West Highland Way Kit List | Thru Hiking Gear

[@RuthT90]

It's so nice to see a Brit doing these videos. I'm a single mum with a 3 and 7 year old who is finally excited to try some backpacking so we will be doing a few short trips this year. I'm now in the process of getting kit as lightweight as possible but on a budget! I'll be watching more of your videos for sure.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thats great to hear, thanks so much for your lovely comment 😊

[@Normanskie]

May be a little bit late, I would not purchase lightweight as with young children you are unlikely to go very far, I would concentrate on camping or hostelling gear and take day walks BUT if you want to take them out on a wild camp look at a large basher and a couple of bivi bags for ONE night only.

[@seantran4178]

Hi Mary, I really love your plasma lighter by life system. Your model doesn't have in US. I am going to order two of them. Thank you so much for your lists above.

[@susanmansfield8025]

Happy hiking Mary and Derek. Looking forward to the video! x

[@dubsnbuds6668]

Wow some serious kit, and a lot of money spent too, im new to backpacking and just completed a 34 mile over night hike, my kit is much more budget and i think my weight is way higher, i did manage but 2 day's recovery with aching feet and sore shoulders, im hoping my persistent hiking will help ease these issues due to my body adapting to carrying the weight.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I’d been building it up for a number of years and used nearly all of it on my PCT hike in 2019 so I’ve certainly had my moneys worth from it! Hope you enjoy your future backpacking adventures and you’ll never be lost now when people say what do you want for birthday/Christmas!!

[@ClareFD]

Looking forward to watching the videos of you’re next adventure. Safe travels.

[@chrisholt2474]

Thank you Mary, another great film of yours for my research for my solo WHW walk in April 2024. Hope you are now feeling well also out and about again, I have some physical health issues to overcome for and during my walk in April. 🤞👍👍👍

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Chris and I am really pleased to hear it has helped with your research. I wish you all the best with your training and planning for April - you are going to love it!

[@MissNikkor]

Happy hiking Mary :)

[@CrossoverGenius]

I love so much that you still take your tiger wall tent out, your review from the PCT encouraged me to grab one on sale a few years ago and I love it so much. Looking forward to all you make from this trip! Happy trails ☺️

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Kayla, it’s such a great tent and it’s been so reliable. It is showing signs of wear now unfortunately but there’s life still in it. I’m doing another video at the moment about things I’m doing to repair it and keep it lasting a little longer(along with other gear) so hopefully you’ll find that useful too. Should be out in the next month hopefully 😊

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thank you for this video.🙏. Can’t wait to watch you two on the legendary West Highlands Way. 👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Karen 😊

[@richardross7219]

Nice set up. Consider adding an insulated cozy for the pots so that you don't have to use so much fuel. I keep the same whistle in my first aid kit. Add a tea light candle and a regular book of matches that is in a ziplock bag. Another good video. Have fun. Good Luck, Rick

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I often snuggle my pot in my bandana then wrap my puffy or sleeping bag round it 🤣

[@richardross7219]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Try a cozy made from reflectix. Good Luck, Rick

[@chasewilliams4687]

You have my exact taste in gear minus the BA tent. We have almost identical setups.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Although the BA served me well on the PCT I would definitely have chosen differently for UK adventures. Which tent do you use? One day mine will no doubt give up on me so it's always nice to get recommendations!

[@susannahns]

Really good suggestion to remember to take some coins. I’ve just finished this route, I had no change and missed out on using quite a few honesty boxes 😢

[@johnalden5821]

Put together like a true veteran backpacker. Can't wait to see the videos!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much John 😊

[@juanbackpacks]

One of my long time friends is from the UK and a few years ago he did the WHW. I’m still jealous of his experience on the trail.. beautiful and full of history! Looking forward to seeing your video of the hike!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Juan, I hope you enjoy it!

