Scotland Packing Guide: Here’s What You Need To Pack
Heading on an adventure and don’t know how to pack for Scotland?
I visited Scotland for the first time of many in January of 2019. This first Scotland adventure was a whirlwindsolo trip after spending a weekend in Iceland (which was absolutely amazing and you should definitely read more about Iceland on the blog) as well. Since that first adventure where I fell in love with the country North of the wall (Hadrian’s wall, that is), I’ve continuously explored Scotland on a multitude of excursions, including, but not limited to, an NC500 three-week road trip during the pandemic October 2021, and then in October 2023 for a luxury familiarisation trip to meet with our partners in Edinburgh, Glasgow, the highlands, and Ayrshire. Of course, trying to figure out how to pack for Scotland no matter the season is no easy task, but I think that is why you have come to this Scotland Packing Guide!
When you are compiling your Scotland Packing List it is important to remember that the weather in this beautiful country is constantly changing. This means layer, layer, layer! Scotland is also quite a windy and rainy destination, so you will want waterproof outerwear that is going to break the wind and keep you dry!
I highly encourage you to keep reading on to find out my favourite Scotland Packing Tips and make it your own. Make sure to adjust for the season you will be visiting and any other destinations along the way!
Last updated: May 22, 2024
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PLANNING A TRIP TO SCOTLAND? DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GUIDES FROM THE BOHO TRAVELLER!
The Essentials You Need to Pack for Scotland Travels
Hat // Your female traveller’s packing list for Scotland would not be complete without a hat! The wind is wild in Scotland, so for my fashion-forward Boho Travellers who want to try and contain their locks, an adorable beret does wonders, or a beanie in the cold. A bucket hat is always a win, and bonus points if it’s waterproof!
Sunglasses // Don’t leave your best sunnies behind! While the weather in Scotland is usually overcast, it never is a bad idea to pack your sunglasses.
Refillable Water Bottle // Definitely do NOT forget your pack your refillable water bottle when you go on any holiday! Some people like to travel with a collapsible water bottle, like this one from Hydaway, but I prefer to have a filtered bottle so I know what I am drinking is safe. You’ll rarely ever catch me without my Brita Water Bottle!
Raincoat/Windbreaker // Rain is inevitable for a trip to Scotland (as well as wind) and no Scotland Packing Guide would be complete without this item! You will want to invest in a good jacket and pack a light coat that does both of these things! You’ll usually find me in my Yellow Helly Hansen Raincoat that keeps me warm and dry.
Wool Peacoat // For your evenings out or days when its not rainy, a fashionble wool coat goes a long way. I love this one that I have had for 2 years now from H&M.
Tops to Pack for Scotland
3-4 Tees & Longsleeves // Keeping things simple, be sure to pack a few of your favorite simple tee shirts and long sleeves to pair with your linen pants, shorts, and skirts!
4-5 Tops/ Tunics // You’ll want plenty of top options to wear while you are in Scotland! I like to opt for cute long sleeve blouses, in thick linen or cotton. Turtlenecks are also a go-to during fall and winter.
2-3 Cardigans/Sweaters // You might have guessed by now that Helly Hansen is my go-to for active and outdoor gear, that is why there is so much of it listed in this Scotland Packing Guide for Female Travellers! Their mid-layer stuff is just as good as their base and outerwear, and I am in LOVE with all of my Helly Hansen Fleece Midlayers! You’ll also want to bring a few cute cardigans or sweaters for layering when the weather decides to turn!
Bottoms To Pack For Scotland
1-2 pairs of Pants // Scotland is a cooler place, and even in the middle of summer, the weather stays mild. My go-to trousers for Scotland are my mom’s jeans, in both beige and denim, as they just sort of fit the “vibe” and are super comfy no matter what you get into during the day!
2 Leggings // I love my Lululemon leggings (honestly, who doesn’t), and they are essential for any hikes you may be going on while in Scotland! For my trip to Scotland, I also packed this pair from Target that I didn’t mind getting messed up!
2-3 Skirts // I can’t travel without packing at least one flowy skirt in my bag! I am obsessing over THIS skirt I snagged before I went to Scotland. It’s ankle length, red tartan — it’s just perfect, I would be completely amiss if I didn’t mention it in this Scotland packing guide. You can’t go wrong with any tweed options or tartan, but I also love this plain burnt orange maxi skirt that can double as a petticoat to make my other skirts more full!
Outfits To Pack for Scotland
2-3 Dresses // You know I love a good cottagecore or boho style maxi or midi dress, so my female traveler’s packing guide for Scotland would be incomplete without listing a few! Packing 2 -3 dresses when you go to Scotland will make your evenings out in the city or for a wee dram at the local whisky pub all the more elegant. I have a Kara Thoms dress that looks like this one here from Amazon, but this one is a third of the price!
I am also obsessed with THIS dress from KJP – it’s PERFECT for Scotland!
If you are planning an upcoming adventure to Scotland you will definitely want to make sure you include all of these items so that you are cute, fashionable and well prepared! Of course, this Scotland packing list would not be complete without mentioning the travel essentials which you can find in our SHOP & TRAVEL ESSENTIALS pages – these are thigns we cannot live without, especially on a trip to Scotland!
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