A road trip is an ideal way to escape it if you put the feeling of freedom and adventure first. This year my choice fell on rugged Scotland. And not just because of the breathtaking landscapes, but the fact that Scotland offers everything you could wish for. From cultural trips to various outdoor activities. I will visit unique places for two weeks with my sons and do many outdoor activities, such as quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, hiking, supping, etc. They look forward to the harsh (electric) quad riding and clay pigeon shooting. We wouldn’t be Gearlimits if we didn’t have a carefully curated packing list.
For example, we have partnered with the Swedish Volvo company for transport. This time we have not opted for an SUV but a typical British estate in the form of a Volvo V90 Recharge T6 AWD Plug-in hybrid. My sons and I aim to make the journey electrically as much as possible. So plenty of plugging and recovering braking energy! The underlying aim is to investigate whether the charging station coverage makes it possible to make a road trip through Scotland with a fully electric car. Below is my ‘gear essentials’ packing list for two weeks through Scotland.
Road Trip Packing List
CAR
Volvo V90 Recharge T6 AWD Plug-in hybrid R-Design
For this road trip, we get a Volvo, and what kind of one? The V90 is a stylish descendant of the iconic Volvo 900 series introduced in September 1990. To be precise, the V90 Recharge T6 AWD Plug-in hybrid R-Design. Quite a mouthful for an electrified powertrain in which Volvo combines the 2-litre four-cylinder with a solid electric motor on the front and rear axle. This combination provides an available power of 350 hp/186 kW. The zero to one hundred sprints is completed in five and a half seconds. Friendly and fast, although we will not really need all that power during our road trip.
Great Britain is the island of the estate car. So the station wagon. That makes V90 highly suitable for our road trip. The car has a big trunk and measures no less than 560 litres. All our gear – see further in this article – fits in there. We can drive 86 kilometres purely electrically with the recharge powertrain according to the WLTP cycle. Scotland is hilly, and it becomes a sport to regenerate the braking energy as much as possible during the descent. The V90 is also very comfortable to drive with one pedal drive. With this technique, you hardly need the electric motor’s brake pedal and the car brakes. Uphill is no problem; the V90 has 659 Nm of torque and knows how to get the estate weighing more than two tons up to speed.
5.11 Vehicle Ready Hexgrid Seat & Headrest Organizer
As an experienced ‘road tripper’, a seat organizer is indispensable for me; additional equipment is at your fingertips. Having worn out (or barely used due to inferior quality) several models and brands over the years, I opted for the 5.11 Tactical Vehicle Ready (VR) Hexgrid Seat & Headrest Organizer. This organizer consists of two parts that are easy to attach.
For example, the 5.11 Tactical ‘Hexgrid Seat’ and the ‘Hexgrid Headrest’ can be mounted on the seat and headrest, respectively. At the front or back. The additional equipment can be attached to the Hexgrid/Molle panel. The term MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. In other words, a lightweight carrying system is designed to carry accessories and equipment. The US military developed MOLLE in the 1990s.
OUTDOOR
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bags
Protecting our gear from wetness is a must in Scotland. That’s where the Dry Bags come in. Whether that is rain or moisture that comes from the ground when you put down a bag or backpack. The heavy-duty Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bags is made for the rugged user. The oval-shaped bottom allows you to place this bag without it falling over. They feature waterproof, double-stitched, reinforced and tape-sealed seams. The Hypalon attachment option for secure fastening and the waterproof Hypalon roll closure makes the bags user-friendly. The streamlined model saves space and is easy to tuck away. It is made of robust 420D Nylon. TPU laminated with a 10,000 water column.
Berghaus Ridgemaster 3L Hardshell
Berghaus provides us with the necessary clothing, including the Ridgemaster 3L Hardshell. A well-constructed jacket from the latest Gore-Tex 3L Performance Shell. Equipped with a fully waterproof zipper that prevents a drop of rain from entering, that is not an unnecessary luxury in Scotland. The pit zips provide extra cooling when needed. To protect the head, the jacket has a well-fitting and adjustable hood.
