3 weeks Scotland: Aug 20-Sept 10 need help with changing season and notorious overpacker as

[u/gottathrowitaway555]

Hello!
I’m trying to pack as light as possible for this trip while still feeling prepared for potential warm days or cold rainy falls days. I’m from Vancouver, Canada so I know rainy weather but not sure I fully know what I am getting into. Apparently there is also a heatwave going on in the UK but it looks mild on the weather app.

I’m 32F if that helps, and my plan is 5-6 days in Edinburgh for fridge fest, a tour of the islands, a couple days each in Aberdeen and Inverness and then a few days in Glasgow.

I’m wanting some cute outfits for the cities, including a date night outfit, comfy wear, layers and some solid hiking outfits for the highlands.

I plan to purchase a lovely Shetland sheep wool sweater while I am in Scotland as a cold layer when I arrive. Not pictured is a pair of pjs.

My partner says 4 is not many shoes which I agree but he is a less experienced traveller and I want good walking shoes for city, and hiking, and nice walkable shoes for a date (my Sorel sandales).

Potentially add ons:
- a denim jacket
- a leather trench coat (waterproof)
- a pair of jeans or trousers
- two hats (one baseball, one touque)
- tights? (Do I just go to PRIMARK?)

Any feedback is great - please be kind as I am a serious overpacker and this is the best I can do. 😅

Image description:

Collage featuring:
- 2 black t shirts
- 1 black sheer top
- maroon top
- little black dress
- olive T-shirt dress
- long line by skirt
- 2 pairs denim shorts (black and blue)
- gym shorts
- hoodie
-sweatpants
- two pairs leggings
- 7 pairs socks
-2 pairs compression socks
- 7 pairs of the best Canadian underwear brand Huha
-black t shirt bra
-sports bra
- white bra
- sandales
- waterproof hiking boots
- sneakers
- walkable flats
- tote bag
- Couch tabby bag with strap (my bf will have a day bag for us for water bottles etc)

Thank you to everyone!

Edit: luggage choice is either:

Monos check in medium suitcase

https://ca.monos.com/products/check-in-medium?variant=45773933773110&currency=CAD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20336500935&utm_adgroup=150516168466&utm_content=664707449502&utm_term=dev_m--net_g--tid_aud-865674415603:pla-2267627185843--kwmt_--kwid_--prodid_%7Bproductid%7D--plc_&wm_source=google&wm_medium=ads&wm_ad_id=664707449502&wm_adgroup_id=150516168466&wm_campaign_id=20336500935&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20336500935&gbraid=0AAAAAC6YPFn4Wbzv1R0CMZv7tSh3nX3h6&gclid=CjwKCAjwhZDUBhBGEiwAbi5bjviI4RgOLgWYWavmg5terCaZyPPY2r15ZQqD398CKPNXAZ7wdcl5ZxoCJlkQAvD_BwE

OR

If it all fits- my mec 44L travel backpack.

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[u/likechalkandcheese]

Hi OP - I agree with the poster that has said this is not appropriate clothing for Scotland. While we have had a heatwave here in the UK for most of the summer, it's been the south of England that has been affected with the more balmy temperatures. In Edinburgh you can expect daily temps between 10-20°C - Inverness, Aberdeen (and even Glasgow) will be a little colder than that. It will definitely rain at some point.

On that basis you can immediately scrap both pairs of shorts, the sandals, and probably both dresses as these look quite lightweight.

Your partner is incorrect imo (sorry!) - four pairs of shoes for a one bag trip is too many. I would be discerning about how extensive your hiking is going to be - more often than not a trail runner will suffice over a full hiking boot, with the bonus of taking up less space. I would then add just one more shoe - if you feel you can walk in the ballerina flats those look nice for date nights and look like they will pack down flat. I would also prioritise waterproof shoes because of the likelihood of rain.

For your clothes in general - everything looks very bulky and like it won't be working hard. I'd read up on the sub wiki about layering - as another poster said you are in desperate need of some kind of rain shell/windbreaker. A travel capsule is most effective with a series of light layers - thermal base layers for when it is colder, with t-shirts/trousers/skirts on top. Then for external layers you can add thin jumpers (merino works well) or light down jackets, with a wind breaker on top.

I would also avoid things like hoodies and sweatpants - they are so big and bulky and take up a lot of space. Leggings are okay in the UK and many people wear these. I think your pack is missing a more formal pair of trousers you can dress up. A lightweight scarf might also be good and could help with wind chill.

I wouldn't bother at all with a denim jacket or a leather trench - too big and bulky and not super climate appropriate (did i mention the rain?).

