DofE Kit List
Prepare for your Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition with Hillgoers
Please use the list below for what to take on your DofE expedition. Your rucksack will be checked for weight before departure. If you turn up with inappropriate equipment and clothing (especially boots) you may not be allowed on expedition.
⛺ The list has linked examples for certain items
🎒 It is essential you have a large enough rucksack (see below)
🥾 If you turn up with trail shoes or trainers you will be turned away. Walking boots are essential at a young age to help prevent ankle injuries
⛑️ If your medical notes state you need certain medication, it is essential you have this with you
🧽 Work as a team, what items can you share (e.g. suncream, scourer, washing up lquid, trowel)?
Generic Kit
⛺ Rucksack | 65-70ltrs fitted correctly to your back size. Everything should fit inside your bag except the foam roll mat if you use one, remember group kit (stove, tent) will be issued too
⛺ Waterproof liners or dry bags | Colour coded dry bags are useful for all your equipment organised or a couple of rubble sacks will do
⛺ Sleeping bag | 3-4 season bag, a liner (optional) can also help to preserve your bag. The sleeping bag should be compressed inside a “stuff” sack (don’t try and roll it in)
⛺ Sleeping mat | A small inflatable mat gives best comfort and warmth. A foam roll mat is also good, don’t take a yoga mat
⛺ Head torch | With new and spare batteries
⛺ Whistle | For attracting attention in emergencies only
⛺ Personal first aid kit | Small kit with some Compeed type blister plasters, tick removal tool
⛺ Personal hygiene items | Toothbrush, biodegradable wash gel, hand sanitiser, etc
⛺ Sunblock & sunglasses | SPF50+
⛺ Small travel towel | Not a beach towel, think weight!
⛺ Rubbish bag | A strong bag to take out all of your own rubbish individually (inside your rucksack)
⛺ Walking pole/s | These are great for keeping balance and taking strain off the legs. Useful for crossing streams. One pair per group minimum must be taken
⛺ Midge head net / insect repellent
⛺ Small repair kit | Spare boot lace, string, tape (can be a group item)
⛺ Mobile Phone and portable charger | In a waterproof bag. To be used in emergency only. You will likely not have any signal so keep switched off or on flight mode to preserve battery. Can be used for photos/videos related to your expedition aim and for memories of your trip. NOT to be used for social media OR playing music along route! Disconnect with tech and reconnect with nature!
⛺ Watch | Used for keeping time while navigating
⛺ Compass | Essential for navigation!
Clothing
Top Tips: Stay away from cotton as this holds moisture, definitely no denim! High wool content (merino) products are great as they dry quick and keep you warm too. Thinner layers are much better than bulky single layers as you can regulate your warmth better. All spare clothing should be protected in dry bags or waterproof liners inside your rucksack. Waterproofs are unfortunately essential in Scotland!
Minimum for all levels below. You can scale up the spares carried for Silver and Gold and forecasted weather.
⛺ One pair of walking boots (which have been worn in) | A summer boot with good grip and ankle support, if you come in trainers or walking shoes you will not be allowed on expedition
⛺ Walking socks and a spare pair | High wool content is good
⛺ Waterproof jacket with hood | Should be a hard-shell type coat with taped seams, not a ski jacket as these are too warm
⛺ Waterproof over-trousers | Preferably with full length zip. Taped seams
⛺ Walking trousers | Wear a pair and take spare
⛺ T-shirts / shirts | Wear one and have a spare (that can be used as a layer). No cotton please
⛺ Warm top, fleece or woollen layer
⛺ An additional layer(s). Such as down type coat that packs down small and a fleece
⛺ Underwear
⛺ Nightwear | Comfortable for inside your tent
⛺ Hat/s | A warm hat is essential / Sun hat too
⛺ Glove/s
⛺ Gaiters (optional) | For off path stuff (not bronze) and helps to keep you clean
Cooking, Cleaning & Toilets
Top Tip: The important thing here is to Leave no Trace and not damage the environment
⛺ Plate / bowl | For the excellent meal you will produce
⛺ Cutlery | A Spork?
⛺ Mug
⛺ Water bottle | We recommend the Water-to-Go filter bottle which will allow you to pick up water as you go
⛺ Scourer / washing up liquid | For cleaning your pans and plates. Only bring a very small bottle of washing up liquid. No washing up in streams please. Put soapy water onto tracks to avoid damaging vegetation
⛺ Tea towel
⛺ Tin opener (if required)
⛺ Toilet paper & canister | Canister is for carrying out used toilet paper / wet wipes / sanitary items – See video going to the toilet
⛺ A toilet trowel | Small handheld gardening trowel (can be a group item)
Meals
⛺ Meals | Create a tasty meal plan together with your group for your expedition, breakfast, lunch and dinner
⛺ Snacks | Bring enough snacks for an enjoyable expedition. Do not overdo it though, think about the weight on your back!
⛺ Water | Start and finish each day hydrated. Your group leader will advise where you can safely collect water, either via your filter bottle or by sterilisation. Carry at least one litre when you set off
Group items which will be provided by Hillgoers / School - Leave room inside your rucksack for these items!
⛺ Tent | 2-3 person tent which will need to be packed inside your rucksack
⛺ Stove, fuel and lighter | Trangia stoves with gas fuel. Please do not bring matches or lighters.
⛺ Map and map case
⛺ Emergency procedures
⛺ Radio
⛺ Waterproof notepad and pen