Packing your rucksack correctly is essential for a comfortable and successful DofE expedition. Carrying too much will slow you down, but forgetting key items can make your trip miserable. This guide covers everything you need to bring, where to buy your gear and tips on packing efficiently and avoiding common mistakes.
- ✅ Pack Light – Carry only what you need, not what you think you might use.
- ✅ Waterproof Your Gear – Use a rucksack liner or dry bags to protect equipment from rain.
- ✅ Balance Your Load - Keep heavier items close to your back for better weight distribution.
- ✅ Don't Put All Your Layers On - You will feel cold, but your body will warm up once you start walking.
- ✅ Test Your Rucksack – Pack it before the expedition and walk 1-2km to check comfort.
- ✅ Invest in Quality Gear – Cheap kit breaks easily, buy durable equipment that lasts.
- ✅ Check the Weather – DofE season runs April–October, so pack accordingly.
- ✅ Plan for Group Kit – Ensure you have enough space to carry your share of team equipment.
Your rucksack should not exceed a quarter of your body weight to avoid injury and discomfort.
💡 Example: You weigh 63kg; your rucksack shouldn't weigh more than 15.75kg
Tip: Check for seasonal discounts or membership cards (e.g., GO Outdoors Discount Card) to save money! As a DofE participant, you will have a DofE card; apply for it here!
¶ ‼️Mandatory Kit
You do not need everything from this list, but this is a good start. Some items are subjective, whilst some are mandatory.
🙋 Personal Clothing✍️ Personal Kit
- ✔ Walking Shoes/Boots (Broken-in & waterproof)
- ✔ Walking Socks (1x per day, Merino wool recommended)
- ✔ Waterproof Jacket & Overtrousers (Waterproof & breathable)
- ✔ Fleece Top (For insulation)
- ✔ T-shirt (1x per day, Moisture-wicking, not cotton)
- ✔ Walking Trousers (Quick-drying, NO jeans)
- ✔ Underwear (Comfortable & breathable)
- ✔ Nightwear (For sleeping at camp)
- ✔ Gloves & Hat (Cold weather protection)
Tip: You’ll be wearing some of this, so don’t count it all in your rucksack weight!
- ✔ Rucksack (50L-65L for Bronze/Silver, 65L-75L for Gold)
- ✔ Rucksack Liner (Waterproof protection)
- ✔ Rucksack Cover (Waterproof protection)
- ✔ Sleeping Bag (2-season recommended)
- ✔ Sleeping Mat (For insulation & comfort)
- ✔ Waterproof Bag (For essential items)
- ✔ Whistle (For emergencies)
- ✔ Torch (Headtorch recommended, with spare batteries)
- ✔ First Aid Kit (Plasters, bandages, pain relief)
- ✔ Food (Lightweight, high-energy meals)
- ✔ Water Bottle (2L minimum, hydration is key)
- ✔ Cutlery (Spork recommended)
- ✔ Plate/Bowl (Lightweight, durable)
- ✔ Matches/Lighter (Waterproof)
- ✔ Wash Kit & Hygiene Items (Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes)
- ✔ Suncream (Even in cloudy weather)
- ✔ Towel (Microfibre recommended)
- ✔ Notebook & Pen (For emergency contacts & navigation)
- ✔ Watch (Avoid relying on your phone for time)
- ✔ Insect Repellent (Especially in summer)
Tip: Some items can be shared with teammates (e.g. matches, suncream, insect repellent).
- ✔ Shorts (For hot weather)
- ✔ Crocs/Flip-Flops/Sandals (Let your feet breathe at camp)
- ✔ Gaiters (Keeps mud & water out of boots)
- ✔ Sleeping Bag Liner (Adds warmth & keeps sleeping bag clean)
- ✔ Sunglasses (UV protection)
- ✔ Mug (For tea/hot chocolate)
- ✔ Money (Small amount for emergencies)
- ✔ Walking/Trekking Poles (Reduces strain on knees)
- ✔ Hydration Pack (Easier access to water)
- ✔ Water Purifying Tablets (If refilling from natural sources)
- ✔ Small Pocket Tool (Swiss Army Knife or multitool)
Tip: Walking poles reduce rucksack weight on your legs by 10%, a great investment for DofE!