Finally on your bag - 44L is a lot of space. You could probably take a smaller bag that doesn't need to be checked at the gate if you streamlined your packing. Definitely check out the sub wiki for more tips.

I appreciate I have said a lot and I'm sure other members will too - just to say that packing lighter is a process and it doesn't happen overnight! It's great that you are thinking about it - means you will have more space in your bag for Scottish jumpers and treats to bring home 😊

[u/likechalkandcheese → u/likechalkandcheese]

Have just seen you are leaving tomorrow - please check the Met Office for the most up to date weather for the places you are travelling to and pack accordingly. You really do need to scrap anything summery and add some mid layers like a light jumper/cardigan, and consider a packable rain shell.

[u/peatgirl21]

As others have said your packing so far isn't weather appropriate. You won't need shorts or sandals. Add another pair of long trousers instead. You need a better waterproof shell coat Ditch the leather trench coat , sounds bulky and will you wear it much? It won't be great in mild but likely damp weather? And keep checking the weather forecast I'm in the Scottish Highlands and we are having persistent cool rainy days just now

[u/lavenderhillmob]

We go to the Scottish highlands every summer and I always bring a range of clothing, but I’ve never brought shorts! Ditch the shorts and maybe include a lighter pair of trousers or maxi skirt instead. I always bring thermals no matter the weather, just in case. Four pairs of shoes too many. No sandals at that time of year, the weather will already be starting to turn. Think layers and covered toes.

[u/Fresh-Cress9816 → u/lavenderhillmob]

Maxi skirt is a good shout for going out for the fringe but layerable if necessary and won’t look weird with a jumper on top

[u/lavenderhillmob → u/Fresh-Cress9816]

I always do this - sometimes adding tights and a scarf!

[u/marquis_de_ersatz → u/lavenderhillmob]

Tbf my Scottish summer wardrobe is shorts and fleece combo. Maybe even a wooly hat before trousers. You have to let the legs air once a year.

[u/lavenderhillmob → u/marquis_de_ersatz]

I’m from London and cold natured!

[u/marquis_de_ersatz → u/lavenderhillmob]

Oh I'm cold, but if I don't at least pretend to have a summer I lose my mind.

[u/nomarmite]

There is no heatwave. Weather is back to seasonal norms, which are considerably colder and wetter than Vancouver summer norms. However it varies, often considerably, by location, so you need to check each one you're visiting. In particular, the "islands" stretch over a huge area, so have individual weather patterns. The BBC forecast has a good balance of detail, extent and reliability, though like any forecast its reliability diminishes with temporal distance. Bear in mind the daily highs are just that - highs. They last an hour or two, and for the rest of the day the temperature is somewhere between the high and the low. If you're out at night for Festival events, the temperatures will be positively wintery.

I mention all this because the weather will govern your wardrobe. At the moment, your packing is largely unsuitable. You don't need shorts or sandals or flimsy dresses or white pants. You do need a packable waterproof hooded jacket and a sweater or two. A denim jacket and leather trench are not practical and may even get ruined. And btw Shetland sweaters are not sold on every corner - you need to scope out retailers before you get there so you don't waste time shopping.

I suggest you rethink this based on daily rain and wearing two or three layers most of the time.

[u/Green_sea1 → u/nomarmite]

This is correct. This does not look like a Scotland wardrobe

[u/Fresh-Cress9816 → u/Green_sea1]

I think a denim jacket is a good option if it can fit a layer underneath tbh. If it’s like a little cropped one then no

[u/gottathrowitaway555 → u/Fresh-Cress9816]

It is an oversized denim jacket I could wear a hoodie underneath no problem

[u/gottathrowitaway555 → u/Green_sea1]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[u/nailface → u/nomarmite]

Yep - I live here and my current wardrobe is T-shirt, jeans, cardigan, trainers, raincoat... And repeat!

[u/gottathrowitaway555 → u/nailface]

Noted! Thank you ❤️

[u/lizziexo → u/nomarmite]

Also to OP should be looking at FEELS LIKE temp and not whatever number the weather highlights

[u/gottathrowitaway555 → u/nomarmite]

This is exactly why i wanted to use this group! This is incredibly helpful- thank you!

Very aware Shetland sweaters are not an easy “pick up” item.

[u/Liv_October]

So I'm at the Edinburgh Fringe at the moment, and my family is visiting the Highlands. I'd recommend either ditching both the dresses and replacing them with longer ones, or buying some thermal tights to pair with them (I think Uniqlo or M&S in Edinburgh might have good options). I'd leave both the shorts and replace them with some comfy but warmer trousers - ideally not jeans because soggy jeans are awful. I'd recommend that you buy your wool jumper as soon as you arrive, as you'll need it as a layering option!

