Trust me, packing for Scotland is not as easy as it seems. I have walked on the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, felt the misty breeze on my face on the Isle of Skye, and gotten caught in unexpected downpours while attempting to shoot a pretty picture. And every time, I’ve either wished I had not forgotten anything… or quietly thanked myself for finally learning my lesson.
I told myself this year that I would not simply wing it anymore. I wrote a list of the things I really used the previous time I went, with no extras or what-ifs. Only the items I wore, liked, and needed, plus a few basic things I picked out for my husband (who has officially given me all packing duties, which is probably a good idea 😄).
If you are not sure what to bring on your vacation to Scotland, where the weather changes quicker than your phone can update its prediction, here is everything that worked for us.
Layers, Layers, and More Layers
One thing I have learnt is that you should never underestimate how surprising Scotland may be. Our journey began with a nice (but not too hot) sunny morning in Glasgow. By the time we got to the Highlands two days later, the temperature had plummeted, the wind had risen up, and the sky could not make up its mind whether it wanted to be blue or grey.
That is why layering was so important. I always wore a breathable foundation, like cotton or thermal, depending on the day. Then I put on a fleece or jumper and topped it off with a hoodie or my rain jacket. That middle layer was the best part of the trip.
To be honest, my adidas women hoodie was one of the greatest items I brought. It really rescued me more than once! The weight was just right not too heavy, and the inside was really soft. It looked fantastic with or without my coat on. I wore it on the train to Stirling, visiting museums, and even out to supper. I think it is the nicest sort of clothing because it is so comfy that you forget you are wearing it.
Since I was already all-in on hoodies, I got my husband a black and grey adidas men hoodie that he could easily throw on without thinking about it. He wore it almost every day, whether we were eating breakfast in Inverness or standing up in the Quiraing, trying not to freeze while taking in the vistas. It looked amazing in our pictures, too. It was very simple, classic, and the type of style that never goes out of style.
Shoes That Survive the Weather
I usually say that if your feet hurt, the rest of you will too. Scotland gets wet, and there is no way to make it sound better. And if you spend much of the day walking, looking around, and getting about on rough streets or trails, your shoes are really important.
I packed two pairs, and I am pleased I did. One was a reliable pair of waterproof trainers from adidas. These were the shoes I wore every day as I explored the city. They were light but strong, and the best part was that they were waterproof. We spent the afternoon walking about Portree, going in and out of small stores, and then we went to the harbor just as the rain started (of course). But I was dry and comfy, plus I did not have to wear wet socks for the rest of the day, which is such a mood-killer on travels.
For Our Highland Adventures
The Highlands have a wonderful quality. It is peaceful, big, and raw in the greatest sense, yet it is also far away. I knew I needed a good pair of shoes as we scheduled several treks and stops on the way.
My adidas hiking boots were the real stuff. They were supportive around the ankles, not too heavy, and had a terrific grip, which was really beneficial when the route turned slick with rain. We went on a modest walk not far from Fort William. It was not too hard, but it was enough to remind me why I usually buy the correct shoes. There were parts of the terrain that were soft and muddy, and I even had to cross a little creek. I did not have to worry about sliding, and my feet were dry, so I could focus on the magnificent vistas.
My hubby was just as pleased. He does not generally talk about clothes or shoes, although he did say, “These boots probably saved my back.” In husband-speak, this means: they are great.
A Few More Must-Haves
It is not just clothes; there were a few small things that made a major difference on our trip:
• A towel made of microfiber. We slept at a couple places where towels were not always offered, especially when we were off the usual road. This one dried quickly and did not take up much space.
• A charger you can take with you. Our phones ran out of battery quickly because we used navigation, cameras, and Spotify playlists on long rides. We were saved by this charger more than once.
• Lip balm and lotion. That Scottish wind is not kidding.
• A warm scarf and gloves. I was nevertheless glad to have them in late April.
Final Clothing Checklist (Straight From My Suitcase)
✅ Warm hoodie (mine: women hoodie / his: men hoodie)
✅ Waterproof outer layer
✅ Base layers (thermal or cotton depending on forecast)
✅ Waterproof trainers
✅ Hiking boots
✅ Wool socks (you’ll thank yourself later)
✅ Jeans, leggings, joggers
✅ Daypack for outings
✅ Scarf, gloves, beanie
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Travel Happy
I think people pack too much for countries like Scotland because they want to be ready for every kind of weather. You do not really need a lot of clothes; you simply need a few smart items that go together, layer well, and can handle bad weather.
This list of things to bring kept me warm, dry, and ready for anything from romantic walks by Loch Ness to cozy meals at local pubs. And taking the time to pick out a few things for my husband made everything easier (and let us be honest, I liked seeing him wear the things I picked out).
I hope this helps you plan your vacation to Scotland shortly. If you want a printable version or want to see how I dressed the items on Instagram, just let me know!