What to Pack for a Scottish Island Photography Retreat – A Curvy Girl’s Guide
What NOT to take… and what you’ll definitely need…
In November 2019, I had the incredible experience of filming Margaret Soraya’s photography retreat in Harris, Scotland. This was my first visit to the remote beauty of the Isle of Harris, and trust me—it was unforgettable. But as amazing as the trip was, I learned a LOT about what to pack… and more importantly, what not to pack. So if you’re planning a photography retreat, especially to a place as wild and wonderful as the Outer Hebrides, here are my tips to save you from overpacking and stressing out.
What NOT to Take… and What You’ll Definitely Need
Are you guilty of overpacking for trips? (Hello, guilty over here!) I totally get it. When I set off for Harris, dragging my bags to the station, I knew I’d brought way too much. I’m talking ‘I-can-barely-move’ levels of overpacking. And after a long train journey followed by the rugged landscapes of Scotland, I realized a third of what I’d packed was downright useless.
So, here’s what I’ll definitely be leaving behind next time.
The Wrong Clothes (aka, What Was I Thinking?)
On a trip like this, staying warm and dry is essential. I thought I had it all sorted but being curvy and hourglass-shaped made it tricky to find clothes that looked good and kept me warm. I have Raynaud’s syndrome, and wow, did I feel it! My fingers and toes got so cold, I could barely hold my camera some days, let alone take pictures.
The Right Clothes (For Us Curvy Girls)
Layers, layers, layers – and no, not the bulky kind that make you feel like a marshmallow. Thin, long-sleeved tops (thermal if you can) will be your best friend. I layered my trusty size 12/14 long-sleeve shirts and felt comfortable without looking bulky. I then added another layer with fleece zip-up cardigans. Here are some go-to pieces that worked for me (feel free to swap these out for your faves!):
- A couple of cozy fleece jackets – One of my faves is the Ayacucho Teddy Fleece (yes, I look like a fluffy bear, but I love it!) and the Didrikson velvet-lined fleece for those extra chilly moments.
Ayacucho Beauty Jacket | I look like a teddy bear with this on, but it keeps me really warm and snug…
I find the Didrikson Mikaela fleece is really warm and also flattering on my curvy figure.
Walking Boots and Waterproof Trousers
Walking boots
This was one of my best decisions. I have a pair of Scarpa brown walking boots, and they were fantastic. I added some insoles because my arches tend to ache after long walks, and they made all the difference.
Waterproof trousers
After checking the weather forecast for my trip, I picked up the RAB Firewall waterproof trousers. They’re stretchy, with zips almost all the way up, and the lining is durable enough that it won’t tear the first time you put your feet through. I also have a pair of ACAI Thermal Skinny Outdoor Trousers in black, which are wonderfully comfortable, water-resistant, and lined with fleece. These are perfect for staying warm and dry during the day, and I can switch to regular jeans in the evening to feel more relaxed.
I like these RAB Firewall waterproof pants as they’re stretchy and have long zips at the side.
These Scarpa walking boots are warm and comfortable and have good grip on the soles.
These stretchy and waterproof legging style trousers are a huge favourite of mine.
A Really Good Jacket Is Non-Negotiable
My biggest packing mistake was bringing a “regular” coat. Don’t make that mistake. It won’t cut it in Scotland’s wet, windy, and unpredictable weather. After borrowing a waterproof jacket from Margaret (thank you!), I realised I needed something proper for future trips. Never mind that I look like the Abominable Snowman—I’m warm.
Now, I swear by my RAB Valiance Jacket—water-resistant, warm, and just what you need when the weather turns Scottish (read: relentless).
Wellies That Fit!
I thought my foldable wellies were the perfect solution… until they weren’t. They were too tight to wear with thick socks, which meant frozen feet. I’ve since upgraded to Aigle Aiglentine wellies, perfect for us curvier ladies. They fit snugly on the calves, leaving plenty of room for warm, thick socks and no water leaks—win!