Hanwag Alverstone II GTX trekking shoes
The Hanwag Alverstone II GTX shoes prevent wet feet. The excellent support takes good care of our ankles. So sprains and wet feet are a thing of the past with the Hanwag Alverstone II GTX trekking shoes. We already liked the latter during the LeJog last April. The Hanwag Alverstone II GTX shoes suit different surfaces and weather conditions. Thanks to the Lateral Flex technology (LFX), the shaft moves quickly with the position of the lower leg. The modern, well-absorbing Vibram Integral Light sole with a standard stand height reduces the stress on the joints.
Chrome Industries Merino Cobra 3.0 hoodie & Sutro Short
I have the Merino Wool Cobra 3.0 hoodie from Chrome industries for the hikes and urban visits. Breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying merino wool combined with durable recycled poly for enhanced durability and the performance I’ll need, whether on or off the bike. The Sutro Short is tough enough for the city and a looser fit designed for the trail. In classic Chrome style with details such as secure mesh pockets and an adjustable waistband for fit with stretch for mobility, the Sutro Short is ideal for the trail and the bar.
Haglöfs Rugged Standard trekking pant
The Rugged Standard trekking pants from Haglöfs are designed for all seasons and more extreme activities. It’s made from sturdy, 4-way stretch, recycled fabrics and equipped with numerous features and pockets and waterproof reinforcements on knees, seat and instep—extra stretch in those places where you can use extra freedom of movement. The heavy-duty Climatic Rugged fabric contains recycled materials and is highly durable. The water- and dirt-repellent treatment is fluorocarbon-free.
SPY+ Helmet Tech sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from the sun is essential while driving, of course also in road safety. That’s why the SPY+ Helm Tech comes along. Sunglasses with all-around protection for the eyes. A pleasant mechanic and good lenses are a must! The great thing is that the Helm Tech is equipped with removable ‘side shields’. This is, of course, ideal behind the wheel and that way, the sun is also kept out of your eyes from the side and equipped with a HAPPY bronze polar olive spectra lens made for a positive mood and alertness.
Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket
We won’t get cold with the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket. This jacket is made with the Lifa Infinity Pro technology. Helly Hansen worked closely with mountain professionals to develop this jacket. The jacket is therefore designed for versatile functionality, whether you are skiing, mountaineering or hiking through the Scottish Highlands. This shell offers exceptional breathability and protection. Inspired by Helly Hansen’s award-winning shell jackets of the past, the Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket represents the function and features the brand stands for.
CAMP
Heimplanet Backdoor Classic Inflatable Tent
One of our accommodations is the Heimplanet Backdoor Classic inflatable tent. Easy to carry and also very smart because it has several inflatable arches. This means that the tent is in place in no time. Extremely pleasant after a day of adventure. The Backdoor is a four-person tent designed for a wide range of uses and is perfect for spring to fall camping. The front entrance has a spacious vestibule that provides easy access to the main tent via a shared inner tent door. In the tent, you will find several storage compartments to keep your belongings tidy. Valuables can be stored on a ‘shelf’ under the roof or serve as a lamp with diffused light when you switch on your smartphone or a headlamp.
The ‘wearable’ sleeping bag from Selk’bag
Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm. The problem with this is that it’s a ‘bag’. Born in Chile, the Selk’bag is designed to provide freedom of movement, total warmth and ultimate comfort. From the inside out, there are thousands of uses for the Selk’bag. Stay cosy, warm and mobile during camping trips, sleepovers, backpacking, working from home, road trips, RVs, beach nights, hammocks and even lounging at home! Selk’bag uses post-consumer recycled materials and is a proud member of 1% for the Planet.
Olight Olantern Classic 2 Pro
To provide us with the necessary atmosphere and light in the evening outside (or inside), we have the retro-style Olantern Classic 2 Pro from Olight. Rechargeable LED lantern from Olight tech in retro style. This lantern provides 360-degree light distribution for power outages and backyard get-togethers. Simply turn the continuously dimmable knob to get amber or warm white light and maintain night vision. The two LED modules are safely housed in a transparent PC plastic sleeve protected by stainless steel shields.
The Olight Olantern Classic 2 Pro has a built-in 11200mAh battery pack and features USB-C and USB magnetic charging. USB-A and USB-C outputs can also be used as an emergency power bank. In addition, the stable base, covered stainless steel handle and suspension ring allows flexible positioning options during use. Elegant and practical, the retro-style Olantern Classic 2 Pro is the perfect addition to your campsite, backyard or emergency.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Plus 2-Person Tent
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 tent is designed to give the user the ultimate 3-season camping adventure. You can set up this enormously spacious tent in different ways. Just what you need at that moment. The excellent ventilation also ensures comfort in humid conditions. This is the Telos TR 2 PLUS version. This version has an extra waterproof cockpit cover and a warmer material inner tent (not made of mesh).
