Written by Shawna (@shawna.go)
Backpacking the West Highland Way in Scotland has been a bucket list trip of mine for years - long before I even started camping or backpacking. We picked the dates, booked the flights - and a few weeks before the trip, I realized that my current rain gear was not going to perform in the wet weather that was in the forecast.
When choosing what month to tackle the trek, you basically have two options: dealing with midges (tiny, biting flies that descend en masse in the summer), or rain. We opted for the latter and planned our trip for the end of September - meaning quality rain gear was non-negotiable.
There are a lot of considerations when choosing a brand for gear that is truly going to be put to the test. For me, the biggest things I look for are a brand that promotes sustainability, stands behind its product, and is up for the challenge. Outdoor Research stood out to me as a brand that was developed in the Pacific Northwest - they know rain. They also guarantee performance, which provides peace of mind after having other brands fail to keep me dry on the trail.
Scotland is known for their rainy weather, so I opted for the whole package - The Aspire 3L Jacket, Helium UL pants, and the Seattle Rain hat. It was time to put them to the test!
Aspire 3L Jacket
As someone who runs warm when they hike but likes to stay dry, one of the key features I look for in a rain jacket is pit zips for ventilation and to dump heat. The Aspire jacket takes this to the next level with two-way zippers that extend from the pits all the way to the hem. I also love the adjustable drawcords in key places and the spacious outer pocket that fit my phone, without it being stuck under my backpack belt.
We had a few city days on either end of the trail, and the jacket went from trail to city seamlessly. The jacket acted perfectly as a windbreaker on cool but dry days, maximizing my layering system without needing to add extra pieces. The Aspire 3L is truly the jacket that does it all!
Helium UL Rain Pants
Let’s face it - most rain pants are stiff and sweaty. The Helium UL pants are breathable and super lightweight, making them a no brainer for backpacking in wet environments. The ankle zippers made putting them on when the rain hit a breeze - I didn't even need to take my boots off. They also pack down into the back pocket, making it easy to store in the outer pockets of my pack, keeping them accessible for when the Highland weather rolled in.
Seattle Rain Hat
On longer treks, hats are a non-negotiable to protect me from the sun, or to keep my glasses dry in the rain. The Seattle Hat is perfect for all conditions - the velcro tabs allow you to adjust the sides up or down depending on the weather, and it’s not just waterproof - it floats too, in case you want to take it on the water. This became an unexpected favourite piece of gear on the trip!
Scotland put this gear to the test - and every piece passed with flying colours. If you’re looking for gear that will keep you dry - Outdoor Research has you covered.
