DofE Expeditions Kit List
Our pick of equipment for your DofE expedition kit list
We’re often contacted by students seeking advice on what kit they should buy for their DofE expedition or DofE gold residential. Over the years, we’ve lead numerous Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and gold residential programmes and like to think we know a thing or two about what participants need to bring. In this guide we give you our top pick of products you can purchase for your DofE expedition kit list.
Ensuring you are prepared for all weathers and eventualities will allow you to make the most out of your Duke of Edinburgh expedition. There’s nothing worse than not packing the correct clothing, or wearing walking boots that are il fitting or uncomfortable.
Vango DofE Expedition Equipment
The Vango items that feature on our DofE expedition kit list are all Duke of Edinburgh award approved and, from our experience, represent the best kit on the market. Where possible, we have selected two or three options for each product group. All the items on our DofE kit list will get you through your DofE Bronze Expedition, however, we have selected a ‘good’ item along with a ‘high end’ item that will get you through your Gold as well.
If you are certain that you will be completing your DofE Gold, then a larger DofE rucksack (such as the Sherpa 60+10) should be chosen. Likewise with a sleeping bag, space and weight will be a major factor when packing for a 4 day expedition, so a smaller, lighter but warmer sleeping bag such as the Latitude 300 or Ultralite Pro should be chosen.
Here we outline our favourite rucksacks, sleeping bags, food, roll mats and head torches. If you need any further advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly team. They will be more than happy to help and offer guidance based on their experience.
If you have any questions contact Sam at Cumulus to find out what item would suit your daughter/son better for DofE.
Backpacks
VANGO CONTOUR RUCKSACK 50+10S – BLACK
What we say: This rucksack is suited for smaller students, those with a smaller back and lighter in body weight; remember page 45 of The DofE Expedition Guide: ‘All rucksacks must be weighed before departure and packs should not be more than one quarter of the participant’s own body weight.’ This bag will stop you from overloading and causing you harm.
What Vango say: Designed for backpackers and explorers heading out on multi night expeditions, the Contour 50:10 S rucksack offers exceptional performance and fit. The S stands for shorter back length giving a better fit for smaller users. Recommended by DofE and Scouts, because of its brilliantly designed Quick Adjust back system, this rucksack allows the user to customise for a perfect fit on a wide range of back lengths. The feature packed Contour backpack balances great value with top quality design and construction, making it ideal for those who want to comfortably carry the world on their shoulders.
VANGO CONTOUR RUCKSACK 60+10 – BLUE
What we say: A great rucksack for all DofE expeditions. The bag comes with a velcro adjustable back that takes a little longer to adjust compared to the Sherpa Rucksacks (but once in the position that is comfortable for you, there’s no need to adjust the back again anyway!). The size is great and has two side pockets and one on top.
What Vango say: Designed for backpackers and explorers heading out on multi night expeditions, the Contour 60:10 rucksack offers exceptional performance and fit. Recommended by DofE and Scouts, because of its brilliantly designed Quick Adjust back system, this rucksack allows the user to customise for a perfect fit on a wide range of back lengths. The feature packed Contour backpack balances great value with top quality design and construction, making it ideal for those who want to comfortably carry the world on their shoulders.
VANGO SHERPA RUCKSACK 60+10S – BLUE
What we say: A great rucksack for all expeditions. This backpack is ideal for smaller students, those with a smaller back but still offering the same volume as the other bags. What makes this rucksack slightly more desirable is that it comes with an easier back adjustment set up that slides up and down a couple of rods, AirMesh straps allowing more airflow keeping you cooler, more compartments that includes a waterproof pocket, small pocket on the waist band for easy access, two pockets in the top component and other small smart details. This DofE rucksack should be chosen if you are looking at progressing to your Gold.
What Vango say: One of the most popular hiking rucksacks, the Sherpa is fully equipped with the Self Adjust back system, durable components and clever features giving an edge when it comes to efficient load control and performance. Sherpa 60:70 is an all-round rucksack recommended by the DofE because of its shaped adjustable harness providing optimum fit and comfort alongside the AirMesh straps allowing air to flow, keeping the user cool. Ideal for multi-day treks and activity.The S stands for shorter back length and will provide a better fit for smaller users.
SHERPA 60+10 – BLUE
What we say: A great rucksack for all DofE expeditions. What makes this rucksack slightly more desirable is that it comes an easier back adjustment set up that slides up and down a couple of rods, AirMesh straps allowing more airflow keeping you cooler, more compartments that includes a waterproof pocket, small pocket on the waist band for easy access, two pockets in the top component and other small smart details. This bag should be chosen if you are looking at progressing to your Gold expeditions.
