Packing for the highlands

I have taken two 100-mile-long hikes in Ireland, which has a similar climate to that of Scotland. I bought a waterproof jacket composed of Gore-tex, a branded fabric. It worked perfectly in wet, cool Ireland. There are other branded waterproof fabrics that I imagine work just as well as Gore-tex. The neck tag and-or jacket inside should carry the Gore-tex name and symbol.

Sorry, I'm not sure about the base layer of shirt.

Your packing list looks good.

I saw Highlands once, but, unfortunately, didn't hike. They're stunningly beautiful.

I would use a wicking material as base layer, e.g. a running t-shirt. I hope you would be able to get some at a sale before leaving - or maybe even at a thrift store.

Here's a good thread on rain jackets, personally I really like my new Lands End raincoat, stayed dry in heavy rain, it's in the link enclosed. I don't like warmer base layers, how about silk?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packable-rain-jacket

You might also need rain pants in Scotland in October, but there’s no guarantee what the weather will be like. There are a lot of recommendations on this forum for Costco’s hiking/walking kit, so that might be the answer if you’re a member.

I would recommend 2 base layers in merino. They won’t stink, unlike many athletic shirts. Alternatively, swap one for a silk base layer from Lands End. A sale will come along regularly. The silk may be more comfortable while in Edinburgh. For merino base layers, Amazon has a selection of $40-60 versions, or check Sierra and REI Garage for deep discounts. You don’t have to pay $80 for quality.

Edinburgh is a lovely, down-to-earth city where practical outdoor clothes and hiking shoes / trail runners are commonly seen, but leggings are not. Don’t overthink the rainjacket. Get a nice GoreTex model on sale OR just buy a rainjacket when you get there. Mountain Hardwear and Trespass have nice options at great prices. Scotland outdoor stores have a wonderful system for outerwear. Everything is prominently labeled “water resistant” or “waterproof”. You need waterproof!

I also recommend to skip the jeans. They’re impractical for hiking and heavy to carry. Even if you’ll only drag them through airports, it’s a lot of weight allotment you will likely prefer to give to gloves, hat, an extra shirt, or souvenirs. While you may like jeans in Edinburgh, it may also pour while you’re there, making them less desirable (wet jeans take days to dry). If you can’t identify 3 wears, they’re not worth it. I usually struggle to find 3 days or dinners I want to wear jeans in Scotland on my 1 week trips to Edinburgh, St. Andrews, and various parts of the Highlands. I bring unobtrusive black and neutral-color synthetic hiking pants suitable for the trail or tea. Some have been cheap poly from Marshall’s that look like dress pants but are perfect for wet trails too. Hiking pants do not have to be cargo pants. If you’re doing heavy duty trekking, rain pants may be a good idea. But for gentle short jaunts from roadside stops, overkill.

In general, Ireland and Scotland are pretty casual. Unless you have reservations at a posh restaurant or some other fancy plan, just focus on staying dry and comfortable.

I vote for rain pants as well. I spent 2 weeks on Orkney and Shetland in August and used them at least half my days.

When you buy rain pants don’t go cheap like I did several years ago. Mine don’t have leg zippers so they are a PIA to pull on over shoes. Get zippers!!

I agree with getting a Goretex or similar fabric jacket. Make sure the hood is adjustable (at the back). Take a ball cap even if you don’t normally wear one as you can wear it under your hood during rain and keep some of the wet off your face.

I’d want glove liners for a little warmth and might consider getting waterproof gloves. My liners got soaked in Orkney and Id have appreciated some waterproofiness.

IF you go with wool, wear it at home first. I tried to convince myself for years that Merino is not itchy to me…but yes it is! I’m sensitive to wool though.

I’d also take a beanie hat (or buy one there). I didn’t and wound up with a cheap tourist version and later a beautiful knitted one from Shetland.

We’d love a trip report when you get back!!

You have all the right ideas for what to wear.
When I was going to Iceland a few years ago, I searched the Thrift shops/Goodwill type shops and found things I needed for next to nothing.
In particular, a couple of Merino wool pullover sweaters that were big enough to go over everything else.
I found the best items in the men’s section!
Where I live we don’t get cold winters very often, so I, like you, didn’t want to spend a fortune on things I’d probably never wear again.
Spend your money on good quality base layers, footwear and good socks, and try thrifting the rest.
You will love Scotland!

Had some more thoughts....

For my trip we were just doing day trips out from the hotel but I knew I needed my outerwear with me all the time. I used a large compression packing cube for my puffy vest, rain jacket, rain pants,ball cap, gloves and eventually my beanie hat. This fit perfectly into my small day pack (the Sea to Summit 2.5 oz pack). You'll probably have a sturdier pack if you are backpacking.

Is your day pack waterproof or do you need a waterproof cover for it?

I'd also taken a puffy vest. I'm pretty cold tolerant so a vest over a long sleeve shirt with the waterproof jacket over it is fine with me. You might need a puffy jacket depending on where in the midwest you are and your tolerance to cold.

For inexpensive base layers, I use the brand 32 degrees. You can get it at Costco very inexpensively as well as from their 32 Degree website. I have 2 of their puffy vests and have the base layer bottoms I wear all winter. They are some kind of poly, not wool but they wick sweat, don't get stinky and are a light but warm layer for me.

I'd probably not go with the sweatshirt as they are bulky and not as warm as some of the other more technical gear like a puffy jacket. The puffy jacket or vest will smush down much smaller than the sweatshirt. Plus will dry much faster if it gets wet.

Pam beat me to it. I was also going to suggest that you not pack a sweatshirt, especially if you mean one made of cotton or cotton blend. It will make you colder not warmer if it gets wet.

We just got back from Scotland after traveling around the UK on a 20-day trip. We took carry-ons. The only regret I had with my clothing was my jacket for Scotland. I took my heavy rain jacket out at the last minute to save weight. I wished I had kept it in. I got cold and wet on two occasions. (This was last week). I would also take some gloves and something for your ears. The wind was quite cold and blustery one morning in Edinburgh. Also, your accommodation may not put on heat until it is cold for them, so you might want to take some warm PJs.

We had a similar itinerary to yours but went this past April. I was skeptical about thin Merino base t-shirts and leggings, but I tried them since so many people raved. For me they were worth it. The leggings I found on sale in Scotland at Mountain Warehouse, one of their chain stores. These were a base layer, too, not worn on their own
Also agree about rain pants, especially for hiking. I found some on clearance at REI. They worked well.
My waterproof rain jacket was the Charley from Eddie Bauer. It worked well for both Edinburgh and hiking in the Highlands.
Enjoy! You’re going to love it!

Don't wear jeans for hiking, especially if rain is forecast. If they get wet they cool you down very quickly. They can also take ages to dry. Buy a pair of lightweight trousers that are quick drying .

Currently the temperature is mid teens celcius here and is slowly dropping. Autumn is very much here and so is the rain and the wind, so you will need to pack for that. Also as an aside it is also very clear the nights are drawing in as well.

It may be quite warm during the day but temperatures are dropping overnight . Evening and early morning can feel quite cold and you may be grateful of an extra layer then.