What gear for sleeping in wild camping in western Scotland in May?
I intend to go camping in Scotland (mainly the Isle of Mull, that is Western, central Scotland) next week, i.e. last week of May. I have read quite a lot about the weather and know I should prepare for wetness, unexpected changes in cloudiness, midges, possible wind, and 2 to 15 °C temperatures at day. However, I could not find much information regarding the sleeping part of wild camping.
What kind of temperatures should I prepare for at night, and what kind of gear (sleeping bag grade) does it mean taking?
Considering the wind and rain, may I take a standard tent, or are the winds really strong at night? Is there any specific advice beyond securing all pegs and stretching strings far away?
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It’s always up to the traveler and its needs, but basically you need to cover those points:
- sleep -> Tent, sleeping bag
- kitchen -> Gas cooker, mess kit
- food
- hygiene -> toiletry bag, water filter
- light -> flashlight or candles
- bags -> waterproof bags, hiking bags
- firstaid -> first aid kit or at least plasters and healing ointments
- others -> knife, compass, lighter, powerbank
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I use a good quality (Rab) sleeping bag for 3-season camping in Britain, including Scotland.
It is rated to +2 or +3 degrees C without hood, can't remember exactly, but for comparison it has 200g of down, fabric-only bottom and no hood.
I then have my fleece balaclava and clothes apart from baselayer, which is hiking trousers and two thin 100wt fleeces to add if it should get cold.
As for shelter, I have used lightweight silnylon/nylon double skin tents (Hilleberg and Lightwave), but next time I will try a non-exposed site with a semi-closed tarp (Gatewood Cape) and superlight breathable bivy after finding it successful in North Wales.
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Based on last Wednesday (May 16th) in the Carneddau (Snowdonia, N Wales), I'd be well prepared for temperatures below freezing at night in Scotland, even in May.
I camped at Ffynnon Llyffant (at about 820m) and the temperature inside the tent was no more than 4 degrees C (measured by suunto core, suspended in tent), and when I got out of the tent in the morning there was around 1-2cm of snow covering it, and it was snowing down to about 700m.
Obviously it depends on how high you plan to camp (subtract 1-2 degrees C per 300m).
Anyway, specific recommendations, some obvious:-
- Pack your bag in a compression drybag. I use the podsac ones with an eVent panel.
- If possible, take a bag with water-resistant outer treatment
- Use a good mat - heat loss to the ground is a major factor
- Wear as much as possible while you sleep, as long as it's dry!
FWIW, I used a short NeoAir mat (with the platformat from my OMM pack under the feet), PHD Minum 500 down Bag, TarpTent Scarp 1.
I left my lighter Marmot Atom bag at home, which I think was the right call.
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Update on the sleeping side of things:
I would use a relatively light sleeping bag, at most a two seasons one. It doesn't get that cold in Scotland, as the north Atlantic drift keeps our climate pretty mild all year.
In terms of tents the key is to get one which can cope with winds as they can get pretty high. I wouldn't expect much over a force 4 for that week though, the forecasts seem reasonable. I have camped out west in everything from a cheap tent from Asda up to proper tents. Just take normal guy rope precautions, ensure there is a good groundsheet, and you aren't going to get water pouring in, and you should be fine.
Most importantly: wet weather gear. Scotland can be wet art any time of year, especially April and May. Also take layers. It won't get very hot but could range between 5 and 12 degrees centigrade.
Expect midges - lots of them. Nets and repellent will be a good idea.
When planning where to camp, expect either westerly (wet) or northerly winds (colder)
Sun screen is essential in Scotland- it often feels chill because of the wind so you can easily burn without noticing.
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