What to Pack for Hiking Scottish Munros: A Practical Guide

Hiking the Scottish Munros, iconic peaks of Scotland over 3000 feet, is a memorable adventure that combines rough terrain, weather fluctuations, and stunning views. Being well-prepared is essential for both safety and fun, whether you're planning a multi-peak adventure or climbing your first Munro. 

So, are you planning a lengthy hike in the Scottish Highlands? In this Munro hiking guide, we share our top essential picks to pack for exploring this wild, remote, and breathtaking landscape. Stocking up on quality gear from Munro Bagger will help you enjoy all of your outdoor experiences without hassles!

If you want to know what to expect when visiting Munro, read our most recent blog post, What to Expect When Hiking the Highest Munros in Scotland!

A Complete Checklist to Pack for Hiking in the Scottish Highlands

The checklist below will ensure you're fully prepared for an exciting journey across the rugged and beautiful Scottish Highlands. 

Upper Body Essentials

2 Hats: Carry a light hat with a brim for sunny days and a warm scarf to cover your ears for colder weather.

2 Pairs of Gloves: When it's cold and moist, make sure your hands stay warm and dry by packing a waterproof insulated pair of gloves or mittens along with a pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves.

Outer Layer Jacket: It is a must-have to pack a breathable, water- and windproof jacket with a hood that you can wear in comfort over all your layers, especially when it’s rainy, windy, and chilly.

Lower Body Essentials

1 Set of Hiking Boots: When considering what to pack for hiking Munros, your hiking boots are the most critical item! Make sure they're Gore-Tex, have ankle support, and have been well used.

1 Set of Lounge Shoes: After long adventures, you're ready to take off your hiking boots and put on something cosy and simple. Crocs are popular among hikers due to their lightweight, quick-drying, and sturdy design.

Hiking Bottoms: You'll surely need a few pairs of pants or leggings. On this adventure, temperatures can range from cool to downright freezing, so be prepared for everything! 

Base Layers for Comfort

1-2 Thermal Base Layers: A thin, snugly fitting top and bottom pair that can be worn under anything. These will help you control your body temperature while trekking and are excellent for layering. We suggest a sport synthetic fabric such as merino wool or recycled polyester.

Hiking Socks: Carry numerous pairs of wool socks in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. When your feet are sweaty or damp, a pair of sock liners is an excellent way to avoid blisters.

Sports Bras & Underwear: Bring as many pairs as you'll need for comfort on the climb. These necessities will keep you comfortable over long days on the trail, so be sure to pack enough to stay dry and fresh.

Essential Hiking Gear

Daypack: You'll need a lightweight hiking backpack that you can wear every day to carry your water, clothing, rain gear, and other everyday necessities. We advise purchasing a 28 L+ pack that is suitable with a water bladder or hose and has a hip belt. Also, make sure to bring a durable rain tarp camping to shield yourself and your equipment in case of unexpected rain.

Water Bladder: Staying hydrated is essential while hiking. We strongly advise having a 3 L water bladder. It's the most convenient way to carry and consume water when trekking.

Trekking Poles: In difficult terrain, these can save your life (and knees). Make sure they are easy to adjust for uphill and downhill conditions and can be folded for easy stashing.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries: If you're hiking in Scotland before or after sunset, these are essential. Ensure you have new batteries and carry an extra set.

Polarised Sunglasses: During hiking, you have to safeguard your eyes from the sun with sunglasses. Ensure that they are UV-blocking and polarised.

Camera & Extra Batteries: We suggest bringing a camera that is small and durable. Most smartphones have excellent cameras, and we've noticed that DSLRs may be challenging while hiking in Scotland, so think twice before bringing anything too heavy or complex. Always remember to bring waterproof covers or bags for your electronics!

Movable Battery Charger: Make sure you have a way to recharge your batteries for any electronics you decide to carry. You should always have a portable battery charger on hand to keep your devices charged and ready for unplanned dance parties!

Important Extras for the Trail

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for six months after your adventure dates. Carry a waterproof bag to keep your gear dry while hiking.

Dry Bags: Pack everything in dry bags when preparing your gear. Make sure that your equipment is always protected because we will be in the unexpected weather. We recommend packing a variety of shapes and sizes of these to assist in arranging and dividing dirty clothing and equipment.

Snacks: Mealtime offers a wide variety of filling foods, but don't forget to pack additional snacks. When you're on the trails, comfort food is the best way to maintain your energy levels. Additionally, you should include a windproof camp stove, which is ideal for cooking hot meals even in inclement weather if you want to eat home-style meals while trekking.

Shopping Bags & Paper Bags: Having a supply of brown paper lunch bags, sanitary bags, or any other recyclable bag is ideal for gathering and transporting garbage on the trails and while we're on the go. You should also pack a small reusable shopping bag to avoid using single-use plastic bags for snacks or souvenir stops. They're also useful if you need to bring an additional bag on the plane. Another opportunity to honour Mother Earth!

First Aid & Medicines: You should have all of this material on hand, but make sure to have a small kit with blister supplies, such as band-aids, antiseptics, pain relievers, antidiarrheals, eye drops, bug spray, etc.

Toiletries: Remember to bring travel essentials like pocket-sized deodorant, hair brushes, hair ties, tampons, toothbrushes, face masks, hand sanitiser, toothpaste, and earplugs. Also, for more comfort and privacy, you can bring a camping shower tent. Remember to keep single-use plastics out of the places we love, such as Gruinard Bay. This location on Scotland's west coast has numerous benefits, including spectacular coastal scenery, possibilities for outdoor sports, and closeness to amenities. 

Get Ready to Tackle the Munros With Munro Bagger!

Hiking the Scottish Munros is a wonderful journey that necessitates careful planning and appropriate equipment. Making sensible packing choices not only guarantees your comfort and safety but also enables you to take full advantage of the stunning scenery and difficult terrain. Keep in mind that the secret to a successful Munro hike is striking a balance between being prepared and being light. Pack carefully, be mindful of the environment, and enjoy the wild beauty of the Scottish Munros. 

At Munro Bagger, we provide world-class hiking and camping gear specifically designed for Munro bagging experiences, enabling you to create unique moments in Scotland's Munros. We’re your trusted companion for quality camping and hiking equipment!