[@Woodthrush]

Thanks for this gear video. I know you choose your items carefully and it helps me with my purchases. My 7 day hike thru the Great Smoky Mountains on the AT was wonderful. Literally millions of wildflowers blooming. I dehydrated and vacuum sealed my own meals and they turned out great. Have fun on the WHW!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much, sounds like you had a great thruhike, perfect time of year isn’t it!

[@pattif8753]

My friend and I are LOVING your videos. We are old backpackers and now looking forward to doing the WHW in September. Thank you for all your help!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad you have enjoyed them - have an amazing time in September!

[@benrussell8194]

So helpful thanks, I have just ordered the mo 50 custom, hoping to do the west highland way in the future 😀

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful Ben 😁

[@anitavincent7447]

Great stuff. Wish I was going with you on this magical journey. Can’t wait to experience it through videos. Thank you for the background sheep. 👍🏻🙏🏻🥰

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I thought of you when I saw the sheep 😆

[@anitavincent7447]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures 🥰

[@TheChickenRun]

Really looking forward to your WHW vlogs. We did the walk back in 2018 and loved it - hardest section is the Loch Lomond stretch, but compared to the PCT it'll be like a gentle stroll for you 👍..... Have fun and enjoy 😎

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much J B! I’ve heard that bit can be tricky, good to hear you loved the trail 😁

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Great gear video. I didn't do one this year but I might when I get back to talk about what worked and what didn't work. I'll be leaving for my return to the AT in a few days. Hopefully this year will be better than last year. I did a shakedown hike and all was well. So if you don't hear from me for a few weeks, that's why. I'll be Vlogging my hike on my YT channel as well. John from MI

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Have a great hike John!!

[@LeighMarshall-ek9ue]

Top packing list Mary !!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Leigh!

[@rebeccabecca6468]

Yay so glad to see you back on a trail 😃 This is perfect timing. I’m putting all my kit together for the Great Glen Way starting in a few days, also wild camping. I did the West Highland Way a few years ago and it was brilliant! Love looking at all your kit. I’d like to know a bit more about clothing. Do you just take for example the one bra and base layer top? I was going to take 2 bras, 2 long sleeved base layers so I could wash one when one gets dirty and keep separate baselayers for sleeping. Thanks Mary, looking forward to following your journey 😃😃😃

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I loved the Great Glen Way! You’ll love it too I’m sure. Yes I just take 1 bra. Then I wear one baselayer for hiking and have a t-shirt too as a spare seeing as I have the spare room. Then my thermal baselayer for sleeping.

[@helenlayley]

I'm intrigued by how little clothing you are taking, just 2 pairs of underwear and socks (one on, one carried?) plus sleep clothing. One short sleeve t-shirt and one long sleeve?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Yes that's right Helen. I am very used to hiking light after hiking the PCT where every single gram counted - I know it's not for everyone. I would usually wash my underwear each night and dry it on my pack the next day in the breeze 😆

[@howardmcknight9773]

Nice video Mary, I have seen other you tube wild campers using a squeegee sponge about a quarter inch thick, the one's you can buy in a supermarket to wipe condensation off there tents before packing it away in the morning, not the small sponge you are taking so might be worth considering taking as it won't add much more weight, why are you taking the Black Diamond head torch and not the Life Adventures one you reviewed in a previous video?, I hope you enjoy the WHW and look forward to watching your videos when you put them on.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for the tip, I have never had condensation on this tent and the rainfly I always shake and keep on the outside of my pack if it’s wet. I’m taking the black diamond as it’s lighter and has the red light on it for camp. Thanks so much for your kind words too 😁

[@EldestPuck]

Hey, great video. I'm planing the trail right now for myself. Can u tell something about the weight u got there?

[@alanmcvicar8608]

Thanks for sharing , was useful, but would like to know what was the total bag wt of all the kit shown minus the camera (no water).? What food do you intend to take or cook ? What additional wt would that be? How many days you thinking to be out on the trial? Maybe need another vlog on this.?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Alan, bag base weight was 24lbs/10.9kg with camera gear (didn’t weigh it without). I mentioned we will take about 7days and that the food is in Derek’s pack which I will show in my vlog on trail. Hope that helps!