Thick Socks Are a Must
Thick, comfy socks are an absolute lifesaver. I picked mine up on sale at TK Maxx, but as long as they’re cushioned, you’re good to go. Avoid layering socks—they’ll just get too tight. Comfort is key!
Gloves and Hand Warmers – Don’t Skimp Here
Gloves that keep your hands warm and allow you to fiddle with your camera are essential. I took two pairs: a thinner North Face e-tip pair for camera settings, and a thicker pair for when I wasn’t shooting. And hand warmers? Rechargeable ones by OCOOPA were a lifesaver for my Raynaud’s.
These e-tip gloves from North Face are pretty good, I didn’t need to take them off to operate my phone camera.
I really like the look of these Sealskinz hunting gloves for keeping your hands warm.
I used so many of these I think I should have bought shares in Little Hotties!
This OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmer is perfect for my hands which get cold easily.
The Camera Gear Essentials (Leave the Kitchen Sink at Home)
Don’t make the mistake of bringing all your lenses. It’s tempting, I know. But on a windy beach, you’ll want to avoid swapping lenses as much as possible. I stick with my 24-70mm and 70-200mm for video, and for photography, think about what you want to capture. If you’re into wave photography, a long telephoto lens is your friend. Sometimes, the weather was so bad, I shot with my iPhone, especially when I wanted to capture unusual angles or get into awkward spaces.
Don’t forget ND filters and a remote trigger for long exposures.
Leave the hefty, expensive tripod at home. My Really Right Stuff tripod was overkill—it became a burden scrambling over dunes. Plus, sand and seawater will wreak havoc on it. Instead, bring a cheap tripod. My go-to is an old Manfrotto 055MF3 carbon fibre model with click-lock legs, easier to handle in the cold. Look for a budget-friendly option, as it’ll be easier to clean or replace if it corrodes. Or take your expensive tripod into the shower with you to make sure it’s completely cleaned up after your shoots.
The Right Luggage Makes All the Difference
On my first trip, I missed having a smaller daypack to use when out and about. Carrying a giant gear bag around the beach was exhausting and unnecessary. This time, I’ve packed a smaller backpack for day trips, tucked inside a larger rolling duffle bag that even fits my tripod. Much easier!
The Tresspass Aurora Double Decker rolling duffle is perfect for fitting all my gear in, and the tripod!
The Tresspass Aurora Double Decker rolling duffle is perfect for fitting all my gear in, and the tripod!
I like to put a smaller day pack in my roller, so I can opt to walk about with just one camera if conditions are bad.
The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
Here are a few small but essential items that made all the difference on my last trip, and I’ll definitely be taking them with me again.
- Head or hand torch
If you’re shooting at dawn or dusk (which is almost a must for most photography trips), you’ll appreciate having a light in the dark. A head torch is ideal if you need your hands free—mine’s a Petzl. - Map
I stumbled upon a tourist map of Harris at the Inverness train station, and it was a lifesaver! Tourist maps are often better than Ordnance Survey maps because they’re easier to navigate with. I’ve already got the Orkney one ready for my next trip. - Power banks
These are a must for me, especially for filming. I have two: a larger Aukey one that can power my phone several times and a smaller RAVPOWER that fits in my pocket. They’ve both been reliable for years and come in handy for all sorts of things. - Notebook and pen
I’m so glad I took these. I jotted down notes about interesting places, and journaled my experiences, thoughts, and lessons learned. Reading it back months later has been inspiring and even helped me come up with blog ideas to share with others planning similar trips.
Petzl make a variety of head torches to choose from.
My Aukey charger lasts for ages and also comes with a handy case to hold your cables and leads.
What about you?
This is what I’ve learned from my trips to Harris, but what about you? Have you been to any remote locations where you regretted overpacking—or maybe not packing enough? I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions in the comments!
Heather is a professional photographer and filmmaker who is passionate about travel and helping others create standout social media content.
If you’re interested in joining me for a photography or video workshop—whether digital or analogue—drop me a line at heather@lightninginabottle.co.uk. I’d love to chat!
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