What to pack for a 5 day trek?
Half of the Sidetracked team (Dan and I) are heading up to the Scottish Highlands for some time in the mountains. Our first stop is one of our favorites; Knoydart. This small peninsula on the west coast is known as one of the ‘last true wilderness areas’ in the UK. After months of being locked down inside, we can’t wait to be heading off.
First off, my packing list will always vary depending on the temperature and the expected conditions during our trip. But this setup that I am taking should cover me for a variety of temperatures and weather conditions.
What should you wear while trekking?
I always like to take as little as possible, mainly because I hate carrying things I don’t end up using. And trust me, it’s taken me years of hauling everything around on my back before I’ve discovered my own ‘ideal trekking kit’. The best advice I can give is to utilise layers. This is something I’ve really had to master on arctic skiing trips but it also applies to summer hiking too. Having thin layers that you can add and take away makes it much better to manage your body temp. I love to wear shorts as much as possible, but as we are heading up to Scotland and I don’t want to risk my legs being eaten alive by midges I will also pack my favorite pair of Fjallraven leggings. This is what I will pack kit wise for 5 days trekking:
Fjallraven Abisko Leggings
Merino wool tshirt
Merino wool Long-sleeved hoodie
Patagonia Trail Running shorts
Scarpa Hiking boots
2 pairs of merino wool socks
Shell jacket (Fjallraven Keb Eco-shell)
Fleece (Patagonia Syncilla fleece)
Merino leggings (Optional - only if cold temps predicted)
Down jacket (Patagonia down hoody)
Basecamp shoes (sandals/flip flops)
Beanie Hat & Sun Cap
Swimwear (for those tempting Lochs)
As you can see from my list I am quite loyal to two brands….Fjallraven & Patagonia. Now I know this is not cheap gear, but the reason why I do mainly use their kit is that it’s great kit, it’s durable and lasts me years & years. Some of this kit I have had for 5+ years and it’s still as good as new. All the kit I am not wearing to hike in will be kept in a dry bag, just in case the weather really turns on us. There is no better feeling than putting on a clean, dry pair of socks.
What goes in my backpack?
My biggest pack is 75l….my next option is 45l which is a bit too small so I’m taking the beastly pack which makes me look like an overloaded sherpa, but it’s better to fit it all inside the pack rather than have bits dangling off like buckaroo. So inside here I will have:
Food for the 5 days (mix of freeze-dried meals & pasta packets)
Snacks for the 5 days ( For me this can be the same size as my food bag!) - Mainly Bara Brith Outdoor Provisions bars!
Stove & fuel
Cup, Bowl & spork - Our favouite Kupilka Eco ones!
Sunglasses
Micro Fibre Towel
Water bottle (at least 1l)
Headlight & spare batteries
Knife
Tent ( Fjallraven Keb Endurance 3)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Mat - Roben Fjellguard 60
Personal Hygiene kit (Toothbrush, toothpaste etc)
First Aid Kit
Full Face Head Net (For the midges)
Small Medical Kit (Painkillers etc)
Toilet Paper
Small shovel (To make a poop hole)
Lighter & Matches (In waterproof bag)
As we are hiking as a small group some of the gear weight will be shared, like the tent & cooking equipment. We are taking one 3 man expedition tent (Fjallraven Keb Endurance) and an MSR Mutha Hubba which is much lighter. This is my go-to list of what I take with me on multi-day treks, It changes slightly from time to time but most of this kit I take on every trip.