[@suecox8355]

The mom and 4 sons on the PCT are The Field Trip.🦋♥️

[@bumblebeehikes]

The WHW has been on my radar for a while now but it's still probably a couple years away before I can attempt it. With coming from the US I do have a couple planning/logistic questions to begin with. First, I cannot fly with a fuel canister. Upon my arrival what options are available or how hard will it be to obtain a fuel canister before getting to the trailhead? The second question is with having to check in my pack and trekking poles for the flight are there lockers that you can rent either at the airport or train station to put the duffle bag I would be putting my pack and trekking poles in to check them in so they don't get damaged on the flight? I am sure that I will have more questions as I plan and it gets closer to the time that I actually can do this hike.

[@joshubrook324]

What shoes did you use?

[@benny_vanlife]

Hi Mary, how are you doing now? I've suffered chronic headaches for 15+ years but also find being in nature helps so much. I wish ya loads of amazing adventures for 2024 🏕️🥾🌟

[@amandagifford6341]

Hello Mary! Love the video! I've been watching your PCT videos for a few weeks. I'm on day 123 now. What an adventure!! You are so strong to go through so many of the things you fought through and still kept your sweet attitude and smile! I will follow this adventure too! Do you think you will hike the CDT some day?

[@amandagifford6341]

And I would just like to add, so many people are going through really hard things in life, and you bring hope and courage to those watching!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you so much for your kind words Amanda, I’m so pleased you are enjoying the PCT vlogs! The CDT does look a great trail, however there are so many to choose from I’d probably explore the UK more first and other countries too.

[@amandagifford6341]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures well wherever you go, I look forward to your adventures! God bless! ❤️

[@Normanskie]

Camera gear is not a luxury, it is a record for the next 60 years to remember and reminisce AND show the children and grandchildren your hike, they more essential than your think.

[@HikingWithMartin]

Do you think youll have a go at the cape wrath trail one day too?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

That is definitely one I want to do 😁

[@catherinelink-arseneau9737]

I heard there are midges on the West Highland Way. True?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Very true! That’s why i chose to go before they were at their worst!

[@HithertoPaintball]

Hi there! How do you carry your DSLR while hiking? I usually stuff mine in the top pouch of my pack, but that makes it not as easily accessible.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I usually so the same as you, sometimes I will strap it across me. The shot has to be very good to get me to stop and get the camera out 😆 To e honest I have stopped carrying it on multi day hikes now, I choose to carry my small camera now instead.

[@keithcarper8809]

I can't help but recall your bloopers video when watching this. : D One question if I may? What color shoes will you be wearing? I'll be hoping that Tinkerbell and Stalker have glorious weather on the Trail. Happy Tramping!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I got a great clip in my first take of the lamb coming right up to me 😆 I have finally decided on my shoes…… turquoise!!!! I’m using my very old Brooks for one last outing and then they will be retired - I’m thinking of using them as a planter in the garden 🤣 The weather so far looks a little mixed..but could be worse so I’m not complaining 😁

[@suecox8355]

Well good morning Mary, as always I enjoy watching your video. There is a mom and her 4 teenage boys hiking the PCT thru hike. They did the AT thru last year in just a little over 4 months. I am on a cruise from coast to coast, Florida to California. We passed through Panama Canal yesterday and on our way to Puntarenas, Costa Rica today. Soooooooo I am catching up on my hiking videos through ships wifi. I received lots of comments and smiles when I wore my "Today is a hiking day on board ship.🦋♥️

[@hunterrex232]

Yay 😀

[@tim-youtubewatcher2726]

A couple of questions, what do you use the coconut oil for, is it just a foot balm or do you have other uses. Also do your Bridgedale socks last a long time when used for regular long distance walking and do you use or recommend any other brands?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Tim, I use the coconut oil for a few different things; face moisturiser, foot balm, hair conditioner, chafing and to rub on any skin rashes like prickly heat etc. Yes the Bridgedale socks are great, I’m still wearing some from 2014!! The ones I buy now are the Coolmax ones so are merino free, but in the past I have used Darn Tough which are also good quality.

