I have hiked on the Wicklow Way hundred of times now, most recently at end to end in May of 2017. On this blog, you will find the packing list I have used to get me through the hike safely. It makes for a great trek, regardless of whether you have much experience doing a long-distance hike. Here you will find the complete packing list for the trail.
The list can vary depending on the season you hike, but this list should be adaptable either way. An extra layer if you are walking during the depths of winter is a good idea.
4 Seasons in a day
When hiking in Ireland, it’s crucial to remember that you can often experience four seasons in one day, particularly when trekking in the mountains. With that in mind, layers are a good idea. Layers, allow you to strip down when it gets warm or wrap up for the cool evenings.
If there is anything you think I should add please comment below.
Wicklow Way – The Packing List
Clothing and Footwear
| Items | Qty |
|---|---|
| Zip Pants – Shorts and Trousers all in one (See-Below)/Hiking Pants | 1 |
| Synthetic/Merino Wool T-Shirt | 2 |
| Light-Long-sleeve synthetic top (See-Below) | 1 |
| Fleece-Top/Fleece Sweater | |
| Waterproof pants and jacket | 1 |
| Underwear | 5 |
| Good Quality low friction socks | 5 |
| Over the Ankle Hiking Boots | 1 |
| Flip Flops for town/pubs | 1 |
| Wooly Hat | 1 |
| Baseball Cap | 1 |
| Gloves | 1 |
Toiletries and Medical
| Items | Qty |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | 1 |
| Toothpaste | 1 |
| Crystal Deo Stick (takes up less space than can) | 1 |
| Insect/midge Repellent | 1 |
| Antihistamine/Piriton (for allergies, hayfever, hives, insect bites) | – |
| Scissors | 1 |
| Pins and Plaster Kit | 1 |
| Tissues/Dressing | 1 |
Equipment
| Items | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Water Bottle | 1 |
| Water Filter (Sawyer Squeeze) | 1 |
| 35-60L Backpack | 1 |
| Map and Compass | 1 |
| Phone with Offline Maps | 1 |
| Flip Flops for town/pubs | 1 |
| Extra Battery 20-3000 mha | 1 |
| Head Torch |
Camping – Specific Gear
| Items | Qty |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Mat | 1 |
| Tent – Hilleberg Akto (See Below) | 1 |
| Warm Sleeping Bag (Comfort Level of at least 4 Degrees Celsius) | 1 |
| Pillow – Therm-a-Rest Pillow (Link) – Optional | 1 |
| Stove | 1 |
| Backpacking Pot | 1 |
Zip Pants
These can be silly looking things at the best of times but, as mentioned above, many seasons in the one day means that fast adaptability is going to give you the best comfort level as you hike. People able to quickly cool down or wrap up will keep you happy on the trail.
Synthetic Long-Sleeve Top
I swear by this top. This one is a Nike Dri-Fit. I have used it running. When cold while hiking. When I want to cover my arms from the sun. They are very light but for what they are they keep you surprisingly warm. You will likely need a fleece top as well if it gets very cold.
Tent – Hilleberg Akto
The key hear is having something with enough ventilation to keep you comfortable, but waterproof enough to keep you safe and warm. Here is a great review by Long-distance Hiker Abbie Barnes on the Atko
Phone with Offline Maps
The Hiiker App will help you with offline maps, accommodation and food stops listed all along the trail, stage by stage breakdown of the trail, reviews and comments from other hikers and much more. To learn more check out our blog Wicklow Way App
Map and Compass
The best maps you can get for the area come from Eastwest Mapping. You will need both their North Wicklow and South Wicklow Maps to get the full trail.