinguk.
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
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My backpacking gear list includes:
Bags:
2290 grams Osprey Aether 60L backpacking bag amzn.to/3w3PAbU
46g each Gossamer Gear shoulder pockets ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/s... or 30g OMM Go Pod amzn.to/3QNwFZZ
95g OMM Chest Rig theomm.com/product/chest-pod/
80g (2 x 40g) Exped Vista waterproof bags amzn.to/4boLGcY
Sleep System:
998g Sierra Designs Cloud 20 sleeping bag ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/c...
730g Decathlon Forclaz MT-900 R5.4 sleeping pad tidd.ly/3WtYc6n
135g Decathlon Forclaz pillow tidd.ly/4aWg7XG
Camping Gear:
1970 grams Wild Country Helm 1 tent
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
126g MSR 900ML Titan Pot valleyandpeak.co.uk/products/...
47g Decathlon Forclaz MT-900 stove tidd.ly/3Wk41TM
110g Sea to Summit collapsible xl bowl amzn.to/3UAXeUr
12g Sea to Summit spork amzn.to/44hHM2S
356g 230g Primus gas canister amzn.to/3K9vpfQ
Electronics:
325g Nitecore NB20000 power bank amzn.to/3UBZtXH NB10000 amzn.to/3V2AH33 or Anker equivalents amzn.to/3wSca7s or amzn.to/3K5ZOfh
53g Sandmarc Pro head torch www.sandmarc.com/products/pro...
60g Skull Candy Indy Earphones amzn.to/3yllnWi
48g Flextail Gear Zero Pump amzn.to/4a1sKiO
76g Garmin Epix Gen 2 watch amzn.to/3UDcDUq
114g Garmin Messenger sat device amzn.to/49Za6It
90g Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern amzn.to/4aOG5M5
Camping Food:
1000g (5 x 200g each approx) Tent Meals porridges amzn.to/3Qos3JD
1000g (5 x 200g each (approx) Firepot & Real Turmak meals www.thefellstore.co.uk
200g for coffees and milks
200g for energy and protein drinks plus energy bars (Day 1 only)
Hiking Gear:
393g each Salomon X-Ultra 360 boots www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-em...
72g Darn Tough socks tidd.ly/4dgqPda
530g Mountain Equipment Ibex Pro trousers www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/...
280g Mountain Equipment Ibex shorts tidd.ly/4bgb3wY
500g (no weight listed) Thrudark Ithax jacket tidd.ly/4aTmQSh
200g (no weight listed) Thrudark Siege fleece
80g Naturehike down booties amzn.to/3QMB3bp
200g OEX Barneo bamboo base layers amzn.to/44Qt17o and amzn.to/3UQYEsX
256g OMM Rotor bottoms theomm.com/product/rotor-pant/
83g Extremities waterproof sticky power liner gloves
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
63g Extremities neck warmer
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
40g Fjallraven beenie amzn.to/3WiCr9y
186g (100g plus 86g) Inov-8 Race waterproofs tidd.ly/3UBb60X (pants) tidd.ly/3WiBRbS (top)
500g t-shirts and underwear
Miscellaneous:
95g Lifesystems Nano first aid kit amzn.to/3UFkjFK
125g Smidge! amzn.to/4amg5Hy
27g Oakley Frogskin sunglasses amzn.to/3UCeWHi
150g (guess) Osprey amzn.to/3Qm5Mff & Sea to Summit dry bags amzn.to/3WBwB3l
100g OEX towel amzn.to/3WRfoCT
63g Katadyn BeFree water filter amzn.to/44lFRu1
156g Super Sparrow water bottle amzn.to/3WhnSms
40g Platypus foldable water bottles amzn.to/4aRvsbT
300g (guess)Toiletries inc Mini 'coin' towels amzn.to/4bfvYk0
35 grams West Highland Way Harvey Map amzn.to/3WiCaDy
If you are into hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#wildcamping #westhighlandway #wildcampinguk

[@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.

[@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

[@Rando-user-zm1fx]

Who doesn't like a good gear load out video 👍

[@hikebeyond]

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

[@craigy1872]

Great stuff Andy, really helpful 👍🏻

[@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.

[@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 👍🥾🎒

[@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.

[@jamajesty79]

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

[@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.

[@remigiuszlenski2257]

The video I was waiting for 🙌🙌😁

[@massimilianocerone3981]

Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers from Italy

[@daveandemmaoutdoors3171]

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 🏕️

[@lost_in_TheLakes]

Thanks. for the Loadoiut helps be loads on my journey

[@ranbirsingh7666]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🥾⛰🏕️

[@scotbotvideos]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@katherine1129]

The toothbrush spork is making me laughhhhh

[@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]

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..

[@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.

[@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..:)

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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)

[@therainbowgulag.]

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

[@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 👍

[@brauer87]

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

[@BackpackingUK]

Included 👍

[@rewfisher1136]

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!

[@rewfisher1136]

@@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.

[@sentralsix]

The Exos Pro 55 would be a better option, saving 1.3KG!

[@BackpackingUK]

…and I would have sacrificed comfort. I’ve got the Exos. If I’d been sub-12kg then I definitely would have considered it.

[@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.

[@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.

[@stabar8578]

15 kg it is creasy

[@jeroenbrink4710]

4 t-shirts are u serious 😮

[@BackpackingUK]

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

[@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!

[@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..

[@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.

[@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.

[@evanmc7006]

Nearly got shot? What

[@BackpackingUK]

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

[@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

[@ERUtheWINDRIDER]

Way to much crapp.