What should I pack for a trip to Shetland?

Visitors always ask what they should pack, and the answer is – everything. Expect four seasons in one day and be prepared for cooling wind-chills that make your jaw rattle and unexpected rain showers on otherwise clear days.

Because you can expect to experience all four seasons in one day, the best thing that you can do is pack plenty of layers – and have them available when you’re out and about. You can always remove extra layers if necessary, but you can’t add them if you don’t have them. Our average summer temperature is 15°C, and in winter, this drops to 5°C. Don’t be fooled by this warmer winter temperature; the wind chill can make it feel exceptionally cold. In winter (and sometimes on cooler days in spring, autumn and summer), I always add a pair of waterproof trousers as a barrier to the wind. Your wardrobe of layers should also include thermals; thermal leggings are fantastic for breaking that wind chill and helps regulate your temperature on walks – sometimes you need these in summer too.

There are several reasons why Shetland knitwear has been so popular here for hundreds of years. As well as being cosy, wool is also naturally water-resistant, crease-resistant, breathable, has thermal properties and flatteringly moulds to your natural shape. Shetland knitwear is tried and tested; jumpers were worn to conquer Everest in 1953, they have been to the Arctic, the Antarctic, faced arduous seasons at the fishing and the whaling, and we traded them for hundreds of years in exchange for gin, brandy and tobacco to visiting Dutch fishermen who recognised the unique qualities of wool. While you’re in Shetland, go into one of the local knitwear shops and buy something woolly – it will keep you warm, and you won’t regret it. If you’re still not convinced about the remarkable properties of wool, read local knitwear designer Terri Laura’s helpful blog all about the Amazing Benefits of Wool.

Shetland is a walker’s dream and, depending on what you are planning to do, you will need a sturdy pair of boots. For longer hikes, you should consider full hiking boots as the terrain can be rough, uneven and boggy in places. For shorter strolls and beach walks, hiking trainers are the perfect travel companion – they will keep your feet comfortable as you travel and warm and dry when you’re out and about.

Shetland’s climate is unpredictable, and you will need a good waterproof jacket or shell – you should carry it with you as the weather can turn on you very quickly. If you are visiting in summer, a lighter jacket with layers underneath should suffice, but a good outdoor jacket is required to stay warm, dry and windproof in winter.

A woolly hat is a must all year round. There is always wind in Shetland so, not only will it keep your hair in one place, it will also keep your ears warm. Remember, if you don’t need it, you can always pack it in your day pack.

It would help if you packed a small rucksack to carry some of these extra layers or discarded hats in. A few other items that are handy to take with you and pack in the day pack if you plan to do some exploring are:

Binoculars

Ordnance Survey maps of the area

Sun cream (don’t let the temperatures fool you, Shetland is an excellent place for catching the sun – often too much of it. Try to remember to put sunscreen on if you’re out and about through the day as you will burn.)

Camera

Midge repellent (if visiting in summer or autumn)

As for umbrellas – don’t bother; they just blow out. A Shetlander can always spot a visitor with this foreign accessory – you’ll never see a Shetlander carrying an umbrella.

Download the What3Words app before you travel. What3Words is used by Shetland’s emergency services and has divided the world into three-metre squares, allocating each square a unique combination of three words, meaning that it’s the easiest way to find and share exact locations. Suppose you were to become lost or injured while walking and needed emergency assistance. In that case, you could relay the three-word code from the app to the emergency services, allowing them to locate you faster and more effectively, saving precious time and resources.

Most importantly, remember to pack a smile.