Heimplanet x Helinox Table One Hard Top
A proven, high-quality camping table to round out our base camps. Heimplanet and Helinox have developed an extremely lightweight table, Table One, in collaboration. For this limited edition, the table has been given a new look: in this edition, it comes in the colours of the new Heimplanet Classic tents, with the signature heat embossed pattern printed on the fabric. The Table One Hard Top is a truly portable table for the wilderness, and, the Helinox style almost sets itself up. The ultra-light aluminium frame stretches the mesh table top. Table One can therefore be stored very compactly when not in use. The table has a minimal pack size, so it can easily be stored in any backpack or trunk.
The Njord Viking axes Malin, Vidar and Kare
An axe for every wood use. We have the Njord Vidar Viking damask axe to chop some wood for the campfire. It is made from hand-forged laminated Damascus steel and a rosewood handle for a good grip. Compact and robust, the Njord Malin is the ideal companion for trekking. Made of carbon steel and finished with an ash wood handle for a good grip. Its big brother, the Njord Kare, is a real mourner we have with us for felling trees, if necessary. All Njord axes come with a handmade leather sheath with a belt loop and are finished with a traditional protective blend of beeswax and linseed oil.
Sea to Summit Ascent AcI, Ether Light XT Insulated Air en Aeros Premium sleep system
Sea To Summit combines a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and pillow by the sleeping system. We have the Ascent AcI Down sleeping bag, Ether Light XT Insulated Air sleeping mat, and an Aeros Premium pillow. The Ascent is a down mummy sleeping bag. The complex construction of premium down keeps you warm when cold outside, while the Free-Flow Zip system with three zips keeps you cool and ventilates when the weather warms up.
With a thickness of 10 cm, the Ether Light XT insulation mat from Air Sprung Cell brings comfort. Using two types of insulation for three-season warmth, this sleeping pad is lightweight and quieter than a traditional sleeping pad. The Aeros Premium inflatable sleeping pad is lightweight and compact, with a super soft brushed 50D polyester exterior and a silent, contoured TPU air bladder for support and comfort.
Cortazu Outdoor Chairs
Sitting comfortably is essential without carrying around a whole arsenal of oversized camping chairs. The Outdoor Chair from Cortazu is a compact, lightweight chair (965g) that you can easily take anywhere. Designed to provide instant comfort, the chair is quick and easy to set up, from sunset on the road to camping in the mountains. The outdoor chair is made of recycled polyester and has a waterproof seat. The weight limit of the chair is 120 kg.
Yeti Lowlands outoor blanket
We used (and still use) the Yeti Lowlands blanket during road trips, camping, picnic, on the beach and in the garden. The blanket consists of two layers: a super soft and insulated quilted top made of polyester and rayon and a waterproof, robust bottom layer made of polyester. The Yeti blanket is just over half a centimetre thick, two by 1.4 meters wide and comfortable on any surface.
VSSL Camp Supplies
In my opinion, this is still the invention of recent years—a fast and reliable way to store and carry crucial camping gear. The VSSL Camp Supplies is stocked with over 70 outdoor essentials. The VSSL contains a candle with 4 burning hours, razor blade, water purification tablets, wire saw, emergency whistle, waterproof matches, fire starters, fishing equipment, signal mirror, Kevlar rope (strength of 70 kg), trail markers, can opener and a first aid kit.
COOK
Petromax Atago fire bowl
Extremely robust and indispensable for outdoor enthusiasts, the Petromax Atago is multifunctional and can be used as a conventional barbecue, stove, oven and fire pit. The Atago can be used with charcoal briquettes or firewood. With its four essential functions, numerous preparation and cooking methods are possible. Thanks to the unique extension retraction mechanism, the Petromax Atago is ready for use. When folded, it is only 14 cm high, saving space.
