DofE Expedition Kit

Waterproofs are an important part of your expedition clothing, and keep out rain, wind and cold.

Your rucksack is very important. Get it right, and it can make your expedition. Get it wrong, and you could be in for a long, uncomfortable journey.

Getting the right food will help you enjoy your adventure. It’s a chance to be creative, and to understand more about rationing and outdoor survival.

Choosing the best walking boots and socks for your expedition is crucial. Get them early so you can wear your boots in and be comfortable in time for your expedition.

Layering your clothing helps you manage your temperature on your journey, and will keep you comfortable in all weathers.

A good night’s sleep always helps on expedition. A good sleeping bag can last you many years and be a great value addition to your camping kit.

On your expedition you’ll need to know how to keep yourself safe in the outdoors, and how to act in an emergency.

You’ll need to cook a hot meal and show that you can use a cooking stove effectively in the wild. Get advice and safety instructions on cooking outdoors.

Having waterproof kit if it rains on expedition will make it much more enjoyable. Add extra waterproofing to your clothing and footwear before you set off.

Using specially designed camping utensils can really cut down on weight and space. It’s also more robust than regular cookware, which is helpful on longer Gold expeditions.

There is a wide range of equipment available to ensure your health and safety on your expedition, whether for sunburn, storms, or midges.

For most expeditions, DofE groups will use lightweight trekking tents that are easy to carry and quick to put up.

A map and compass are expedition essentials, and it’s important you can trust your navigation skills to guide you on unfamiliar ground.

Trackers can be used to monitor the location and progress of groups on expeditions – they should be thought of as additional safety equipment, not a navigation tool.

Our fantastic free expedition kit resources are here to help you and your group during the preparation and undertaking of the expedition section.