Kit Advice
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''The kit list provided here is a list of the essentials required for a DofE expedition. We don't recommend bringing any less (or more) than that stated. We spend the start of each expedition checking kit to make sure that all our participants are suitably equipped, and not carrying more than they need to as this will detract from their enjoyment of the expedition. We have partnered with 'Grisport' outdoor footwear and the 'Endurance' Brand we have tested from our trade centre suppliers to bring these quality reliable products to parents at an affordable price. In fact these brands have such a good track record for reliability that we will guarantee these products and exchange whilst on expedition where we can!''
Simon Blyth(Director) REA ltd.
Simon Blyth(Director) REA ltd.
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Key things to consider:
1. What can be borrowed from friends/family. This is a good starting point. Consider re-proofing an unused set of waterproofs with a wash in product such as Tech-wash by Nikwax! You'll have a great set of waterproofs for £3! 2. Is it necessary to buy the most expensive kit? No, although in our experience cheaper ‘own’ brands over-promise and we do see plenty of easily broken and unsuitable equipment, particularly rucksacks and boots. It is easy to be oversold and upgraded in the stores and purchase expensive products with unnecessary features. Our advice is to focus on boots, rucksack and waterproofs, and not others if you have the time. For example, a foam mat at £10 is as effective at insulating from the ground as £70 inflatable one, 2 x 1 litre used 'evian' bottles make perfectly adequate water containers and although a headtorch is undoubtedly useful, any torch or bike light with spare batteries does the job at bronze level! Click here to see Student Kits A and B that we have put together for convenience in our online store here……. 3. Boots. Participants can be trekking 40km (even at bronze level) in undulating rough terrain and a pair of decent boots are the essential item. These should be purchased well in advance and worn with good walking socks in around the house to ensure a comfortable fit (most retailers will allow boots to be returned/exchanged if they have not been worn outside) When buying boots, Look for these features: · Ankle Support – Important as participants have a new centre of gravity and ankle support is essential to safety when remote. · Waterproofing – Surprisingly many international retailers sell walking boots that can only be used in dry conditions. · Good soles – Check the grip, give them a twist, should be solid (if they feel like trainers, move on) See our Grisport Fuse leather walking boots 4. Rucksacks. 65 litre minimum required. The simpler the rucksack, the less stitching there is and the less there is to go wrong (and it will be drier) Full waterproofing can be achieved by lining the rucksack with a liner or ‘rubble sack’. Another important feature of a rucksack is the back system, this should be a good fit (see our ‘slimjim’ fit rucksack), have adequate padding and be adjustable. Participants are shown how to make the most of these features by their instructors. See our Endurance Ridge 65 Rucksack as part of the Student Kit A or B available from our store. 5. Sleeping bags. These are sold in ‘Seasons’ A 3 season bag is the minimum for spring and Autumn expeditions. A 2 season bag is only adequate for summer lowland camping but can be upgraded by adding a fleece liner. Sleeping bags should always be kept inside a liner or ‘rubble sack’ when trekking. 3 season sleeping bags are available as part of the Student Kit A and B available from our store here……. 6. Clothing. Most sports clothing is suitable for DofE Trekking. Chose man-made fibres over cotton as they dry quickly and do not draw heat away from the body as quickly when wet and cold. |