Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – equipment requirements

Equipment
Expedition equipment will be of two types, group and personal. Group equipment will consist of camping equipment such as tents and cooking equipment and we are always available to advise on its purchase and to secure the best prices available. Please speak to either Simon or Marcus at the shop by calling in or ringing 0161 620 3900. You can also email any queries to us by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.

Personal and emergency equipment
As a brief guide, for most expeditions within the UK the following kit will be required by individuals:

• Spare clothing
• Polythene bivvy bag (a group leader should consider carrying the Blizzard Pack insulated bivvy bag)
• Emergency rations such as 'Go Bars'
• Whistle
• Torch such as Mini Maglite AA
• Compass such as Silva Ranger 3
• Relevant map(s) Ordnance Survey 1:50000 or 1:25000
• Pen/pocket knife such as Swiss Army Camper
• Matches/sandpaper in waterproof container (film container)
• Pencil and notebook
• Water container such as a Sigg bottle or the increasingly popular hydration systems such as Platypus or Source that slot in rucksacks

Group camping equipment
Group camping equipment such as tents, cooking utensils and fuel would usually be purchased by the organising body and would be shared out to members of the expedition to carry.

Personal camping equipment
Personal camping equipment should be chosen carefully with regard to its suitability for the conditions to be encountered and whether the participant is likely to use it further in the future. If so, then spending a little more money will often prolong the lifespan and utility of the item.

• Rucksack from £40.00
  The rucksack should be large enough to contain all of your equipment - 65 litres should meet these needs, but young women or smaller men may prefer 55 litres – partly because the sheer physical size of a 65 litre sac may overwhelm them. Because most rucksack can not be considered totally waterproof, a plastic liner bag should always be used.
• Sleeping bag from £25.00
  A 2-3 season sleeping bag with a synthetic rather than down fill should meet most participant's needs. Teaming it up with an inexpensive thermal liner will often add as much as an extra season to its temperature range. Bags in the lower price bracket are adequate for warmth but bulky and heavy to carry. By paying around £50 however, a much lighter and more compact bag can be acquired which makes packing and carrying easier.
• Sleeping mat from £8.00
  A sleeping mat should be regarded as essential as it gives insulation from the ground and provides a vestige of comfort for the camper. They can also be used for sitting on during the day and perform a variety of emergency needs.
• Eating utensils approx £4.50
  A plastic mug, plate and set of cutlery should be all that is required by an individual.
• Washing gear
  Soap and towel, toothbrush, toothpaste and toilet paper completes the usual list of personal equipment needed by a participant.