Hello! So the other weekend I completed my real expedition for my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, so I thought I’d share any tips that I used and learned for both my practise and real expedition and any other tips I have adopted from other people.
Packing: Always pack your sleeping bag at the bottom of your bag, and useful things that you will need before your tent is put up, like waterproofs, first aid kit and your lunch at the top of the bag and/or in any easy access pockets of your rucksack.
Buy a suitable rucksack. I had a hard time with my bag because it was too big; I borrowed it from a friend who is taller and larger than me, so the bag didn’t fit me. The straps were supposed to be positioned above my hips, however, they stayed below them, so instead of most of the weight being on my hips, which it should be, the weight was on my shoulders, resulting in soreness and pain.
This bag was also brought for my friend completing her gold award, so she needed a lot more things than I did, meaning a big bag with lots of room. The huge space made me feel like I needed to fill it, so I didn’t worry too much about bringing less, so inevitably more room = more things to fill it with = more weight for me to carry. I would recommend buying/borrowing a medium sized bag, just right for all the things you NEED.
If you’re walking in the rain or wet grass, bring a few spare pairs of walking socks to use when at camp and the next day. Additionally, bring plastic bags to cover your boots whilst walking and newspaper to put inside your wet walking boots when at camp (if you have brought spare shoes) or at night (because you obviously won’t be wearing them under your sleeping bag!).
Bring another pair of warm socks for night time.
Borrow as much as possible from other campers or friends like a pen knife, sleeping bag etc.. The more you borrow the less you pay.
I wore leggings for both my expeditions, and at night, before I went to bed, I changed into another pair of leggings which I planned to wear the next day, and slept in them with jogging bottoms over the top, meaning I wouldn’t have to change them the next morning, all I had to do was take off the joggers.
Be prepared, in every way possible; have the right mindset, learn how to read the maps and compasses, know how to put up your tent and use the trangia. Practise walking with your backpack on, prepare for cold weather, and hot – bring a vest top and a coat.
Remember:
– your bag shouldn’t weigh anymore than 1/4 (a quatre) of your body weight.
– walk in your boots, this will decrease your chance of having sore feet with lots of blisters.
– put the methylated spirit as far away as possible from your tents, I believe our assessor said to put your cooking fluid at least 10 metres away from everyone’s tents.
– remember your aim and complete it, you will need to show evidence at the end.
– Have fun! (If that’s possible)
I know that this is a lot of information to take in, but it will really help you to have fun, feel more comfortable and to pass your expedition.
So good luck to anyone partaking in a DofE expedition soon – try to be positive and friendly to all your fellow campers and your group!
Ellie x
Thatgirl0nline 