• A good pair of walking boots that fit

• These should be broken in if new

• They must cover the ankle - walking or approach shoes are not permitted

• They should be waterproof. Participants will be practicing water crossings so these will be wet for much of practice

• Hiking socks designed for the purpose

• DofE recommended Bridgedale

• This must be waterproof and breathable. It cannot be really cheap, bat can be borrowed

• Must have a hood and if older please reproof before expedition

• DofE recommend Craghoppers and there are normally deals making these under £60

• A good waterproof is important and will last years

• These are required kit. 

• These should be breathable

• They are always surprisingly expensive compared to waterproof coats

• Not sweatshirt or Hoodie style. They must be man made fibre as they will dry quicker

• These can be found really cheaply in town or the Galleria

• Man made fibre

• Normally called 'base layer'

• Can be picked up cheap locally or at the Galleria

• Taking more means you get a fresh layer next to your skin each day - but costs in weight

• These can be sports leggings or walking trousers

• Key is they are man made fibre so they dry quickly

• Shorts information in optional section below

• Essential on both expeditions

• Can get very cold at night even in summer in the hills

• Recommend buying Tegera work gloves, as way cheaper than outdoor gloves and work just as well. 

• Click on image to get to a website Mr Desborough recommends

• We can loan

• These must be 60l+ Ideally 65l

• They must have a back adjustment system to allow the length of the backpack to be changed to fit

• They must have a padded belt strap

• They must have an attachment point for Roll Mats

• If you are bringing your own backpack please email the brand and model name to Mr Desborough to check

• If buying your own the Vango Sherpa is a good pack and recommended by DofE. The Sherpa S stands for Short and is designed for backs measuring between 46 - 56cm from hip to C7 vertebrae  

• These can just be strong bin liners, Rubble Sacks or can use canoe bags/Dry Bags- though a lightweight canoe bag may be better

• You must put everything that needs to stay dry in bags

• Must have one for sleeping bag and one for roll mat

• You do need to check if they are decent - nothing worse than wet kit

• 3 season or comfort rating of 5c or lower

• Mummy style to cover head

• Must be in a stuff sack that compresses. 

• If you need a compression sack can recommend 'Sportneer Compression Stuff Sack' on Amazon

• In a waterproof bag

• Can be self inflating or foam

• Not an air bed

• Head torch

• Tip: pack with the batteries in the wrong way - that way it can't turn on and use up the batteries

• A gas heated Trangia - we will provide these to all groups. No other stoves are allowed

• We will also provide Gas 

• Every participant must have a small item declared as an "Emergency Ration". This is not to be consumed during the expedition unless it is an emergency.

• This should be 2 large chocolate bars worth of calories. In the summer sweets work well. 

• If you really want the classic expedition experience a bar of Kendal Mint Cake

• At the end of the expedition you will show you still have your rations and then get to eat them

• 2l must be carried at the start of each day. It is hard to replace this during the day on Gold

• This can be water bottles or a water system

• Water systems save taking off packs to get water and can help you stay hydrated

• We will teach water management techniques

Note: If the weather is very warm the routes will be adjusted to enable water stops

• We will provide this and train where and how to use!

• Does what it says on the box

• We will provide in small bottles. Bottles to return to refill

• We can provide nappy bags*

• Must keep it dry!

• Also known as baselayer/sock liners

• This creates a movement layer to 'rub' between the two layers of socks and not the foot and sock - thus reducing blisters

• Some people, Mr Desborough included, use this method. Others are not a fan. 2024 Gold Girls top tip - get the silk ones!

• Some DofE groups ban shorts, we don't as you will find Mr Desborough in shorts as long as it is over 5c

• If you wear shorts you are accepting that you may get grazes and stings on your legs

• They are lighter to carry than trousers and can replace a pair of trousers. 'Cycling' or walking shorts are best

• Can be carried to wear in the evening

• They let feet breathe and allow boots to dry, they are also quick to put on to visit the toilets

• Boots must be worn when cooking

• These are worth having at Gold

• They prevent water getting into the top of boots and a good pair let moisture out

• They need to fit boots well to work