Preparing for a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition is an exciting adventure, but packing the right gear is crucial to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and successful.

Let’s dive into the DofE kit list essentials to get you expedition-ready!

Clothes

Whilst you might think that the weather app is enough to predict what to take with you, it’s not! Regardless of the predicted weather, you should always take a good waterproof coat and some waterproof trousers, a hat (whether that be a woolly or a baseball cap depending on the season!), plenty of socks, and some flipflops for when you’re at camp – the last thing you’ll want to do is put your boots back on to nip to the toilet.

Here is our list of essential clothing for your Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

• Walking Boots
• Walking Socks
• T-Shirts
• Fleeces
• Waterproof trousers
• Trousers
• Underwear
• Pyjammas
• Flipflops
• Hat
• Gloves
• Shorts
• Coat
• Gaiters

Personal Items

Whenever anyone thinks of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, they think of the rucksack! We have a wide variety of DofE approved bags in a range of sizes and colours with adjustable backs depending on your height. 

A sleeping bag and mat are essential, we recommend a 2-3 season sleeping bag, and a self-inflating mat is a great investment, they’re super comfy, a great size when packed down and last for years!

Remember to pack plenty of food – hot chocolate sachets and brioche are great for breakfast, sandwiches and plenty of snacks for lunch, and a Wayfarer meal for dinner is always great idea.

Here is out list of personal items to pack for Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

• Rucksack
• Rucksack Liner
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping mat
• Waterproof bag
• Survival bag
• Whistle
• Food
• Water bottle
• Cutlery
• Pocket knife
• Plate and Bowl
• Mug
• Waterproof matches
• Suncream
• Towel
• Money
• Notebook and pencil
• watch

Group Items

Group equipment will usually be provided by whoever is leading your expedition; whether that be school, a private expedition company, or an external group such as Scouts. This will be essentials such as your tent, your stove, the gas for the stove, maps and compasses.

However, there is group equipment which you will have to supply; things such as tea towels, plastic bags (never leave any rubbish at your campsites or on your walking routes, follow the Countryside Code!), toilet paper and a camera.

Here is out list of personal items to pack for Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

• Tent
• Stove
• Fuel
• Pans
• Scourer
• Tea Towels
• Plastic bags
• Toilet paper and trowel
• Maps
• Compass
• Map cases
• Camera
• Tick remover

Optional extras

Whilst these aren’t essential, they might be useful, or make you feel a little bit more comfortable or safe on your expedition. It could be taking a hydration pack so you have extra water, sunglasses, insect repellent, spare boot laces if your boots are well-used, or even playing cards to keep you and your teammates entertained in the evenings or on your lunch breaks!

Depending on the location of your expedition, a mosquito net or some water purifying tablets could also prove to be useful, even though not essential.

Here are a list of optional extras you may want to pack for your Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

• Hydration pack
• Storm shelter
• After-sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Spare boot laces
• Playing cards
• Mosquito net
• Emergency light sticks
• Water purifying tablets
• Security pouch

A final note from us 

Whilst you will be provided with a kit list, these are what we deem to be essential. Be sure to come and visit us in store for advice and top tips from our camping experts, to browse our wide range of DofE approved items, and get  a 5% discount if you present your Duke of Edinburgh card at the till!

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