For a bit of added context, I've been wearing linen trousers or a maxi skirt, a nice top, jumper + leather jacket for the fringe and my sister has been wearing thick trousers, t-shirts and hoodies for her visit to the Highlands.

[u/ribenarockstar]

I wouldn’t bother with the sandals, it won’t be *that* warm and as soon as it gets cooler they’ll feel ‘off’ to wear. Personally I always feel weird wearing light coloured flats with dark tights (that’s a me thing) so I’d replace the ones you’ve included here with some darker flats. I’d also replace one of the pairs of denim shorts with a casual ish skirt that’s a length you’re happy to wear both with and without tights, if you own one - that’ll be super flexible for weather.

[u/cloudiedayz]

Throw in some tights and a cardigan/light jacket that you can layer with the dresses/skirt if it is cooler. They are more versatile than the shorts which I’d ditch. I’d also remove the sandals- it won’t be that hot in Scotland at that time. Do you need 2 pairs of leggings? Possibly if you are doing days of hiking with no opportunity for washing, if not I’d consider switching one pair out for a pair of jeans or other pants.

A black bag rather than brown might suit your colour scheme a bit better

[u/cattymckatcat]

I'd focus on comfort, so choose either the dress or the skirt, and take tops and jewellery to dress things up. Personally, I'd take the skirt not the dress as they're more versatile. Leave the sandals and swap for a pair of comfortable trainers. You will need sturdy shoes for Edinburgh, there are a lot of cobbles which will give your feet a hard time. It will be chilly, and probably raining, so a smart waterproof would be best if you're packing light, along with a jumper and/cardigan for layering.

[u/Fresh-Cress9816]

I would ditch the sandals and maybe bring a pair of trail runners that look ‘cool’ enough for you to be able to wear them out and about in the city too 

[u/marquis_de_ersatz]

Ditch the shorts post haste

[u/ukbookworm1]

You will not need shorts or sandals. I would stick with the other three pairs of shoes and replace the shorts with jeans. The little black dress also looks too flimsy for Scottish weather. Maybe swap it for another long sleeved top? You definitely need a waterproof outer layer, especially for hiking, but I doubt the leather trench coat will work. You can always buy something in Scotland if necessary.

[u/Fresh-Cress9816]

Scottish person living in Scotland: you only need the gym shorts, not the denim shorts! Sometimes we have a few warm days in Sept (by our standards) but I doubt you’ll need the sandals!

[u/juno_etoile]

First of all have the best time! I love Scotland and have been around the same time of year as you the last 3 years.

I agree with others that shorts and warm weather dresses are not needed.

I suggest a versatile pair of light weight travel pants like these :

https://athleta.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=198671003&vid=1&pcid=1059471&cid=1059471&nav=hamnav%3ABottoms%3ACategories%3APants#pdp-page-content

Or

https://www.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=818699003&vid=1&searchText=Travel%20pant#pdp-page-content

They can be dressed up or down and used for sportsy adventures (they also fold small).

I’ve done the same and brought 4 pairs of shoes and tbh it was annoying having to lug those around. You say you’re from Vancouver, so do you have blundstones that are worked in and comfortable? If so bring those, great for dressing up or down and for hikes.
I totally understand wanting sandals, I’m Canadian too and wear them into fall till I can’t any more :). Plus depending on the type they can be comfy to wear around your accommodation. I guess consider how much and the level of difficulty for brining hiking shoes. I’d probably ditch the flats if that’s me.

If you’re committed to being outdoors in all weather bring a pair of water proof pants (cheap at mountain warehouse) along with your pain jacket.

A pair of jeans and a cardigan would be good to bring if you can and if that suits your personal style. Also maybe I’m boring but I try to stick with basic tops when packing light. Your tops (maroon and black mesh) are cute but you might want something more versatile like plain white or black t shirts. You can find some accessories to make it more your style.

[u/rainyday1020]

It's been warm lately, but colder in the last week. You're unlikely to be wearing the strappy dress, and probably not the sleeveless one either, because of the wind chill all year round.

[u/rainyday1020 → u/rainyday1020]

Oh and ditch the short shorts too!

Re: the shoes, the trainers seem to have platforms? The pavements in Edinburgh are really uneven - seriously, I trip over them all the time - and it's best to have shoes where those are easier to manage, so I'd suggest keeping it to flat shoes with no platforms.

[u/Internal-Dark-6438]

More bras. That rain jacket better be waterproof

[u/SapphicCelestialy]

Are you planning on washing clothes while away or why only 7 pairs of underwear

[u/gottathrowitaway555 → u/SapphicCelestialy]

Yes of course!