What Vango say: One of the most popular hiking rucksacks, the Sherpa is fully equipped with the Self Adjust back system, durable components and clever features giving an edge when it comes to efficient load control and performance. Sherpa 60:70 is an all-round rucksack recommended by the DofE because of its shaped adjustable harness providing optimum fit and comfort alongside the AirMesh straps allowing air to flow, keeping the user cool. Ideal for multi-day treks and activity.
Sleeping Bags
LATITUDE 200 – RED
What we say: Certainly a lot smaller in pack size compared to the nitestar 350 and weighing 1.5kg, this 3 season sleeping bag is ideal for all DofE Expeditions. The comfort rating being 2 degrees and the suggested usage being -3 degrees, it will give you a good nights sleep! Cumulus recommends this one!
What Vango say: The Latitude is ideal for those on adventure trips and expeditions in need of a dependable sleeping bag. The Vango Thermal Embrace System increases the effectiveness of the sleeping bag’s insulation while the Thermal-Reverb reflects heat back to the user. Insulite™ Helix insulation uses a mix of hollow and multi-channel fibres, which wicks moisture, regulates temperature and provides effective insulation. perfect for the campsite or wild camping expeditions. Recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Scout Association.
LATITUDE 300 – BLUE
What we say: Ever so slightly larger than the Latitude 200 and weighing 1.8kg, this 3-4 season sleeping bag is another ideal option for all DofE Expeditions. With the comfort rating being -1 degrees, this sleeping bag is the warmest we are offering and will certainly keep you comfortable throughout every expedition. More suited to those of you that feel the cold! Cumulus also recommends this one if you feel the cold more!
What Vango say: Latitude is ideal for those on adventure trips and expeditions in need of a dependable, year-round sleeping bag. The Vango Thermal Embrace System increases the effectiveness of the sleeping bag’s insulation while the Thermal-Reverb reflects heat back to the user. Insulite™ Helix insulation uses a mix of hollow and multi-channel fibres, which wicks moisture, regulates temperature and provides effective insulation. perfect for the campsite or wild camping expeditions. Recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Scout Association.
NITESTAR 350 – EXCALIBUR
What we say: A very warm and comfortable sleeping bag, although weighing 2kg, this is the heaviest bag we are offering. It will certainly be ok for Bronze; however, moving into Silver and Gold, space is key and you will find that this sleeping bag will take up a lot of room and add to the weight. This sleeping bag is one of the warmest being a 3-4 season. So if you feel the cold, looking at doing your Bronze, maybe Silver and will have a large rucksack, then this sleeping bag is for you (plus it’s great value for money!)
What Vango say: Featuring vibrant colours and offering a winning combination of performance and quality, the mummy-shaped Nitestar sleeping bag delivers excellent value. Offering embossed polyester and a double layer of insulation for extra warmth, the 3-4 season Nitestar is an ideal choice for Youth Groups and first time expedition use. Recommended by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Scout Association.
ULTRALITE PRO 200 – BLUE
What we say: The lightest and smallest sleeping bag we are offering, weighing just 1.1kg! And still a 3 season sleeping bag! Although the comfort rating is 4 degrees and the suggested usage being -1 degrees, it’s not quite as warm as the Latitude 300. It is still guaranteed to keep you warm for all the expeditions that you may take on and being the smallest and lightest, makes this sleeping bag top of the range!
What Vango say: Vango Ultralite Pro sleeping bag is designed for year-round explorers who demand low weight and small pack size. The wicking 4T synthetic insulation – structured in a Trilateral construction -improves warmth, eliminates cold spots and conforms closer to the body. Thermal-Reverb redirects heat radiated from the body back to the user making the bag warmer. The Ultralite Pro was made for trekking, guaranteeing a comfortable, warm night’s sleep regardless of the outside temperature. The Ultralite Pro is recommended by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Food Sachets
CHILLI CON CARNE & RICE
Minced beef with tomatoes, red kidney beans, onion and peppers in a cayenne & cumin sauce together with long grain rice.
VEGETABLE CURRY & RICE
Mixed Vegetables & Pulses in a Medium Spiced Curry Sauce together with Long Grain Rice
CHICKEN TIKKA & RICE
Chicken pieces in a rich tomato & coriander sauce together with long grain rice.
