What You Actually Need to Pack for Scotland: A Complete Packing List

Scotland is a fairly easy place to pack for. The weather is consistently mild all year round, though it can be rainy and windy. When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland, there are two essentials you’ll want to pack: rain gear and layers.

A note about my packing style — I’m a (sometimes overly) light packer — I packed for Scotland using only a carry-on. Though I like to travel light, I still like to look presentable. I wear a lot of black because it doesn’t stain and looks good with everything. And I have a weakness for red lipstick, as you’ll see in the photos.

Scotland Packing List

Packing gear

• 1 carry-on suitcase
• 1 backpack — for valuables and electronics
• 1 small crossbody purse — I love this one from Cuyana
• Packing cubes — the Eagle Creek ones are my favorite

Clothes

• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• 1 packable down jacket
• 1 hoodie — for cold days and flying
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 long-sleeved black shirt
• 1 nice blouse
• 1 plaid wool skirt –- it felt very fitting in Scotland.
• 1 dress — for if you’re planning on going to a nice restaurant.
• 1 hoodie — for cold days and flying.
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of black jeans – versatile, and can be dressed up or down.
• 2 bras – one nude and one black.
• 5 pairs of underwear – For travel, I love ExOfficio underwear because you can wash it in the sink if necessary, and it dries super-fast.
• 1 pair of leggings – for flying or travel days.
• 1 pair of pajamas (optional) – Pajamas are a nice luxury to have after a long travel day.

Footwear

• Comfortable boots — You’ll most likely be walking a lot, so bring comfortable, close-toed walking shoes. I brought a pair of black leather Chelsea boots from Clarks similar to these ones — they’re so comfortable!
• Compact rain boots – I also recommend packing rain boots in case it rains (likely!)
• 5 pairs of socks
• Flip flops (optional) – if you’re staying in a hostel, you may want to pack flip flops to use in the showers.
• Waterproof trail runners (optional) — if you want to do some hiking, bring lightweight hiking shoes.

Toiletries

Tip – don’t overpack your toiletries – you can always buy more once you arrive. Additionally, I recommend packing your toiletries in Ziploc bag, in case they explode mid-flight.

• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash – You can fill these eco-friendly three-ounce containers with your preferred products.
• Travel-size dry shampoo – Dry shampoo is a must for me. Batiste’s Divine Dark shade is a godsend for brunettes.
• The Wet Brush – it makes detangling so fast and easy
  Travel-size detangling spray (optional)
• Neutrogena face wipes – so handy for makeup-removal and long travel days.
• Moisturizer
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Prescriptions/birth control
• Razor
• Lip balm
• Hair ties
• Curling iron (optional)
• Makeup (optional) – I brought a pared-down version of my normal makeup, as well as a red lip pencil. This one’s my favorite!

Tech

• Kindle – Especially useful if you’ll be taking a lot of trains.
• Universal adapter – you can either bring a universal adapter or a UK-specific adapter.
• 1 pair of headphones
• 1 portable battery – in case your phone dies.
• Camera (optional)

Miscellaneous

• 1 wool beanie
• 1 collapsible travel umbrella
• Reusable water bottle
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Costume jewelry – I wouldn’t recommend bringing valuable jewelry, but it can be nice to have a few accent pieces to accessorize an outfit.
• 1 pair of sunglasses

Other things you might need

• A Scotland packing guide
• Travel insurance

Have you ever been to Scotland? What was on your packing list?

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