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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


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