Scotland has much to offer anyone who yearns to feel closer to nature. Millions of travellers flock to this country every year to explore the Highlands, fish in its rich lochs and rivers, and go camping in its most scenic nature hotspots.
If that sounds like your dream getaway, we are here to help you figure out what to take for wild camping in Scotland. This article will give you a rundown of the essential gear and supplies campers typically need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable for the trip.
We will also highlight our recommendations for beginners who have yet to experience the rugged beauty of the Scottish outdoors.
20 Essentials to pack for a wild camping trip in Scotland
Our team has compiled the top 20 wild camping essentials below for an unforgettable nature getaway in Scotland. We will cover everything—from what you will need to sleep relatively well to how to protect yourself from the various elements you will likely encounter in the thriving Scottish outdoors.
This list will also highlight the qualities of excellent camping gear and supplies to help you balance convenience and comfort. Therefore, if it is your first time to wild camp in Scotland, we suggest carefully going through this list before shopping and packing.
Wild camping tent
Scotland’s weather might be milder than many of its neighbours, but that does not mean you can skimp on your camping tent.
Look for a waterproof model that can withstand strong winds. We recommend investing in either a 3-season or 4-season tent that preferably comes with a vestibule to store your wet or dirty gear. If you’re camping for several days or during winter, consider purchasing a tent with a stove jack.
Sleeping bag
You need a good night’s sleep to fully appreciate and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Scotland. Many beginners make the mistake of prioritizing portability over warmth and comfort when it comes to sleeping bags.
Though such a belief has merits, we suggest a sleeping bag with an excellent fit and low-temperature rating. These qualities will help you feel snug and cosy, even when the weather unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst.
Day pack
If you plan to go on day trips while wild camping in Scotland, consider bringing a day pack, too. There are various types to choose from, depending on what kinds of activities you will engage in. For example, a hiking day pack has adjustable straps and extra pockets for water bottles, while a climbing day pack is typically narrower and comes with a special hip belt.
Sleeping Mat
The ground can feel chilly even when you’re using a sleeping bag. For added insulation, pack a sleeping mat for the trip. We recommend a waterproof, self-inflating model for beginners because it is easy to set up and quick to clean.
However, if you are camping on a budget, the classic foam mat can be a suitable choice, too. Look for models made of polyethene foam for a nice balance of insulation and portability.
Camping rucksack
A durable camping rucksack is an indispensable companion for multi-day trips across Scotland. Compared to the traditional backpack, this type of bag features additional pockets, straps and belts to help you manage heavier or bulkier camping gear and supplies.
An excellent rucksack is made of waxed or coated fabric, typically either canvas or synthetic. If you intend to take one to the Highlands, we suggest getting one with hip and chest belts for comfort and peace of mind.
Camping clothing
The appropriate camping clothing depends on when you plan to go wild camping in Scotland. Nevertheless, we suggest packing a breathable base layer, a warmer second layer, trousers or leggings, and socks. If the expected temperature is on the lower end of the spectrum, bring your thermal wear, too. Sleep clothes typically consist of light fleece pyjamas, cosy tights and more thermals.
Raincoat
Be prepared for a rainy day no matter what season you intend to go to Scotland. It’s not necessary to invest in a heavy-duty raincoat, though. Even a light poncho-style raincoat will suffice in most cases. Choose one with bright or neon colours to make it easier for others to spot you in the rain.
Hiking boots
Campers who plan to go hiking in Scotland should pack a pair or two of sturdy hiking boots. The extra pair may be necessary in case the other set gets wet, damaged, or too dirty during the trip.
Check out the outdoor apparel stores near you to check your fit. If you don’t have the time or means to do that, though, order at least one week in advance from your preferred online store. This will give you the opportunity to break the shoes in before heading to your destination.
Toilet essentials
Spending the day outdoors can get you sweaty and grimy when you return to your tent. Not every campsite has a dedicated area for showering or relieving yourself. Therefore, most wild campers bring toilet paper rolls, sanitary wipes, soap, towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Those should be enough to get rid of the muck and leave you feeling refreshed, even without having access to a bathroom.
Toilet trowel
If you’re eyeing a remote destination or there are no nearby restrooms on your chosen campsite, a toilet trowel should be part of your list of essentials. Bring this digging tool with you to relieve yourself while in the wild. Create a small hole in the ground for your solid wastes and cover it again once you’re done. It’s quick, sanitary, and a thoughtful gesture for other campers.
Cooking equipment
Your list of cooking equipment depends on what type of camping food you wish to bring for the trip. It can be as simple as a portable stove, a pot with a lid, a knife, and a ladle. Those driving a motorhome or campervans typically have the luxury of cooking in a kitchenette or packing a small outdoor grill.
