How to pack a rucksack for DofE Expedition
Sam Sykes goes through the process of packing a rucksack for a DofE expedition. The video focuses on fitting the rucksack properly, and how to organise the equipment you pack. This video suits all participants going on their bronze, silver or gold Duke of Edinburghs Award expedition.
How should I pack for DofE?
The key thing with DofE is that, whatever you bring with you you’ll need to carry it so, it’s about keeping it light, and it’s about bringing what you need.
If you look at all the kit that you have, strip it back to its bare essentials (as per the kit list), and try and take off any unnecessary stuff.
If there’s excess packaging on your food that you don’t need, take it off.
If you have got some boots, and you want to bring another set of footwear for a longer expedition, just bring some flip flops. Don’t bring another pair of trainers.
You do not need lots of toiletries, one tube of toothpaste will easily deal with 7 people over a five-day gold expedition so you don’t need one each.
You won’t need lots of deodorants and all that sort of stuff, if any at all.
Stick to the kit list, don’t go beyond it.
Come on your training and practice. Your instructor will go through your kit with you and advise you on what you could have left at home which is all part of the learning process
Rucksack basics
Make sure your pack fits correctly
Size: 65 – 70 Liters
Key Features
Adjustable Back – Adjustable back systems adjust to your size
Hip belt – Comfortable and padded
Waterproof cover – Keep the contents dry!
Top tip!
Use a dry liner to line your bag
Organise your kit & keep it dry with small dry bags inside your larger bag
Lets pack!
Start at the bottom
Sleeping bag
Spare clothes
Pack heavy items as low down as you can. This aids weight distribution to prevent the pack pulling back on your shoulders or becoming top heavy
Middle
Tent
Stove
Spare food
Top
Put the things you need easy access to close to the top of your bag
Waterproof jacket and trousers
First aid kit
Top pocket
Roll mat – Below rucksack lid
Hats & Gloves
Headtorch
Map & compass
Side pockets
Lunch
Snacks
Water
Top tip!
Squeeze out any air as you pack & fill the gaps