[@tim-youtubewatcher2726]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Hi Mary, thanks for the info,it looks like a pair of Bridgedale socks are going on my shopping list. I looked in Go Outdoors last week,but they only had Merino socks, now I know about coolmax I will look on Amazon. They must be good if they last 6 years. Thanks again for the advice.

[@tracykooken2606]

i can not wait !!!!!!!!!!! mary on trail again !!!!!!!!! mary just as a matter of curiosity will you do a pack out of Derek's pack ??? what is ur weight b4 food/h2o ??? ps... what bag did u use on the pct ??? i cant remember ( sorry )i thought it to b a EE. this is going to befun.are you going 2b using that style of vloging ??? or ur current method ?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad you’re looking forward to it Tracy! No, just my pack but I will share the food we have on trail in the video so you can see what we eat. On the PCT I started with an Osprey Eja and then had to switch to the Osprey Aura as it attacked my hips and shoulders! My pack weight before water and with just a few bars is 24lbs/10.9kg. I might be changing my vlogging style a little, less talking and more trail perhaps to show it in all its beauty. I’m also thinking one long video rather than daily ones!

[@ewik939]

Have you ever wished you picked the EP60 or have the EP50 always been sufficient? :)

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

No it’s been the perfect size for me, plus it stops me carrying too much! If I was having to carry more than 4-5 days of food I would probably need the 60 as my sleeping bag is quite bulky!

[@ewik939]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures Thanks for answering! :) (I'll carry 4-5 days of food + 10 days of dog food so the EP60 sounds smart). Thank you!

[@laurawylie8189]

This is such a helpful video - thank you for making it! I'm going to do the west highland way this Spring and wondered how you manage with just one set of pants/socks/bra? Thanks so much in advance :)

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad you found it helpful Laura. I am very used to hiking light after hiking the PCT where every single gram counted - I know it's not for everyone. I would usually wash my underwear each night and dry it on my pack the next day in the breeze if possible - otherwise it was just a matter of embracing the hiker trash lifestyle 😆

[@laurawylie8189]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures thank you so much for your reply! Looks like I too will be embracing the hiker trash lifestyle then, ha!

[@plant_moment]

Hi Mary,How many kg all together in your backpack? Xx

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

My pack weight before water and with just a few bars is 24lbs/10.9kg x

[@plant_moment]

Thank you 🙏🏽 looking forward to watching you walking West Highland Way 🥰 good luck with your trekking xx

[@bilaltahir9978]

How do you deal with midges on the West Highland way?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Hope for wind and rain 🤣 I have midge repellent and head net and hoping to avoid them by going earlier in the year!

[@tintin1975]

Hi. Can you tell me the weight of your pack please?

[@milda0820]

💖

[@helpfulcommenter]

i don't know what is a midges

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Like mosquitoes but are much more persistent from my experience!

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures ok that sounds terrible

[@windswept4469]

A friend told me about your channel a month or so ago. I'm from the US but will be in the UK in July and looking for a week long hike. West HIghland Way seems to be the "If your going to do a week long hike in Britain, do this one." Or are there others? Looking forward to how it goes for you.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

It’s certainly an epic trail from what I’ve heard but the midges will be really bad there in July! Scotland has them really bad. The only other trails I have done in the UK are coastal ones; the Cleveland Way in Yorkshire and Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in Wales. I’d definitely recommend the Cleveland Way for the variety.

[@dalmotavares824]

The cultural exchange was successfully carried out via wi-fi (uai-fi) 📡🤓👌