RAIN AND WIND

We have hiked through a lot of wind and a lot of rain. Not ideal, but some of the most beautiful countries do not go without these challenges. Down below we will tell you all about the gear we bring when we go on a trip to countries like Scotland, England, Sweden or even Iceland. When the conditions in the country you are travelling to are extremely cold or hot, we would like to snow or desert page. . Keep in mind that the gear list down below suits us the best. Some of the items might not work for you! 

Clothing

Countries like Scotland and Sweden often have very unpredicatable weather. Therefore it is wise to work with a layering system. This system, which consist of a baselayer, insulating later and a outer layer will give you the most flexibility on your trail: 

Merino baselayer: This provides excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable.

Insulating layer: Opt for a warm insulating layer, but be cautious about down jackets, as they lose insulation when wet.

Wind and waterproof hardshell: A sturdy, waterproof hardshell jacket is essential, preferably one made with Gore-Tex Pro for top-notch protection.

Hiking trousers and waterproof trousers: Pack both hiking trousers and waterproof trousers, as the weather can quickly turn cold when it starts raining.

Shoes: Selecting the right footwear is crucial for trail comfort. For most of our hikes we bring our Altra Lone Peaks. The Lone Peaks are ideal for rainy and windy conditions because of their excellent fit and quick-drying capabilities. They also save you time since you don’t need to remove them during river crossings. Consider bringing waterproof socks if you anticipate colder temperatures.

Sleeping Kit

For your sleeping gear, we recommend the following:

Four-season tent: Given the variety of weather conditions you might encounter, a four-season tent is a wise choice. We experienced a storm at a campsite on the Laugavegar trail, and some nearby tents suffered damage, such as broken poles or collapsing in the wind.

Warm sleeping bag:  Bring a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, as you may encounter nights where the temperature drops below freezing. A comfort rating of at least -5 degrees Celsius is advisable.

Insulated sleeping mat: Even with a warm sleeping bag and well-insulated mattresses, we still had some cold nights. Consider a sleeping mat with excellent insulation to enhance your comfort and warmth.

Our full gear list can be found here

Cooking kit

Our cooking kit for hikes is straightforward since the food we bring only requires water. We carry a gas canister, a burner, and a titanium mug for boiling water. It’s important to note that gas canisters cannot be taken onto planes. We usually plan to visit an outdoor shop upon arrival to purchase gas in the country we are hiking in. For a burner, we recommend one that can handle wind to increase efficiency (meaning it takes longer to run out of gas). Lastly, if you’re only boiling water, skip the big pans – a mug is sufficient. This approach saves a significant amount of weight and space!