Expedition
Essentials

Prepare for Your Adventure
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Ready to Explore

Every expedition begins long before you step onto the trail.


Our Expedition Resources page has been created to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready for your journey with Equal Adventure. Whether you are joining a Bronze, Silver, Gold DofE expedition or another outdoor programme, these resources are designed to support you before your adventure begins and help create an inclusive experience for all participants.

You will receive practical training and guidance throughout your expedition, but exploring these resources beforehand can help you understand what to expect, organise your kit, and build confidence.


We believe preparation helps create safer, more enjoyable, positive, and inclusive expedition experiences for everyone.


Waterproof Equipment

Waterproof jackets and trousers are essential on all expeditions.

Outdoor waterproof clothing requires care and maintenance to continue performing properly. Over time, waterproof fabrics may need reproofing to maintain effectiveness.

We recommend:
  • Avoiding standard washing detergents on waterproofs
  • Cleaning waterproof clothing correctly
  • Reproofing jackets and trousers regularly.


Building Confidence Before Your Expedition

Preparing for an expedition is about more than equipment. It’s also about:
  • Building confidence
  • Understanding teamwork
  • Developing independence
  • Learning outdoor responsibility
  • Preparing mentally and physically for adventure.

We aim to create supportive, inclusive expedition experiences where everyone feels prepared, welcomed, and capable of succeeding.


What We Provide

To support your expedition journey, we provide a range of shared experiences, including:
  • Tents
  • Trangia stoves and cooking equipment
  • Gas fuel
  • Maps and compasses
  • Group safety equipment.

Where required, we may also be able to support participants with access to additional equipment such as rucksacks or roll mats.

Participants are responsible for bringing personal clothing, footwear, sleeping bags, and expedition food.


Clothing & Personal Kit

The clothing you bring can make a huge difference to your comfort and enjoyment outdoors.
We recommend lightweight outdoor clothing suitable for walking and changing weather conditions. Layering clothing is one of the most effective ways to stay warm, dry, and comfortable during an expedition.

Recommended Clothing:
  • Base layers and technical fabrics
  • Fleece or warm mid-layers
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Comfortable walking trousers or leggings
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Walking socks suitable for hiking boots.


What to Avoid Bringing

Some everyday clothing is not suitable for expedition environments. We recommend avoiding:
  • Jeans
  • Heavy cotton hoodies
  • Fashion footwear or trainers
  • Excessive spare clothing
  • Unnecessary electronics or valuables.

Remember — you will carry everything yourself, so pack carefully and keep your kit practical and lightweight.


The Importance of Layering

Outdoor conditions can change quickly.

Using layers helps regulate temperature, manage sweat, and keep you comfortable throughout the day. Technical outdoor fabrics dry faster and perform far better outdoors than cotton clothing.

A simple layering system usually includes:
  • Base layer → helps manage moisture
  • Mid-layer → provides warmth
  • Waterproof outer layer → protects from wind and rain.


Expedition Kit List

Participants should carefully check the recommended expedition kit list before attending.

Your kit requirements may vary depending on:
  • Expedition level (Bronze / Silver / Gold)
  • Number of expedition days
  • Weather conditions
  • Time of year.

Please ensure all equipment is suitable for outdoor use and tested before your expedition.


Looking After Your Boots 

Keeping boots clean and waterproof helps extend their lifespan and improve comfort during expeditions.

Before your expedition:
  • Clean mud and dirt from boots
  • Reproof waterproof materials if required
  • Wear boots regularly to break them in properly.



Footwear Guidance

Walking Boots Matter. Good footwear is one of the most important parts of your expedition equipment.

Well-fitted walking boots can help prevent:
  • Blisters
  • Foot pain
  • Fatigue
  • Poor stability on uneven ground.
  • We recommend supportive walking boots that:
  • Fit securely around the ankle
  • Are comfortable for long walks
  • Have a good grip for outdoor terrain
  • Have been worn in before the expedition.


Rucksacks & Packing

How you pack your rucksack is just as important as what you bring.
Good packing helps:
  • Improve comfort while walking
  • Reduce strain and fatigue
  • Keep important items dry
  • Make equipment easier to access
  • Helpful Packing Tips
  • Keep heavier items close to your back
  • Use dry bags or waterproof liners
  • Keep waterproofs accessible
  • Ensure sleeping bags stay dry
  • Avoid unnecessary items
As a general guide, expedition bags should remain manageable and appropriately sized for the participant.


Sleeping Equipment

Participants will need:

  • A suitable sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat or roll mat
  • Personal overnight items.

Sleeping bags should be appropriate for outdoor temperatures and suitable for multi-day expedition use.


Food & Menu Planning

Expedition food should be:
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to prepare
  • High in energy
  • Suitable for outdoor conditions.

Participants should bring enough food for the full duration of their expedition, including snacks and meals. Good hydration and nutrition are important parts of successful expedition experiences.

Ready for Adventure?

Exploring these resources before your expedition can help you feel more organised, confident, and ready to enjoy the journey ahead.


We look forward to supporting you on your next adventure with us.