Reflecting on a Multi-Day Adventure in the Scottish Highlands
Ten years ago, I set off on a solo winter backpacking trip across the Munros of the Cairngorms. It was a week of cold nights, long days, and relentless wind, but also one of incredible solitude, wild landscapes, and a deep connection to the mountains—oh, and that unforgettable view of the Milky Way on a crisp, clear night.
Looking back now, I realize just how much that trip taught me—not just about myself, but about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to winter backpacking gear. If you’re planning a similar adventure, here’s a breakdown of what I carried, what I learned, and what I’d do differently today.
Shelter & Sleeping System
At the time, I used a 60L Macpac Ascent rucksack, packed with a tent stored in two separate waterproof bags—one for the inner, one for the outer. It might seem like overkill, but in winter conditions, keeping your sleeping space dry is non-negotiable.
The bag was just big enough, and even now, I’m unsure whether a larger rucksack or taking less kit would have been the better choice. In winter, I lean towards staying warm, well-rested, and properly fuelled, as the mountains are an unforgiving environment.
What Worked Well:
✔ Sleeping bag in a bin liner – It kept things dry, but in hindsight, I’d replace it with a proper waterproof compression sack.
✔ Thermarest & repair kit – Essential. A puncture would have been a disaster. On colder trips, I now take an additional thin solid foam mat (like my Alpkit EZ Sleeper) for insulation.
What I’d Improve:
❌ Colder trips require a warmer jacket. My OMM gilet was fine for this trip, but for anything harsher, I’d swap it for a warmer synthetic jacket.
❌ Better campsite selection strategy. One night, I ended up sleeping at an angle on lumpy ground—resulting in a terrible night’s sleep.
Clothing – The Layers That Worked (and Didn’t)
Winter mountaineering demands a balance of warmth, breathability, and waterproofing.
Base & Mid-Layers:
✔ Merino wool base layers – Kept me warm and relatively dry. Higher wool content socks worked best.
✔ Rab Power Stretch tights – Great for keeping legs warm under waterproofs.
✔ Light fleece + fleece jacket – A good combination, though most people today would likely choose a synthetic insulated jacket for better warmth-to-weight performance.
Outer Layers:
✔ 3-ply waterproof jacket & trousers – Solid protection from wind and rain. My Patagonia trousers took some damage on this trip, but I used their free repair service, and they’re still in use today!
✔ Sealskinz socks & short gaiters – Helped keep feet dry. These days, I prefer Rab Scree gaiters under trousers for better protection.
✔ Scarpa Manta B2 boots – A great choice for mixed conditions.
Head & Hands:
✔ Montane gloves & mitts – Layers for different conditions.
✔ Buff, fleece hat, and waterproof outer gloves – Absolute essentials.
❌ Lost a glove on a descent. Now, I always carry a backup pair in an accessible pocket.
Cooking & Food – What Kept Me Going
Cooking in winter conditions can be tough. At the end of a long day, I wanted quick, simple meals that required minimal effort.
Stove & Cooking Gear:
✔ Petrol stove & repair kit – This saved my trip! The pump started leaking, but a small washer in the repair kit fixed it.
✔ Lighter & backup lighter – Always have spares.
I no longer use a petrol stove and now mostly rely on a Crux gas stove with its clever design that allows the canister to be placed upside down in cold conditions.
Food That Worked Well:
✔ Rice noodles & miso soup for breakfast – Quick, hot, and hydrating. I wonder if adding powdered egg would have been a good upgrade.
✔ Quinoa, dried onion, stock cubes – Lightweight and easy to cook.
✔ High-energy snacks – Oat biscuits, 9 Bars, Naked Bars, raisins, dried mango & apricots.
Lessons Learned:
❌ Some nights, I was too exhausted to cook properly. Simple, no-prep food (like extra flapjacks) would have helped.
❌ Carrying enough fuel was crucial. I packed 400ml of petrol for 3 nights, which was just right.
Navigation & Electronics – A Mix of Old and New
Navigation in the Cairngorms in winter is no joke—visibility can disappear in minutes, and strong winds make stopping to check maps difficult.
What Worked Well:
✔ Map, compass & timing cards – My go-to tools, always backed up by good route planning.
✔ ViewRanger app – Helped confirm my location on tricky descents. I treat it like a backup navigation partner, not something to rely on entirely—but great when needed.
✔ USB battery pack – Essential for keeping devices charged.
What I’d Change:
❌ One battery pack wasn’t quite enough. Now, I carry two smaller ones instead of one large one.
❌ My head torch batteries died at a bad time. Always bring spare batteries—and a backup head torch, as they’re light and easy to carry.
Emergency Kit & Repairs
You don’t need a huge first aid kit, but you do need the right things.
Essential Items:
✔ First aid kit with trauma bandage, tape & rehydration sachets
✔ Tuff tape (for gear repairs) – Could have been useful on my gloves.
✔ Hand warmers – A small luxury but very welcome.
Key Lesson:
✔ My stove repair kit saved the trip. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to cook—a great reminder to check gear thoroughly before leaving and carry spares for critical kit.
