Hi, I'm looking for suggestions on clothing best suited to the climate and activities on the "Scotland and it's Islands' tour which begins in a few weeks. I'm trying to pack light but really want to stay warm. Can I get some suggestions for what worked well for those who have made this trip please.
Thanks,
Carey
I have not done this program but I was in Scotland last year from June 4-18 with another tour company. Our wettest day was the day we took the ferry from Oban to Mull, then bus to another ferry dock and took the ferry across to Iona. I am pretty tolerant to cold but on this day I had on every layer I had packed! I travel with a 21" rollaboard that weighs about 22# (well that much to start - more when I'm on my way home, lol!!) A waterproof jacket with a hood is a must. Do not bother with a poncho or umbrella as they will be useless in the wind in Scotland. Since you are going to be on the water, I'd take a puffy vest or jacket that will fit under the rain jacket. The Mull/Iona day is the only day I've ever wanted waterproof rain pants on a tour! Since it looks like you are going to be in/out of Zodiacs I'd want waterproof pants to wear for landings. Get the kind that have zippers up the legs so you can get them on over your boots. I'd want light gloves (glove liner weight) and a warm hat. I also took a long-sleeve Heat Crew from Land's End - it's actually a base layer but I size up and wear them all winter under the Dri-fit. I did wear it once in Scotland but if you are on the water it may be windy so you might consider taking 2 long sleeve shirts to layer under as well as some short sleeve shirts as it may be much warmer in Dublin and Edinburgh. RS should send you some kind of clothing list especially as this is an active trip on the water. I'd probably want waterproof hiking boots as well just to keep your feet dry in the zodiac if nothing else.