
Technical clothing and layers
What should I wear under my waterproofs?
Layering your clothing helps you manage your temperature on your journey, and keeps you comfortable in all weathers. You can experience sun, wind and rain, all in one expedition, so a multi-purpose scarf/hat can be a useful addition to your kit.
Underneath your waterproofs you’ll want a lightweight middle layer – warm and insulating, such as a fleece. Under that, you’ll need a base layer – breathable and tight-fitting to absorb moisture away from your body.
Remember – avoid cotton and denim! They let heat escape, get heavy when wet, and dry slowly. So no jeans or joggers.
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended technical clothing is breathable and lightweight. It’s designed for a specific role and layer.
The wicking layer (also known as the base layer) is worn closest to your body to help move body moisture and sweat away from the skin, regulating your temperature.
Craghoppers Atmos Base T-Shirt – Mens
- Lightweight
- Moisture control
- Quick drying fabric
Craghoppers Atmos Base T-Shirt – Womens
- Lightweight
- Moisture control
- Quick drying fabric
VIEW WOMEN’S ATMOS BASE T-SHIRT
Craghoppers Fusion Base T-Shirt – Mens
- Lightweight
- Moisture control
- Fast drying
VIEW MEN’S FUSION BASE T-SHIRT
Craghoppers Fusion Base T-Shirt – Womens
- Lightweight
- Moisture control
- Quick drying fabric
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended technical clothing is breathable and lightweight. It’s designed for a specific role and layer.
Working with the wicking layer, the mid layer provides insulation, directing body heat back into your body and preventing cold air from cooling you down.
Craghoppers Mannix Hooded Jacket – Mens
- Insulating
- Recycled materials
- Two pockets
VIEW MEN’S MANNIX HOODED JACKET
Craghoppers Mannix Hooded Jacket – Womens
- Insulated
- Recycled materials
- Two pockets
VIEW WOMEN’S MANNIX HOODED JACKET
Craghoppers Stromer Jacket – Mens
- Insulating
- 2 pockets
- Sleek construction
Craghoppers Stromer Jacket – Womens
- Insulating
- 2 pockets
- Sleek construction
Craghoppers Stromer Half Zip Top – Mens
- Elasticated cuffs and hem
- Easy-on, easy-off half zip construction
- 100% polyester
VIEW MEN’S STROMER HALF ZIP TOP
Craghoppers Strata Half Zip Top – Mens
- Half-zip with inner zip guard
- Soft flat-face fleece fabric
- Fluffy back for warmth and comfort
VIEW MEN’S STRATA HALF ZIP TOP
Craghoppers Strata Hooded Jacket – Mens
- Sweat/fleece hoody
- Lightweight
- Grown on hood with one handed adjusters
VIEW MEN’S STRATA HOODED JACKET
Craghoppers Strata Hooded Jacket – Womens
- Sweat/fleece hoody
- Lightweight
- Grown on hood with one handed adjusters
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended technical clothing is breathable and lightweight, including walking trousers. It’s designed for a specific role and layer.
You will be walking in the countryside, up hills, and in all weathers so your trousers must be flexible. Remember, no jeans or joggers.
Craghoppers Verve Trousers – Mens
- SmartDry Eco
- UPF 40+ sun protection
- Three pockets – one zipped
Craghoppers Verve Trousers – Womens
- SmartDry Eco
- UPF 40+ sun protection
- Three pockets – one zipped
Craghoppers Verve shorts – Mens
- SmartDry Eco
- Three pockets – one zipped
- Water repellent
Craghoppers Velocity Tights – Womens
- SmartDry Eco
- Stretchy
- UPF 40+ sun protection
Craghoppers Traverse Trousers – Mens
- SolarDry polyester
- Water repellent
- Sun protective
Craghoppers Traverse Trousers – Womens
- SolarDry polyester
- Water repellent
- Sun protective
VIEW WOMEN’S TRAVERSE TROUSERS
BUFF ® The Original Multi-function headwear
- 13 ways to wear including scarf, face mask, beanie, headband
- Lightweight, breathable, micro-fibre fabric
- UV and antibacterial protection
- Try to avoid anything that holds moisture when wet. It will weigh you down and won’t keep you warm.
- Every bit of space counts in your rucksack. Make sure whatever you take is lightweight and packs down small when not needed.
- Use neckwear as a facemask to protect against midges at camp when cooking.
- At Silver and Gold level, have a separate set of clothing for use at camp. You can then air or dry your day kit..
- Heel tape on trousers gives extra durability when they run against your boots.
- Craghoppers recommended DofE clothing has a lifetime guarantee.
- You can substitute these products for loose fitting long sleeve tops or long lightweight trousers. But avoid cotton, jeans and tracksuit bottoms.
- Depending on the weather and when and where your expedition is, think about what you should bring. It’s unlikely you’ll need a winter hat for July or August expeditions.
- Use your DofE Card to save at least 10% on expedition kit at our recommended retailers. Find your nearest store.
Waterproofing and weather protection poster
Know how to look after your kit, and yourself, in hot, cold, wet or windy weather.