Duke of Edinburgh Award Essentials (on a budget!)
The Duke of Edinburgh Award, whether it be Bronze, Silver, or Gold, is an impressive achievement. However, whilst it’s great fun, wonderful experience, and offers you many skills, it can also be expensive. But it doesn’t need to be!
Whilst your kit list should not be ignored, it is important and there to make your experience as good as it can possibly be, it isn’t essential to buy all of the top-of-the-range expensive products. You can do just as well with items you’ve bought on a budget. Here is our guide to some top-quality products, without a top-quality price tag.
Vango Ember Single Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is low cost, square-shaped and is 2 seasons, so is great for spring and summer. It has an integrated head rest, a two-way zip, and is washable. The perfect sleeping bag on a budget!
Vango Trek 3 Compact Self Inflate Mat
This self-inflating mat is a perfect entry level self-inflating mat, offering you the luxury of a comfy bed whilst on your expedition! It is small and lightweight and perfect for carrying your bed on your back. It is DofE Award recommended, has an easy-to-use valve and includes a repair kit.
Multimat Camper 8
This multimat camper 8 is cheaper than a self-inflating mat at just £8.95 but is still just as practical! It’s useful for DofE, and gets the job done, as well as still being small enough to either fit in your backpack or be tied to the top or bottom.
Wayfayrer Meals
The last thing you’ll want to do after a long, tiring day of hiking is cook, and this is where outdoor camping meals come in handy! Whether it’s Wayfayrer, Firepot, or Adventure Food (we taste tested them all so you don’t have to – check out the link below!), these meals just need to be put in boiling water to be cooked. Easy and tasty!
Lifesystems Pocket First Aid Kit
This is the perfect basic first aid kit! Containing tweezers, scissors, safety pins, bandages, antiseptic cream, gauze, tape, dressings, wipes, and plasters – the ideal pocket first aid kit. We do recommend getting some extra blister plasters though!
EasyCamp Utility Cord
Utility cord is an absolute essential for any DofE, hiking, or camping expeditions. You never know when you’ll need it, and it always comes in handy!