PASTA & MEATBALLS
Beef Meatballs in an Italian style Tomato Sauce with Conchiglie Pasta
PASTA & BOLOGNESE
Conchiglie Pasta and Minced Beef in a rich Tomato Bolognaise sauce infused with Garlic, Basil & Oregano.
VEGETABLE CHILLI
Mixed Vegetables in a Chilli Sauce with Wholegrain Brown Rice.
ALL DAY BREAKFAST
Beans in a rich tomato sauce with succulent pork sausages, diced smoky bacon and omelette.
BEANS & SAUSAGE
Beans in a rich tomato sauce with succulent pork sausages.
CHOCOLATE PUDDING
A light and fluffy chocolate sponge covered in a tasty chocolate sauce.
STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING
A delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding in a rich creamy Toffee Sauce.
Miscellaneous items
TREK 3 STANDARD MAT – BLUE
What we say: This 3cm depth, 183cm length sleeping mat will certainly do the job for everyone. Pack size is very small (rugby ball size) and only weighing 0.9kg, this 3cm mat is more than enough to keep you off the ground, warm and comfortable.
What Vango say: The Trek sleeping mat range is the perfect choice when durability, strength and affordability are paramount. The small pack size and light weight are ideal features when you need to carry your bed on your back.
F10 AERO 3 STANDARD MAT – LIME
What we say: At 3cm depth and 183cm length, this sleeping mat is lighter (0.7kg) and warmer due to the design and materials used. The non slip print also helps with not slipping off the mat during the night (which always seems to happen somehow!). A top of the range sleeping mat to get you through everything.
What Vango say: The F10 Series Aero sleep mat use lightweight materials to insulate the user and reduce the weight of the mat without sacrificing comfort or warmth. The non-slip print added to key pressure areas ensure your sleeping bag stays put making the Aero ideal for backpackers who wish for lightweight comfort in a small pack size when on adventures.
DRY BAG SET
What we say: Keeping your kit dry is so important when on expedition. Getting your sleeping bag wet is game over. This set offers a large 60l bag to put your sleeping bag in, a medium bag for important warm clothes and a smaller one for bits that have to remain dry, such as spare batteries and headtorch.
What Vango say: The Vango Dry Bag Set offers a variety of sizes to protect all your essentials when trekking, cycling, kayaking, climbing or travelling. Constructed from tough, durable fabrics, this set is perfect for lining your rucksack, keeping your sleeping bag dry, storing wet kit or keeping valuables safe from exposure to water. An indispensable companion for the wet and wild outdoors!
MESH BAG SET
What we say: Keeping your kit in bags will stop you wasting time looking for something, especially when it’s raining. Keep your dirty kit in one bag, cleans clothes in the other bag and food/ other bits in the other, making life easy and covenient.
What Vango say: Our multi-coloured, mesh bag set is perfect for organising your belongings on long or short trips away. The variety of sizes will hold everything from your camera to your dirty laundry when you’re on the move while the bright colours make them easy to locate in your bag.
SELF INFLATING PILLOW
What we say: This item is not DofE approved, but we thought it’s a nice extra for added comfort for a good nights sleep. Very small, light and compact, the self inflating pillow will add to a good nights sleep.
What Vango say: The ultimate in effortless comfort, the Vango Self Inflating Pillow inflates within seconds by simply releasing the valve and allowing air to be drawn into the pillow. Once fully inflated, just close the valve to trap the air inside. When you awake in the morning, bright and refreshed after a great night’s sleep, you only need to undo the valve and push the air out whilst rolling it up, ready to be placed in its own handy stuff sack. Make a good night’s sleep even better with a Vango Self Inflating Pillow.
VANGO FLUX LED HEADTORCH 2018
What we say: This item is not on the market yet, but we have had the opportunity to try it out. The LED headtorch is very powerful and we were very impressed, with over 14 hours battery life and two settings (high beam at 50m and low beam at 30m). What we also like is that the light disconnects from the headband so you can clip it onto your jacket during the night, so you don’t just have to wear it on your head which gets uncomfortable after a while. Or clip it in your tent to use as a lantern! Great piece of kit and certainly the best value for money.
What Vango say: The Flux headtorch produces up to 120 lumens from the main LED utilising a collimator lens to provide long distance light projection whilst maintaining soft peripheral light. Compact and versatile the Flux headtorch can be easily removed from the headband and clipped onto your helmet clothes or rucksack providing an adaptable light-solution to all your outdoor needs.
