Cotswold is the Recommended Retailer of Expedition Kit to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – DofE participants get a 15% discount* on all purchases & leaders get 20%* off all purchases. Plus, a donation from every purchase made by pertnership card holders is given to the DofE Charity. You know that every purchase you make with them helps us continue our work with young people.
Shopping for expedition kit
If you already know how to get your discount:
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award works with some expert partners to bring you Expedition Kit that we are happy to recommend.
Expedition Teams should carry all their equipment and food to enable them to operate in a self-sufficient way. However, there may be some cases when a participant has special needs or circumstances that make it inappropriate for them to carry full camping and cooking equipment and it cannot be carried by the rest of the team.
In these cases only, some items may be deposited at the camp sites or agreed check points. Each individual must carry the personal emergency equipment listed below.
- Map(s)
- Compass (optional at Bronze and Silver)
- Watch
- Torch and Spare Bulb and Battery
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Coins/card for telephone (and/or mobile phone optional)
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Spare jumper/sweater
- Waterproof jacket/coat
- Full water bottle(s)
- Expedition Safety card from Record Book Pack (optional at Bronze and Silver, but must carry emergency contact numbers of Supervisor and Home contact)
- Extra warm clothing including head gear and gloves (optional at Bronze and Silver)
- Waterproof trousers (if appropriate)
- Bivvy bag/large poly bag (optional at Bronze)
- Food for the day Emergency food rations (optional at Bronze and Silver)
- Matches (optional at Bronze and Silver)
These are the items you will need when undertaking a DofE Expedition for any level of Award. This is to be used as a GUIDE only. Quantities of some items depends on level and duration of expedition.
TO WEAR WALKING:
1 x pair Walking Boots (broken in)
1 x Thermal top or T-shirt
1 x Shirt
1 x Sweater (woollen or fleece)
1 x Walking Trousers (warm, NOT jeans)
1 x Personal First Aid Kit
1 x Watch
1 x Whistle
Maps
Small quantity of money (optional)
1 x Notebook & pen/pencil
Spare Batteries for Torch
1 x Emergency Food Rations (NOT to be eaten until the end!)
1 x Plate/Bowl
1 x Mug
1 x Box of Matches (sealed in a dry container or bag)
1 x Small Wash Kit
1 x Cagoule/Coat (must be waterproof and windproof)
3 x Pairs Underwear
2 x T-shirts
1 x Shirt (woollen, cotton or fleece)
1 x Spare Sweater (woollen or fleece)
1 x Spare Walking Trousers (warm, NOT jeans)
1 x Pair of Trainers (optional)
1 x Hat (warm)
1 x Pair Gloves (woollen)
1 x Pair Shorts (if appropriate)
1 x Sunhat
Suncream (if appropriate)
1 x Thermal Long Johns (optional)
1 x Pair Gaiters (optional)
1 x Waterproof Over-trousers
GROUP KIT (TO CARRY BETWEEN THE TEAM):
2-3 x Camping Stoves
Camping Stove Fuel
2-3 x Cooking Pots
2 x Scourers
Maps (1:50 000 / 1:25 000)
1 x Camera (optional)
2 x Tea Towels
Food (small and lightweight)
5 x Plastic Bags (for rubbish etc.)
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL KIT (FOR YOU TO CONSIDER):