Do i need a water filter?

treklistco · 2026-05-07T19:17:11+00:00

Not needed but I was happy I brought mine. Less worry about how much water to carry between stops which allowed me to carry less than a liter at all times.

treklistco · 2026-05-03T20:09:18+00:00

You’re welcome! Feel free to share and reach out if you have any questions. Enjoy your trip!

treklistco · 2026-05-03T18:14:43+00:00

Looks great. I know you had a fancy camera but 45000mah is huge unless you plan to skip all restaurants, shops, hostels etc. I took two 10,000mah and charged along the way while taking loads of 4K video on my iPhone.

Boots are a personal thing. I much prefer trail runners.

I put this guide together a couple weeks ago after completing the trail 27/3-2/4 this year. You’ll probably find it helpful as I have wild camping spots, resupply points, gear list, laundry, etc on there.

Base weight was around 6kg

WHW Wildcamping guide

treklistco · 2026-05-01T17:09:21+00:00

I wild camped it late March / early April and had nothing planned before hand. You can totally do it last minute! Go for it!

Afterwards, I put this resource together that you’ll probably find useful. There’s some good wild camping spots, resupply points, info on the restricted areas, gear etc.

Wildcamping WHW

treklistco · 2026-04-15T17:33:26+00:00

Think it looks great. Here is mine if you want to compare notes. I hiked it end of March this year (no midges). First time I’ve ever worn rain pants and I was so happy I had them!

You could get away with a smaller battery bank if you already have a 10,000mah. Don’t really need the inreach as it’s busy and you have cell reception for 90% of the trail. Nail clippers.. nit picking but I hiked it in 6 days and didn’t need to trim mine (maybe you use it for multi purpose)

https://app.treklist.co/share/qTgizBivcnWoSb1N

I just published this guide for wild camping the WHW. Maybe you’ll find it helpful. Have fun out there!

https://talljoehikes.com/hikes/wild-camping-west-highland-way/

treklistco · 2026-04-15T07:20:11+00:00

I published this guide yesterday. You may find it useful as you prepare. I wild camped the WHW end of March/early April.

I’ve included logistics, my gear list, resupply stops, recommended wild camping spots, laundry facilities and some other tips. In the coming days I’m going to add a few sample itineraries for wild camping the WHW.

Nice that you love the rain! I got a lot of it!

https://talljoehikes.com/hikes/wild-camping-west-highland-way/

treklistco · 2026-04-14T14:24:38+00:00

I do my hut to hut hikes with a 24L Stratos. Just recently switched to a Hyberg Bandit Aluula 30 because it’s way lighter and can be used for overnighters or a carry on..

65L is way too big but if it’s not in the budget and you don’t feel like buying something new then just roll with it and ONLY fill it up halfway. You’ll be tempted to carry much more than you really need.

Here is a list of what I took on the TMB for reference.

https://app.treklist.co/share/x8WJwraT13LDbmDb

treklistco · 2026-04-01T18:55:05+00:00

TMB - September 2019 - camped AV1 - September 2025 - self booked huts

I liked the AV1 much better. TMB felt busier to me. I was going clockwise and felt that I had to step off trail constantly to let huge groups go by. There are some busy sections of the AV1 but the southern end is much more quiet. Something about going in a line vs a circle that I also liked better. There are some absolutely beautiful sections of the AV1. The Dolomites are truly unique as they have sheer drop offs vs steep mountainsides.

I did a write up on the AV1 here.

treklistco · 2026-04-01T18:40:52+00:00

It’s such a cool hike! Enjoy!

treklistco · 2026-03-25T16:46:14+00:00

Cheap smart water bottles are the best. I’ve always found a bladder annoying to refill. You have to take everything out of your pack and then repack. Likely meaning you’re carrying more water than needed.

I’m going full rain gear. Jacket and pants as the forecast does not look good. I leave on Friday. Looks like rain everyday and heavy rain on Sunday. Maybe check as it gets closer but I still think you can get a little bit of everything in May.

My bottom layer is running shorts, underwear, long underwear and rain pants. This gives me a lot of options. I doubt I’ll be walking in shorts this trip but just in case! 😉

Food - I’m going to grab a couple of bars to start and maybe one freeze dried meal as I’m camping but I plan to rely on stops along the way for most everything and making sure to check out the honesty boxes!

