PV Gap

Ivan Said:

Backpacking UK (Equipment Check)?

We Answered:

mace and pepper spray are illegal here and will get you deservedly in trouble. Possibly even straight back on the plane.

I am assuming that you do realise how far Edinburgh is from London, and that while this isn't a very violent country hitchhiking is not a good idea. I would never pick up international tourists anyway, people who can afford plane tickets can afford bus tickets. The amount of luggage you two are bringing will also put people off giving you a lift.

You can evidently afford to drink in London so buy a bus ticket; megabus is cheap.

buy a SIM card when you get here.

BTW sweatshirts and jeans are daft for travelling; too hot or cold, too heavy, and take ages to dry. Lightweight travel trousers and fleeces, lose the jeans. And the cut-off jeans shorts for similar reasons. As for the battery powered razor....

don't bring food either, buy it here.

don't forget your travel insurance. You might need it.

Lance Said:

Backpacking UK (Equipment Check)?

We Answered:

What a wonderful adventure you are in for - I've done a lot of long distance hiking so some of my suggestions are from those experiences:

1) Only bring two water bottles: wrap duct tape around one water bottle – it works better than moleskin for “hotspots” on your feet when you feel it is getting ready to blister

2) I've known hikers that use water bottles that they purchase at the store for $1.00 and then continue using it for 1,000 miles.

3) You mention mace and pepper spray - if you are camping there is a specific kind of pepper spray for bears and only in certain areas. I would only bring mace.

4) Bring one pack of waterproof matches and a lighter (less weight)

5) Quart size and Gallon Size ziplock bags for maps, journals, toiletries, waste, etc.

6) 4 stuff sacks each - toiletries goes in one, food in another, etc. Much easier to organize.

7) 2 bandannas instead of a roll of paper towels

8) can you buy shampoo that works as soap as well? saves weight

9) leave battery powered razor since you have manual razor (saves weight)

10) consider buying capilene or polyester shirts and shorts - cotton retains water

11) vaseline - if you start to get chafe it will help - you can also get the vaseline lip balm.

12) at least 2 garbage bags to cover your packs if it rains (heavy duty) also two rain ponchos -- the cheap plastic kind

13) only 2 space blankets

14) when you travel you may not need all of your stuff for a week or two. consider shipping the stuff you don't need to the destination where you will need it. You can do this in the US by sending it "General Delivery" google it to find more info - I've done this throughout the US and it really helps cut down weight. For example, if I'm in the desert I don't need my ice axe and heavy coat so I ship it to the place where I'll use it.

15) Travel Insurance (never had it - but always seemed like a good idea)

16) Lock: this way you don't need to buy one at the hostels

17) The tent should be light - the REI quarter dome tent works well. I've owned a couple. You should also have a sleeping pad. Cut it in half - you don't need it for your entire body just the upper half. For the sleeping bag I recommend down. It should be in it's own stuff sack and in a garbage bag. Depending on your budget you have a lot of choices. Marmot 15 Degree Sawtooth is a good bag and light.

18) wool socks (smart wool are good), long sleeve wool shirts or jacket

19) if you camp a lot consider camp shoes - you feet will be happy. cheap flip flops ($2.99) or crocs work great.

20) AquaMira for treating water

21) Super light can stove and fuel - see link below. Bring two in case one doesn't work.

22) Two unbreakable spoons - that's all you need for silverware - i think they cost $2

Eva Said:

Backpacking UK (Equipment Check)?

We Answered:

Mace/pepper spray - these are both illegaal and if you try to bring them into the country you will be put back on the next flight to the states.

The money - I hope you also have some money / credit cards / debit cards. Whay are you bringing dollars? You can't spend them.

What are you wearing on your feet? If you are hiking/camping you need the right shoes which are not the same shoes you will wear in a London club.

I doubt you will be able to walk to Scotland, it's a long way on foot.

It might not be warm enough for shorts - think about taking combats as well, or get the ones that zip off into shorts.

Why do you need 1000 matches and will you be allowed on the plane with them?

you have a tent but no sleeping bags - do you intend to camp or not? btw you can't just put up a tent anywhere you will have to go to a camp site.

Why do you need two razers? leave the electric one at home.

Personally I would only bring enogh shampoo / soap for the first few days, I'd not bring matches, spare batteries or food - you can get alkl that when you arrive.

You don't say how long you are staying, you only have enough clothes for a week so I assume you are going to use a laundry - it can take the best part of a day to do washing, it might be better to bring more clothes.

Oh and one last thing - google couch surfing

Dana Said:

Backpacking UK (Equipment Check)?

We Answered:

Short rule for safety, DO NOT HITCH HIKE
The long rule, hitch hiking is not safe. You might get away with it for a short while, but going long distance, as London-Scotland-London is, you do run risk a lot of times. Specially for two girls of just17 it is NOT a good plan.

From your list delete, either as not allowed to transport by plane or as not allowed in the UK:
matches, mace, peper spray, knife if longer than 2 inch, mace again.

Add whole lot of money. For food alone you need 20 pound per day, and do not count on being able to sleep somewhere without having to spend money.
Forget being able to travel casually to Ireland or the continent, take all your money while on the bank, apart for that first bit of 300 pound. Expect to use about 100 pound per day between you in the Uk, 100 pound per day each in London.
And from 'basically all of her medications, and a two month supply of inhalers' I get the impression that your friends health is not top. In that case, camping wild and roughing it should not be in the plans at all.
Think what would happen if a driver is having 'fun' with her, his friend holding you, and she getting an attack?

If you want to hike, or travel rough in an other way, do it near home, where you know the place, the speak and the people. If you think it is not safe enough why do you think you can get away with it abroad, where you will have money problems on top of it.
If safety is not a concern for you, have you done it near home? I think not, seeing your list and additional questions. It will be more of an adventure even hiking from your house to hers, if you have no experience.