Scotland trip at end of August... need help with kit list

citizen-snips

hi all,

like the title says, I have a 5 day trip to the Scotland planned for last week of august. First day we plan to hit the trail around Loch Muik ( http://www.ecurieneep.co.uk/images/Loch ... ck_map.jpg ) and then take it from there.

Having made several visits to the West Highlands (for walking hols) I know how unpredictable the weather can be.

I was wondering if someone could give some advice of definite wet/dry kit and "nice to haves" (ie windstopper/waterproofs etc) plus any good recommendations of actual kit models (but ideally would not 'break the bank').

At the moment basic kit list is shorts, lond/short sleeve jerseys, arm warmers, knee warmers and mitts. Any input would really be appreciated.

(FWIW I've a full list of stuff for year round road riding but when it comes to off road have only got summer kit and would prefer not to ruin my best gore/campag clothing on this trip.)

Wooliferkins

Your waterproof is always a difficult one I've a Goretex one i swear by. Windproof, rain proof, the arms zip off to make a gilet and it all folds into it's rear pocket. It cost me £100 about five years ago and ive never regretted it. Sealskin socks or a light overshoe? Shotgun or bug repellant for those b****y midges

cee

More info required...

where are you staying....tents/bothy/hotels

what are you doing for the rest of the week...touring between rides/driving between rides etc.....

Incidentally, I have stayed in the bothy at loch muick...did a stupendous ride over the summit of 3 munros and 2 munro-tops...(the ones that are high enough, but not classed as separate mountains...)

some really nice riding round that area.

citizen-snips

Staying with friend in Aberdeen, so we will be driving out of city to the trails each morning. Unless the weather is really bad, plan to fit in at least 2-3 good long rides.

'Seal skins' is a good tip. Just out of interest what brand/model was the gore-tex shell you use? (although I am aware that is was some time ago you bought it)

Wooliferkins

It's Goretex's own no name on it just Goretex and windstopper. I looked on their website a couple of weeks ago but couldn't find the same thing. But this is the closest. Mine in yellow without the raglan sleeves .

Northwind

Get some Avon Skin So Soft skin moisturiser- it's a first class midge repellant, though a bit oily. Either that, or the most toxic DEET spray you can find.

I wouldn't take arm warmers myself, not in august... I'd take a longsleeve riding top and a longsleeve waterproof for layering, which will be good for most conditions you'll run into, and if the forecast is bad a light fleece for between them, to give a heat layer. As long as you've got a wind barrier on top it should be sufficient.

(or to put it differently, if you need arm warmers it's probably because your main garments are too cool, so it would be better to fix that and keep the core temps up)

cee

so basically for a normal day ride......leaving from somewhere warm and comfortable and arriving back at somewhere warm and comfortable.....

Normal stuff like helmet, spare tubes, tools, water, eats etc...

Actual Clothing.

On when leaving

Lycras
Decent water repellent shoes...(mine are shimano mp56)
Waterproof Socks....I prefer the very thin goretex ones to the sealskinz, but you need to wear socks underneath..
Normal knee length shorts
Short sleeved base layer
Thin top layer depending on weather

in bag....
spare gloves
micro fleece
waterproof jacket (mines a softshell...feels like a tracksuit top, but is as waterproof as my snowboarding jacket)
waterproof overshorts (3/4 length enduras)
sometimes...ron hills.

As long as you can then get everything dry during the night or have spares then you are laughing

Some form of midge repellent is a must.
I like to take some of that waterless handwash stuff
first aid kit (very small)

Anonymous

all of what cee said.. for defo.

I am in aberdeen and went that way few weeks ago... defo take what cee says.

oh and whisky, defo whisky.......

CycloRos

if you're heading back to your friends house everyday then there's nothing over and above the normal set of kit I'd take.

Of course every ones kit bag list of essentials is going to be different, but I would highly recommend you take some sort of small medical kit. Mine saved me from disaster last week when I cut my hand quite badly halfway through a ride!

other things I'd add to your list include an OS map of the area and a compass and get familiar with where you'll be riding (there's some BIG country up there!)

Anonymous

yeah, watch out for the weather also, it can turn quickly. I'ts nothing to worry about though...;)

CycloRos

Gman, the quote in your sig made me chuckle although I'd have to disagree with it.

One of my oldest friends best chat-up line used on many an occassion was "do you want to come back to mine and talk about politics?"

Anonymous

lol.... that's a zappa quote, i'm no way near as funny.

I hope he showed the girl his election poll?

taxi

citizen-snips

Wooliferkins wrote:

It's Goretex's own no name on it just Goretex and windstopper. I looked on their website a couple of weeks ago but couldn't find the same thing. But this is the closest. Mine in yellow without the raglan sleeves .

this looks useful. thanks.

.......and thanks for the kit list. there are a couple of items I would probably would have forgotten

Steve_F

If it's still anything like it's been for the last 6 weeks then it'll be warm even if it rains.

I've put a waterproof jacket on once and that was only as it was the downhill track at Fort Bill so no uphill to keep me warm.

If you are prepared to buy the stuff now why not wait until you are up there and buy anything you have to at the time? It might cost more than on-line but you will only buy exactly what you need and not come home with a huge bag of clean, unused, brand new clothes like I tend to do!

And on the waterproof front, I just went to Matalan and got one for £8! Not very breathable but keeps enough rain out to keep it comfortable and I don't care about the holes in it from falling!!

passout

Take a waterproof (any old thing) and another layer (perhaps windproof). Other than that shorts, jersey etc. Seal skins not necessary at this time of year. Take all tools needed and powerlinks/disc pads and spare tubes. Light/head torch & emergency rear LED. A whistle, compass, and maps of course. Plenty of fluid & food. Mud guards might be an idea depending on what you are riding. As mentioned AVON skin so soft is the best for midges but deet is useful too. If there is any significant chance of been stuck on a mountain i.e it's a really remote long ride then I'd take more food and a survival bag (think plastic sheeting in a sleeping bag shape) - if you can fit it in your camel back!

Tell somebody where you are going!

Anonymous

leave a small trail of breadcrumps behind you at all times

Anonymous

let us know how you get on, as I am going there september 5th..

l8rs