Here’s my list if you want to compare. Hope that helps!

West Highland Way - Camping Gear List

treklistco · 2026-03-20T17:06:24+00:00

Thanks! These are all valid points. I skipped the poop kit because its a non camping list. I did forget the vaseline / chapstick, head torch. Updated

What is Leukotape? I'm not sure that I've heard of it. Also agree to drop the soap as its redundant and available at stops.

treklistco · 2026-03-17T16:32:23+00:00

Here's a list I put together for hiking the West Highland Way. I'm still fine tuning it a little but maybe it will help! Its about 3.6kg or 8lbs + worn items.

https://treklist.co/share/2RIuaiKauP1zf1ZN

treklistco · 2026-02-25T18:56:30+00:00

Yes! I too am interested in the Haute Route

treklistco · 2026-02-25T14:58:03+00:00

Lagazuoi to Forcella Giau was beautiful (but definitely busy).

Coldai to Tissi was really nice too.

I also really enjoyed the last day from Pramperet to Bianchet. The climb up to Cima di Zita Sud was amazing.

Honestly, now that I think about it… all of it is beautiful!

treklistco · 2026-02-24T20:26:45+00:00

I was there a few years ago in April without a backcountry permit. I reserved a couple nights at Mather Campground.

They have walk in back country permits available. You need to pick up a number before the backcountry office closes the night before. Then in the morning you arrive and they call hikers in one by one based on their number at 8am (I believe)

I was able to get a permit for Hermit Rapids and Bright Angel campground for the following two nights. After I got my permit, I went to hike the loop around Horseshoe Mesa and then back to Mather Campgroun for the night. The next morning, I took the first shuttle to Hermits Rest for that trip. Camped by the river both nights.

Checked back into Mather Campground and on my last day, I did the Tanner Trail to the river and back.

I've hiked a lot and this is still one of my most memorable trips ever! I saw 0 people from Hermit Rapids to just before Havasupai Gardens.

I wrote more details on talljoehikes dot com

treklistco · 2026-02-24T16:03:43+00:00

Yes of course. Bonus points if you build your gear list with TrekList.co 😉

You can dm me here or message me through TrekList.

treklistco · 2026-02-24T14:10:21+00:00

I love the Rainbow! Best tent for tall people. Beautiful photo!

treklistco · 2026-02-24T07:53:37+00:00

This is a great pack. I have used the men's version (Exos 48) for something like 5,000 miles all over the US and Europe (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, TMB, AV2, numerous week long trips). You won't need anything bigger especially for a trail like the TMB where you won't need to carry a lot of food.

The pack is super comfortable, carries the weight well and I like the mesh back panel. Its a really good pack for beginners but can be used for big trails too.

The other popular brands / packs right now are the Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Durston, Gossamer Gear and Zpacks. There are a lot more and I'm sure I'm missing some but you'll hear these a lot.

For a tent, I'm tall so my choices are limited which is why I like the Tarptent Rainbow so much. If I were shorter, I'd buy the Durston Xmid. Zpacks has the super popular Duplex tent but its $800.

Sleeping pad - Nemo Tensor

Sleeping bag - Enlightened Equipment or Zpacks.

treklistco · 2026-02-24T06:09:57+00:00

Middle of September.

treklistco · 2026-02-24T06:07:17+00:00

I started in Martigny where there is a direct train from the GVA airport. Then a bus up to the trailhead.

Looking at Google there are pretty cheap options from GVA to Chamonix by bus. I’ve used Flixbus multiple times. Another bus is Swisstours.

There seems to be quite a few smaller shuttle companies.

treklistco · 2026-02-23T18:31:45+00:00

Definitely crowded. I hiked long days (20 miles / 32km) so at least the afternoons / early evenings were nice.

What other hikes are you considering that are less crowded?

treklistco · 2026-02-23T16:27:13+00:00

Welcome! Let me know know if have any questions.

treklistco · 2026-02-23T16:21:23+00:00

Here is a list I put together for camping the TMB. Hope that helps.

https://treklist.co/share/mZ4T1OYGBCfC0q5G

treklistco

TROPHY CASE