This post is part of our NC500 road trip series – check them all out here!
I hate to admit it… but we put off the North Coast 500 road trip because of the weather. It had been a literal dream for years, but when it came time to book precious days off, we ran straight for guaranteed sunshine instead.
So please – learn from our mistake. Don’t wait. The NC500 is hands down one of the most spectacular road trips we’ve ever done. Think untouched white-sand beaches, jaw-dropping mountains, and wild, windswept beauty that seeps into your soul.
But here’s the deal – you’ve got to pack right. Trust the old saying: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Packing for Scotland is basically prepping for all four seasons in one day… because that’s exactly what you’ll get.
We had wind, sideways rain, sunshine, and even snow… sometimes before lunch! And this was in May.
So here’s exactly what we packed for our 10-day NC500 road trip with a toddler in tow and our beloved self-converted campervan, Frank, loaded to the brim. Plus a few things we really wish we hadn’t forgotten.
NC500 packing essentials
- Driving licence, insurance docs & breakdown cover – Don’t leave home without them.
- NC500 map (digital or paper) – We downloaded offline Google Maps and it saved us from many signal blackspots.
- Phone chargers & solar power bank – Our van has USB ports, but we love our solar bank as backup.
- Park4Night app – An absolute essential for overnight park ups.
- Reusable water bottles – Scotland is brilliant for refill stations. I highly recommend the Yeti brand. I got mine for Christmas and, not to be dramatic, but it’s changed my life.
- Cash – Some places only accept bank transfer. Picture us, mid-mountain, phone signal flickering, trying to open a banking app. Just… bring the cash.
- First aid kit – I’m clumsy. And we have a toddler. Enough said.
- Head torch – You never know when you might need to make a midnight van dash.
- Wet wipes – Lifesavers – whether toddler-related or not.
- Ziplock bags – Snacks, soggy swimsuits, and trail treasures. Little Rick collected enough rocks and shells to start his own quarry.
Campervan life gear
- Levelling ramps – Some park-ups are… creatively sloped.
- Camping chairs – For beach time (because wet sand isn’t comfy).
- Laundry bag & travel washing line – You’ll thank yourselves later.
- Dustpan and brush – For sweeping up the great outdoors you bring inside. (Ours is used daily!)
- Extra blankets – Even in May, nights got chilly.
Clothing (prepare for all four seasons)
- Waterproof jackets & raincoats – Absolute musts.
- Big warm winter coats – Yes, even in summer.
- Layers on layers – Fleeces, jumpers, warm trousers.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Trainers / casual shoes
- Sandals / Crocs – For beach strolls and public showers.
- Hat, gloves, and scarf – Even in summer, trust me.
- Swimwear – For wild dips (or moments of delusion).
- Quick-dry towels
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella – A last minute addition that we were hugely grateful for.
Toddler kit
- Toddler carrier – A lifesaver on rocky trails.
- All-weather puddle suit and wellies
- Beach toys & books – For downtime (or emergency distractions).
- Favourite cuddly toy – Peter Rabbit comes everywhere with us.
- Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
- Wet wipes – Mentioning again because… toddlers.
Cooking & food
- Portable stove – If you don’t have a fitted oven.
- Cooking basics – Pots, pans, utensils.
- Reusable coffee cups & cutlery
- Staple food items – Shops are around, but we always kept rice, pasta, and Weetabix on standby.
Adventure extras
- Binoculars – For spotting all the wildlife.
- Camera / GoPro / phone – Whatever you use for photos, get capturing those memories.
- Travel journal / notebook – I somehow always have three – I guess you’ll never know when inspiration will strike!
- Suncream – When that Scottish sun appears, it’s strong.
What we wished we’d packed
- Thermal base layers – Top of the list for next time.
- Waterproof trousers – We somehow thought we’d be fine without these… we were wrong.
- National Trust membership – It’s going on the Christmas list (how we’ve changed!).
The ‘you’ll thank me later’ kit
- Duct tape / gaffer tape – Temporary fixes for pretty much everything.
- Mini screwdriver set – For small repairs and saving the day.
- Spare fuses / bulbs – For the van, in case the electrics go on strike.
- Hand sanitiser & more wet wipes – Because sometimes water isn’t close by.
- Mini sewing kit – Yes, I managed to rip my coat in the middle of the Highlands.
- Insect repellent & after-bite cream – We only saw a few but apparently the midges can be troublesome in the summer months.
- Portable speaker / offline playlists – Little Rick found Black Lace on this trip and we were doomed if we couldn’t play the Hokey Cokey on demand.
- Reusable shopping bags – Multipurpose lifesavers.
Optional, but nice-to-have
- Hot water bottle – Game changer for chilly nights.
- Football – Toddler energy release tool.
- Art supplies or playing cards – Rainy-day boredom busters.
- Emergency snack stash – Hidden from the toddler radar (IYKYK).
Ready to hit the NC500?
There’s nothing quite like exploring the Scottish Highlands by van – freedom, fresh air, and unforgettable views at every turn. This NC500 packing list should have you kitted out and ready for anything the route throws at you (even snow in May).
Want more insider tips to make your trip even better?
Check out my other NC500 guides:
- Full day-by-day NC500 itinerary – with our top stops, route tips, and hidden gems
- NC500 budget breakdown – how much we spent (and where we saved)
- NC500 highlights hitlist – the best of the best if you’re short on time
Have you taken the NC500 road trip? Anything you think I’m forgetting? Let me know in the comments below.
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