Camping stove
Take a camping stove with you to cook or reheat your meals. It’s also handy when you long for a cup of hot coffee or tea. Look for a portable stove powered by propane or butane canister. Refrain from using the stove for cooking inside the tent, regardless of whether it has a stove jack. Stay on the safe side by cooking on a stove outside your tent.
Pots and pans
If your wild camping menu consists of food or beverages that must be heated over a fire, we recommend bringing a few stainless pots and pans. Pack their lids as well since they will speed up the cooking process. Avoid anything made of glass because it may shatter or crack along the way.
Food for camping
Camping food should be rich in carbs, protein and fats to keep you going throughout the day. Given the constraints of the trip, go for food products that can be eaten as it is—for example, sandwiches, biscuits, nuts, and dried meats. We recommend shopping for instant camping food if you prefer something warm but don’t want to cook. Many brands also offer complete meals that require pouring in some hot water only.
Cutlery
Again, if your preferred camping foods cannot be eaten simply using your bare hands, throw some cutleries into your backpack. Avoid the disposable kind whenever possible.
Reusable cutleries are the better choice since you will need only a few for the trip and won’t add to your trash to clean up afterwards. If you’re concerned about the space and weight they might occupy, we suggest using a spork, which combines the form and functionality of a spoon and fork.
Dish brush and biodegradable soap
Since the golden rule of wild camping in Scotland is to leave no trace behind, you must immediately clean your soiled pots, pans, and whatever else you use after eating. The latter is also important to avoid attracting animals and insects to your campsite.
Paired with hot water, a dish brush will hasten the scrubbing process. If the food stains are stubborn, use a bit of biodegradable soap. Note that this does not give you an excuse to wash your dishes in the river or lochs. The biodegradable kind only lessens the probable damage that the regular soap chemicals may cause to the soil and vegetation nearby.
Headlamp
A headlamp can be a reliable accessory at any time of the day. Wearing a headlamp can help you find your way around the camp or inside the tent at night or early morning. During the daytime, you can also wear this to see better while exploring darkened areas, such as shady forests or caves. We recommend buying a headlamp that can be recharged using battery packs or solar power.
Portable Battery Pack
Though one of the main goals of wild camping for many people is to disconnect from the modern world, expert campers do not advise completely leaving yourself without access to your mobile devices. After all, there is always a chance that you will encounter an emergency or a dangerous situation while outdoors.
Packing a battery pack will help you recharge your devices while camping in Scotland. Get one with a decent capacity of around 10,000-20,000 mAh, depending on how much equipment needs to be recharged.
Insect Repellent
Insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and midges—or “wee beasties” as the locals refer to them—can ruin a perfect itinerary if you don’t know how to drive them away. The latter can typically be found in the Western Highlands between April to September. As irritating as they can be, you can combat them with some good old-fashioned head net and slather your exposed skin with insect repellent.
Tick removal kit
Ticks can pose a problem to wild campers since they are pretty common in the Scottish outdoors, especially between March and October. For example, if you’ve encountered some sheep or deer, there’s a good chance that ticks will get into your clothes and skin as you brush past them.
To effectively handle these disease-causing insects, you must bring a tick removal kit, usually consisting of a pair of stainless tweezers and a hook. Don’t be tempted to remove the ticks using your bare hands. Instead, gently pry them off and sanitize the affected area immediately with water and soap.
FAQs about what to take wild camping in Scotland
Given how unpredictable nature can be, we suggest sleeping on a fitted sleeping bag insulated with an inflatable or foam mat. Cover yourself up with thermal clothing and blankets, as needed. If you are car camping—for instance, along the NC500—you might be better off sleeping inside your vehicle because it usually offers more insulation and protection than a regular tent.
First, do not ignore the campsite rules. Familiarize yourself with them even before you arrive at the location and follow them closely during your stay. Never pitch your tent when it is dark already. Doing so can be a safety hazard and waste time and energy for everyone involved. You shouldn’t leave any open fires or food unattended, too. Garbage must also be picked up and thrown properly because littering is prohibited.
Pack nutritious food that you can prepare and eat quickly while outdoors. Plenty of wild camping recipes and instant food products are available now, so you will likely find something you like. Our favourites include mixed nuts and dried fruits for a quick snack and instant stew or soup for a hearty meal.
Now you know what to take for wild camping in scotland
While our ideas on what is essential vary from person to person, our recommendations on what to take for wild camping can be a good starting point and reference for beginner campers and experienced travellers alike.
Please pay attention to the details and specifications shared in this article. You also don’t need to splurge on your first time, though. Consider purchasing preloved camping gear or borrowing some from friends or family who enjoy spending time outdoors. Just remember to cross-check what you have prepared against our list of essentials to ensure you’ve got everything you need for a safe and enjoyable wild camping adventure in Scotland.
