Kit List - Expeditions
Making sure you have the correct kit for your expeditions is really important so that you can work successfully and independently in your group. Below is our recommended kit list for expedition participants.
You may also want to see the official DofE Kit Guide which has similar recommendations with subtle differences.
You also shouldn't forget to bring plenty of food! We run a dedicated Expedition Nutrition training session in Term 1 every year, so make sure you come along to that to learn about the best foods to bring for that mid-expedition sugar rush!
Clothing
|
A pair of proper walking boots (not trainers) are required, with proper ankle support. Make sure that they are the correct size and comfortable after being broken in. Good boots are ideally waterproof, which should reduce the chance of blisters. |
|
You need at least 2 pairs of thick walking socks. The correct socks can help to prevent your feet from rubbing, which will reduce blisters. |
|
Remember a few pairs for hygiene :-) |
|
Absolutely NO jeans! You will not be allowed to walk in jeans (they get heavy and cold when they are wet), but they are fine for the minibus journey. It is good to get some lightweight walking trousers, as these will dry quickly if they get wet. |
|
Optional: Often lighter and warmer than fleeces, thermals are very good. Wearing thermal tops, and even trousers, will keep you warm, even in bad weather! |
|
A lightweight shirt to wear over your thermal/baselayer. |
|
Fleeces to go over your T-shirt and baselayer to keep you warm. Fleeces are far better than hoodies on expeditions: they are lighter and keep you warmer. It is a good idea to carry one thick and one thin fleece to have more control over temperature. |
|
This is really important! Investing in a good waterproof jacket will be the difference between a good expedition and hating every second of it. These can be expensive, but you will use them. |
|
When the weather is bad, a good pair of waterproof trousers is essential. They will keep your legs dry and even warm (they can help as a wind shield). They are also useful if the ground is damp in the morning, if you are walking through a field of long grass or sitting down for a break! |
|
Even in the summer, the weather on the hills can change quickly, and making sure you keep warm is really important. So it's a good idea to keep a warm hat and pair of gloves and in your bag! |
|
Optional: These help in sunny conditions, and are good for looking extra fashionable. |
Make sure to keep all your clothes in a waterproof bag/rubble sack.
Personal Camping Equipment
|
A 65 litre rucksack should be large enough to store everything inside. When finding one, ensure it is the correct size for you, and is adjusted properly. Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable. With careful packing everything will fit inside; if not, you're carrying too much! |
|
Waterproof bag/rubble sack to keep everything dry, if the rain does get inside. |
|
Lightweight sleeping bags are ideal, but must still be suitable for keeping you warm. You will be camping in late September for the Qualifying Expedition, so a 3 season sleeping bag is ideal (a 2 season sleeping bag may be preferred by some, it is smaller/lighter but not as warm). |
|
You will need to lay on something inside the tent, and this will be more comfortable and keep you warmer. Foam roll mats are cheap and light, but if you want a bit more comfort, you can invest in a self inflating roll mat. |
|
Some campsites will have showers, but a toothbrush and toothpaste is the minimum you should bring. Ensure that bottles/containers are small enough to carry comfortably, or alternatively decide upon sharing regular-sized toothpaste/shower gels/deodrants between your group. |
|
No bath towels! Bring a lightweight camping towel which will dry quickly and fold up to take up little space in your bag. |
|
You can bring all three, but a bowl and a mug is often adequate. You can use your bowl for any cooked meal. A mug is useful for porridge or hot drinks. Plastic, aluminium and titanium are usually good choices. |
|
Plastic/titanium are lighter than stainless steel. |
Personal Equipment
|
Have at least one in your group as they're good as an alarm in the morning, but also for timings during your walk. Digital watches are generally better than analogue watches for these purposes. |
|
You need to keep these separate, and they can only be eaten in an emergency. It's best to have high energy foods, like nuts and chocolate bars - they can be a nice treat at the end of the week! |
|
For main meals it is strongly recommended to cook a whole group meal, as this will save fuel, time, weight and effort. |
|
A small head torch is best, but remember spare batteries within the group! |
|
These can be used as spare boot laces, a washing line, for repairing things etc. |
|
A minimum of 1.5L to be carried each day, but 2L is recommended. You can carry more if you usually drink more. Carry in waterbottles or a Camelbak, or both. During particularly hot weather you may be required to carry a minimum of 2.5L for health and safety reasons, but 3L might be recommended. |
|
(Blister) plasters, medication (for hayfever/headaches/asthma/allergies etc.), suncream (small bottle), lip balm, etc. |
|
Many varieties available. |
Group Equipment
-
Supplied by us:
- Tent
- Stove
- First Aid kit
- Maps/map cases/route cards
- Compasses
- Whistles
-
Supplied by you:
- Pack of cards (optional) - for evening entertainment
- Washing up liquid
- Matches/lighter - make sure that you keep these in a waterproof bag or box
- Water purification tablets - optional, but can be useful when taking water during the wild camp
- Camera (not on your phone!) - for your project, but also to remember your week!