Stanley Trigger Action Travel Mug
Make coffee and go? There’s no getting away from cold coffee, so I want to keep it warm. The Stanley Trigger Action Travel Mug is ideal for outdoor or office road trips. It provides easy one-handed drinking with the simple push of a button. No mess or leakage. It also fits effortlessly into any car cup holder and, most importantly, keeps the coffee warm for hours.
Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit
With the Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit, you can easily clean everything during all your bike and backpacking trips and at the campsite. Ideal for hikers, bikers and campers who like to be hygienic. The dishwashing set consists of a foldable washbasin (10L), a brush that does not scratch, a leak-proof bottle of biodegradable detergent (50 ml), a dishcloth with an abrasive side (18×18 cm), a quick-drying, super absorbent DryLite towel (48× 24 cm) and a nylon carrying case with hanging function. You only have to regulate hot water (up to 60°), and you can wash and clean until everything is spotless.
The Jetboil Flash Cooking System
The Jetboil Flash is now a classic but still up-to-date. This highly efficient burner has low consumption and boils your water very quickly. You can see from the whole that Jetboil with the Flash is one of the founders of affordable cooking systems. The Flash from Jetboil has an anodized aluminum cup with a windscreen that you clamp on the burner. The controller gives the Flash good fire properties at low temperatures. If it’s not too humid, you can easily light the burner with the built-in Piezo. You can hold the Cup during cooking because almost all the heat is absorbed in the pan. This allows your water to boil quickly but also with the least possible heat loss in this Jetboil Flash Cooking System.
The Perkomax tea and coffee percolator from Petromax
With the Petromax tea and coffee percolator, the Perkomax can prepare up to nine cups of coffee or tea. It is the ideal choice for outdoor, camping and gardening activities and is available in two colours (black and white). The Petromax Perkomax is suitable for all types of stoves. We also have the Petromax enamel mugs, bowls and plates. The combination of glass and steel creates a sturdy material that is easy to clean. The scratch-resistant and sturdy surface delight nostalgic camping enthusiasts. And because the Petromax mug is as light as a feather, it is a popular item among backpackers and hikers.
Biolite CampStove Complete Cook Kit
Grill, boil water, cook and charge your devices. It’s all possible with this complete kit. While burning, the Biolite generates electricity for all your devices. You are burning the wood without smoke formation with this Campstove. An updated version with longer battery life and more power. In combination with the lightweight Portable Grill, the KettlePot and the CoffeePress accessories, you can use it in many ways to prepare outdoor food and drinks.
TECH
DJI FPV & Mavic Air 2 drones
Of course, a great adventure also includes film images! DJI is also back with a DJI Mavic Air 2S and an FPV drone. The DJI FPV is a fantastic drone that you control via VR! Spectacular images guaranteed. You use this next to the Mavic Air 2S, a compact drone that is no larger than 18 centimetres and weighs only 570 grams, making it manoeuvrable.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB
We use SanDisk Extreme memory cards to create, save and move images. They work in the most challenging conditions. The SanDisk Extreme portable SSD is built to meet today’s high-quality requirements of (semi) professionals in video and photography in terms of reliability, mobility and speed. The SSD enables users to reliably perform demanding tasks – at home, in the office or on location.
WORKOUT
TRX Suspension Trainer Force Kit Tactical
Since I can’t take my kettlebells and other heavy equipment with me, and a workout is a must for me, I have the TRX Suspension Trainer Force Kit Tactical to train indoors and outdoors. The great thing is that the TRX Suspension Trainer uses your body weight. So you can control the intensity of your workout by simply adjusting your body position to add more or less resistance.
Rogue Bridges SR-2 speedrope
For cardio training, bring the Bridges SR-2 speedrope. A nice fact is that the speedrope was released in collaboration with former US Navy Seal and athlete Josh Bridges. The Bridges Ballistic skipping rope is a special version of the Rogue standard SR-2 2.0 made in the USA. The skipping rope has a 2.4 mm adjustable cable and a high-quality design with ball bearings, which allows the rope to move in all directions without any problems. The 17 cm long tapered handles are made of aircraft aluminium and have a unique anodized finish in Olive Drab. Josh Bridges’ exclusive moustache logo is etched into it in white. The roughened ends provide a reliable, ribbed grip.
Our road trip starts in August, and you can follow our adventures via social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And via the site before, during and after the Scotland Ride & Hike Road Trip Adventure.