For my DofE Silver, I brought the following after adjusting to my requirements. I did my expeditions in Spring/Summer. I don't tan. This may be different for you:
🙋 Personal Clothing✍️ Personal Kit
- Walking Boots (Broken-in, waterproof, with different insoles)
- Walking Socks (Merino wool, 1x per day)
- Packable Jacket (Windproof, waterproof, and small in size stored away)
- Fleece Top (Thermal, lightweight)
- T-shirt (1x per day; I chose sports shirts, they are lightweight and thin)
- Shorts (This is NOT recommended, as you may walk through thorns. I found that I could manage somehow)
- Overtrousers (They were used if it got too humid; they also packed away)
- Underwear (1x per day; I chose Merino wool, as it reduced chafing and helped reduce sweat)
- Gloves and Sunhat (I chose ones which were thin and light, not getting winter ones. I got a Sunhat which has SPF protection)
- Rucksack (85L+; I found it was roomy, and I could easily store and access everything; most will do well with 65-75L, as my rucksack was never full. Make sure you buy a high-quality brand item (i.e. Osprey, etc.)
- Rucksack Cover (Used in case it rains, which it did)
- Bin Liners (I lined my rucksack with this, and I put my spare clothes and my sleeping bag in here for rain protection)
- Sleeping Bag (1-Season; my sleeping bag is very lightweight (600g) and compresses to a small size)
- Foam Roll Mat (Sleeping mats which inflate can pop if punctured (not good if it's 10pm!), and they are difficult to put away afterwards)
- Whistle (This is an emergency item and must be carried)
- Torch (When it gets dark, I need to see where I'm going. I have one which is relatively small but bright; it's rechargeable via USB)
- First Aid Kit (This is an emergency item and must be carried. I bought a minimal one (500g) and also included a 'Foot Kit', which included blister plasters, moleskin, and kinesthetic tape)
- Food (You will need to be self-sufficient, so you must carry your food)
- Hydration Pack (2L. I found drinking from a bottle annoying, often needing to put it away. The tube made it convenient!)
- Cutlery (I chose plastic, and they were a basic set of a spoon, fork, and knife)
- Bowl (I brought it but found that I cooked my meals using the pot after letting my team finish using it to boil water. I'd make my meal in the pot and eat from it. I cleaned it up after, and it reduced the washing up)
- Ferrocerium Rod (I used this to ignite the cooker, it came helpful)
- Wash Kit & Hygiene Items (i.e. toothbrush, small travel toothpaste)
- Towel (Drying body in case it rains; microfibre is light, takes less space, and absorbs moisture)
- Small notebook and pen (This is an emergency item and must be carried)
- Watch (I have a spare analogue watch; it has the time on it)
- Walking/Trekking Poles (These made the expedition easier, and I highly recommend them. Carbon fibre ones are amazing!)
- Crocs (I used them at camp; they helped my feet breathe after the long day)
My final bag weight was 10-12kg (including carrying group kit), which is within the recommended guidelines.
- ❌ Overpacking – Carrying too much will slow you down and cause pain.
- ❌ Forgetting Waterproofing – Wet clothes = miserable expedition! Always use dry bags.
- ❌ Ignoring Rucksack Fit – An ill-fitting rucksack = sore shoulders & back pain.
- ❌ Not Breaking in boots – Blisters WILL ruin your hike. Wear boots for 20-30km before your expedition.
- ❌ Packing for the Worst-Case Scenario – Bring layers, but don’t overdo it! If you’re too warm, you can always wear fewer clothes!
Tip: Lay out everything before packing and ask yourself: Do I REALLY need this?