What to Pack for a Self-Guided Walking Trip with Macs Adventure

Not sure what to pack for your self-guided walking holiday with Macs? Our essentials packing list will make sure you have everything you need. Avoiding that “I feel like I’ve forgotten something” moment!

One of the biggest differences between a Macs self-guided trip and organising it all yourself is that we’ll transfer your luggage between destinations. That means you’ll want to pack a little differently so you have a backpack with all your adventure essentials and a main piece of luggage you’ll only have access to in the mornings and evenings at your accommodations.

Use this checklist to make sure you pack everything you need for your walking trip.

Walking Essentials List

We recommend bringing two bags: One piece of luggage for all your overnight gear, which will be transferred between your accommodations by a local partner, and one trail-ready backpack for your walking adventure.

You can usually pack up to  20kg (44 lbs) in your overnight bag (double-check via the Macs App to confirm all your details). That means you have plenty of room to bring an outfit or two for nice dinners, and some extra clean layers for your walk. Always pack weather-appropriate clothing for both the trail and the town, plus extra layers in case the weather is colder, warmer, or wetter than you expect it to be.

Macs offers several different kinds of trips for every type of adventurer, and the balance of active to lifestyle garments you’ll need varies by trip. For a Classic Route or Pilgrimage, you’ll spend more time on the trail and less time in town, so you’ll probably want to bring more active layers. For an In Style or Slower Adventure, you’ll have more time to explore the towns where you’re staying, so you may want more jeans, dresses, or evening outfits if you’re planning a special treat.

Regardless of the balance, you’ll want to cover all the basics:

• Activewear and outerwear for walking
• Walking trousers, leggings, and/or shorts
• Wool or synthetic base layers
• Mid-layers
• Wool walking socks
• Sturdy, waterproof walking boots
• Sandals or water shoes, if applicable
• Lightweight and breathable underwear
• Sports bra
• Waterproof trousers
• Rain jacket
• Lightweight windbreaker or shell jacket
• Gaiters (if walking in a very muddy place)
• Accessories and cold-weather Gear (if applicable)
• Bobble or woolly hat
• Waterproof gloves
• Neck gaiter

Travel Essentials

International travel always requires a bit of extra legwork. As soon as you book your trip, make sure to double-check visa and vaccination requirements for your destination so that you have plenty of time to apply for documents if needed. You usually need at least six months of lead time on your passport to enter a foreign country. GOV.UK regularly updates its website with travel warnings and essential documents for the rest of the world, so you can always check there before travelling. 

Remember to double-check your airline’s luggage requirements to make sure you don’t miss the weight limit or cut-off time for checking a bag. Walking poles usually need to go in your checked luggage, while electronic devices with rechargeable batteries, like cameras, headlamps, e-readers, tablets, laptops, smartphones, and external battery packs, need to go in your carry-on luggage.

Make sure you have:

• Passport with essential visa(s)
• Universal travel adapter so you can use all of your devices
• Chargers for your devices
• Credit card and/or debit card (ideally one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees) to minimise exchange fees
• Cash — Bring a small amount in your currency so you can convert it if necessary. You may also be able to get foreign currency from your local bank for a fee.
• Toiletries — Avoid single-use plastic by bringing your own essentials. Don’t forget sunscreen!
• Medication
  
• Travel insurance in case of delays, illness, or trip cancellation

Essential Daytime Adventure Kit

During the day, you only need to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, a small first aid kit with essentials like blister plasters like Compeed or Moleskin, and your map. You should also bring extra layers such as a light rain jacket and waterproof trousers when necessary. Don’t forget to fully charge your phone and bring an extra battery pack so you can access the Macs app throughout your walk. 

Everything else can go in your overnight bag, which will be transferred to your accommodation for you.

What Type of Backpack Will I Need?

Choosing the right backpack will depend on your trip. For shorter distances or walking through populated areas where you’ll have ample opportunities to dine out or buy snacks, a small backpack may be enough for you. If you’re walking longer miles in a more remote area, you may want a bigger bag with a hip belt, so you have space for extra layers, snacks, and more water. Scout out your route ahead of time by consulting the Macs app to check what options you’ll have for refreshments during the day.

You may also want:

• Walking poles
• Water bladder and/or reusable filtration bottle 
• Camera
• Binoculars, if you’re into birding or wildlife spotting
• A small diary or notebook for note-taking
• A book or e-reader

Choosing the Right Luggage for Your Self-Guided Walking Trip

You can pack up to 20kg (44 lbs) in your overnight bag, but that doesn’t mean you have to fill it. And you probably shouldn’t — you’ll want to leave room to bring home local treats or gifts from your adventure. You also don’t want to waste an hour each morning trying to zip up an overstuffed suitcase.

Choose a piece of luggage that will easily fit all your essentials plus a little extra. Make sure you weigh it before you leave, and that you comply with luggage restrictions for your airline, which may be different from Macs guidelines.

How to Pack Your Luggage Strategically

Packing cubes and stuff sacks can help you minimise the amount of time you spend organising your luggage. They can also help you separate your clean and dirty clothes so your dinner outfit stays fresh and protected from any muddy walking clothes if you get caught in the rain.

Pack your most frequently used items at the top and any just-in-case items you’re less likely to need at the bottom.

When to Start Packing

Weather can change quickly and dramatically. You may be looking at a forecast for steady rain a week before your trip, and it could turn to sunshine just a few days before. You may want to pack a few days before you leave, and then check the weather again the evening before departure so you can add an extra layer if needed.

Before You Set Off

Don’t forget to research your destination before you go so you can make sure to pack appropriate clothes for events, museums, restaurants, or religious sites you want to visit.

If you need to buy new clothes or gear before you head off on your trip, do that as soon as possible so you have time to try out your new clothes and make sure they fit comfortably. Give yourself several weeks to break in new walking boots, and always treat hot spots with preventative blister care so you don’t ruin your trip before it even starts!

Planning in advance can help make your adventure with Macs the smoothest trip you’ve ever taken. Consider printing this list a week before you leave to double-check you’ve got everything you need. And, of course, if you have any lingering questions about what to bring—and what to leave behind — never hesitate to call or email us.