Winter Equipment – The Right Tools for the Job
✔ Ice axe & crampons – Needed for snow patches near summits.
✔ Shovel – Carried, but thankfully never needed.
If I were doing this trip today, I’d also assume I’d need a snow probe and possibly a snow saw if planning to snow hole.
Final Lessons from the Trip
What I’d Keep the Same:
✅ Solid navigation skills were crucial. I relied on bearings, timing, and contour interpretation rather than just tech.
✅ Layering system worked well. I stayed warm and dry.
✅ Stove repair kit was a lifesaver.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time:
❌ Pack a backup pair of gloves in an easier-to-reach pocket.
❌ Take an extra USB battery pack.
❌ Consider adding a rest day. A break in a village for tea, diary writing, and kit drying would have been nice.
❌ Find easier-to-cook food options. Some nights, cooking felt like a chore.
Final Thoughts – A Decade Later
Looking back, this trip was one of the toughest but most rewarding solo adventures I’ve done. The Cairngorms in winter are wild, remote, and demanding; everything I love about the mountains.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But maybe next time, I’d finally get that photo of the Milky Way night sky.
This is the full gear list based on what I carried during the first four days of my solo winter backpacking trip in the Cairngorms. The trip was self-supported, involving wild camping and bothy stays, with cold temperatures, strong winds, and challenging terrain.
🛌 Sleeping System & Shelter
- Sleeping bag (Rab) – Stored in a bin liner (now would use a waterproof compression sack).
- Silk liner – Added warmth and kept the sleeping bag clean.
- Thermarest sleeping mat – With a repair kit in case of punctures.
- Tent – Stored in two waterproof bags (inner and outer separate).
- Rucksack – Macpac Ascent 60L, with rucksack liner and waterproof bags for kit.
- OMM gilet – Warm but not enough for colder trips (would swap for a synthetic insulated jacket in harsher conditions).
🩹 First Aid & Emergency Kit
- Trauma bandage
- Cohesive bandage
- Triangular bandage
- Swabs (x3)
- Large dressing pad
- Assorted plasters
- Paracetamol & Ibuprofen
- Zinc oxide tape
- Rehydration sachets
- Purification tablets
- Mouth shield (for CPR)
- Tick remover
- Hand warmer
- Tuff tape (for repairs)
- Lighter
- Gloves (spare pair)
🗺️ Navigation & Electronics
- Map & Compass (plus spare map and case).
- A5 case with string + timing cards (for navigation).
- ViewRanger app on iPhone – Used as a backup navigation tool.
- Nokia phone (for long battery life).
- USB battery pack (Would now take two smaller ones instead of one).
- Head torch (bright) + backup head torch (with spare batteries).
- Camera tripod.
- Goggles + lens cleaner (for high winds/snow).
- iPad + SD card adapter (for photos and entertainment).
🚽 Hygiene & Toiletries
- Toilet kit (no spade as I used my ice axe):
- Toilet paper (tube removed)
- Premium dog poo bags (for waste carry-out if needed)
- Multipurpose soap
- Washkit:
- Disposable razor
- Shaving oil
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Moisturiser with sunscreen
- High-factor sunscreen
- Travel towel
- Sponge in a plastic bag (used with multipurpose soap instead of washing-up liquid).
- No peg washing line.
🔥 Cooking & Hydration
- Stove (petrol) – Used 400ml of fuel for 3 nights.
- Stove repair kit – Essential; saved my trip when the pump started leaking.
- Lighter & backup lighter.
- Pan + lid + handle + stuff sack.
- Small mug, spoon, penknife.
- Water bottle + 3-4L canteen (for longer water carries).
- Food storage bags – Separate bag for food and bag for snacks.
- Large freezer bag for rubbish.
🥾 Clothing (Worn & Spare)
Worn During the Day
- Merino wool mid-weight base layer (top & bottoms).
- Light fleece jumper.
- Fleece jacket.
- 3-ply waterproof jacket (Patagonia).
- Under Armour boxers.
- Rab Power Stretch tights.
- Patagonia 3-ply waterproof trousers.
- Merino wool socks (higher wool content worked best).
- Sealskinz hiking socks (for extra water resistance).
- Scarpa Manta B2 boots (B2-rated for winter conditions).
- Short gaiters (used outside trousers, now prefer Rab Scree gaiters underneath).
Spare Clothing & Cold Weather Gear
- Montane gloves.
- Montane mitts.
- Thick fleece hat.
- Windstopper balaclava.
- Waterproof outer gloves.
- Buff.
- Spare socks (Sealskinz & liners).
- Spare boxers.
🧗 Winter Equipment
- Ice axe.
- Crampons.
- Shovel.
- (Would now also carry a snow probe & possibly a snow saw for snow holing).
🔋 Additional Accessories & Miscellaneous
- Wallet & key in a waterproof case.
- 2 USB charging cables.
- Spare headphones.
- Kathmandu bag or shopping bag (for extra storage).