DofE Expeditions@RPS - Silver Kit List

Kit List

Silver Expedition Kit

It is imperative that the advice on this page is followed. We will not allow participants to walk without any of this kit, this includes wet weather kit even when the forecast is dry.

Our full kit list with guidance from our experts is downloadable at the bottom. We have included the DofE recommended kit only where we agree it is a suitable product.

Essential Kit List

Clothing

Boots

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

Socks x2

Hiking socks designed for the purpose
DofE recommended Bridgedale

Waterproof/Windproof Jacket

This must be waterproof and breathable. It cannot be really cheap, but can be borrowed form family/friends
Must have a hood and if older please reproof before expedition
DofE recommend Craghoppers and there are normally deals making these under £60

Waterproof Trousers

These are required kit. Can be a cheaper pair for Silver

Fleece Tops x2

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

T Shirts x2-3

Man made fibre
Football shirts are perfect
Can be picked up cheap locally or at the Galleria
Taking 3 means you get a fresh layer next to your skin each day - but costs in weight

Trousers x2

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

Gloves

For all expeditions
It can get cold in the evening on summer expeditions
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

Other Essential Kit:

Warm hat/sun hat - must have a warm hat for spring expeditions and a sun hat depending on forecast
Underwear - Enough for the trip and appropriately comfortable
Kit for Goal (Qualifying only) - This will be group dependent based on their goal. It could be scientific kit, art materials or as simple as a notebook. Groups will decide what they need
Hair Bands - anyone with hair longer than the shoulder must have it tied back for cooking. Burnt hair stinks and isn't a good look
Deodorant - No aerosols as this damages canvas
Bowl/Plate/Mug- one or the other bowl or plate depending on meals. Bowl often is better as it served more than one purpose. Plastic or other light non breakable material
Cutlery - Knife/Fork/Spoon - dependant on menu. Could be a Spork. Best are lightweight aluminium, but can be any type
Washing-up Equipment - Scourer, cloth, tea towel and liquid (small amount) - this is team equipment and only one set per team

Other Kit

Read carefully as some of this we can provide as indicated by an *

Rucksack*

We have a limited supply to loan and there will be a form to book them on GC
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

Rucksack Liner/Waterproof bag

These can just be strong bin liners, Rubble Sacks or can use canoe bags/Dry Bags
You must put everything that needs to stay dry in bags
Must have one for sleeping bag and one for roll mat
Best to divide clothes into a bag for each day. Can then put dirty in a bag and use spares as bin bags

Sleeping Bag

3 season or comfort rating of 5c or lower
We allow use of a blanket on practice that participants will not carry
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

Sleeping Mat

Can be self inflating or foam
Not an air bed

Torch

A head torch or small handheld. Tip: pack with the batteries in the wrong way - that way it can't turn on and use up the batteries

Trangia*

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

Emergency Rations

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

Water Bottle/Hydration System

2l must be carried at the start of each day. This will be topped up if the weather is warm
This can be water bottles or a water system
Water systems save taking off packs to get water and can help you stay hydrated
No glass bottles - yes we have seen it!

Optional Kit

Clothing

Inner socks

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!

Shorts

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

Sandals/Flip Flops

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

Gaiters

If you own a pair these can be used at Silver
They prevent water getting into the top of boots and a good pair let moisture out
They need to fit boots well to work

Other Optional Kit:

Camera - Essential if for the aim. Also great to capture memories without a phone!
Fly repellant - spray or other type - no spraying near tents

Not to bring!

Every kit decision is a trade off between weight and comfort. Here are some ideas to reduce weight and make the expedition more pleasurable. If your bags are overweight and you have not followed this advice we will ask you to reduce weight by sacrificing these luxuries!

Pyjamas

The best thing to do is wear the next days clean clothes in bed.

That way you wake up and are ready to get cooking breakfast and also you save weight!

Wash Kit

Do 7 people need 7 toothpastes?

Share these items in a group - nominate one person to bring toothpaste, soap, washing up liquid etc.

You will want 7 toothbrushes!

Make Up

We are on expedition, you will smell, look bad and this is what is brilliant about this. All we care about is the journey and having a good time.

First Aid Kit

We will provide a first aid kit for emergencies. Piers will tell you how to use it on the first aid course. You will not need more. One year 10 group had 2kg of first aid kit - that is more than the weight of a tent!

Your personal first aid kit should have tissues, a few plasters and blister plasters, pain killers, personal prescribed medication.

Excess Food

Think about portions. You need the right number of calories and we will train you on this. If not you will be burning more calories carrying the weight!

Phones

Phones are really heavy. You will need to carry one phone switched off and sealed away - we will teach you about this.

Decide who is bringing a phone and only bring one per team, making sure they have it charged and with a contract/credit.

Air Beds

A simple rollmat or a inflatable camping mat are appropriate. Inflatable mats should be approx 500g or less. Roll mats are about 230g.

Jeans and Sweatshirt material items

Jeans are banned on expedition. Denim soaks up water and dries slowly.

Sweatshirt/Hoodies made from cotton are also not suitable. This includes jogging bottoms made from this material. See above information for suitable warm tops and trousers.

Do not do to reduce weight

Chop off toothbrush handles, take pans out of Trangias, not take enough food or not carry some essential kit.

Banned Items

Knives and other sharp objects are not allowed. If the group choose to bring any tinned items they should carry a lightweight tin opener

Aerosols including deodorants are banned - they damage the fabric and waterproofing of tents and waterproofs

Trackers are not allowed to be carried or in bags as this is a child protection issue. We will be tracking groups who are well trained and in suitable areas

Glass is not allowed to be carried. You can get Pesto and Sauces in sachets and this also saves weight

Downloadable kit lists to follow in 2025

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