The Ultimate Guide to Clothing for Your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition

Ensuring you’ve got all the right clothing for your Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Expedition can be daunting task and you may not know where to start. But don’t worry, here’s our comprehensive guide to help you choose the best clothing for your expedition and ensure nothing gets forgotten.

Layering is a fundamental element in outdoor clothing. Its purpose is to keep you comfortable and regulate your body temperature.

Your base layer, also known as the wicking layer, is worn closest to your body. It’s important that your base layer is both breathable and quick drying so make sure you’re looking for those moisture-wicking fabrics such as merino wool, polyester or nylon.

Then you’ll need a mid-layer which provides extra warmth and comfort underneath your chosen outer layer. A fleece or lightweight down jacket is a great option here as they sit nicely under an outer jacket and can be removed easily if you get too warm.

Essential to any DofE Expedition, waterproofs are a must. It may sound like an obvious one, but water resistant is not enough. Your jacket and over trousers need to be waterproof in order to keep you thoroughly dry.

You want to opt for a waterproof jacket that is both lightweight and breathable as this is what will prevent any excess moisture getting trapped inside. Ventilation zips, which allow you to open up parts of the jacket in order to let air circulate, are another great feature to look out for in a waterproof jacket in a waterproof jacket as these will help with your body temperature regulation whilst you’re on the move.

When it comes to waterproof trousers, an over trouser with a stretch waist and wide leg is ideal. You’ll be able to whip them over your walking boots and hike trouser with ease whilst on your expedition.

A good walking trouser should be a combination of breathable, durable and stretchy. This will ensure you’re covered for function and comfortability on your expedition.

We also recommend a trouser with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating which provides water resistance. Whilst your trouser doesn’t need to be fully waterproof, having resistance to light rain and damp conditions can still be beneficial when the weather is prone to change.

If warmer temperatures are forecasted for your expedition, it may be a good idea to opt for a convertible trouser or bring a pair of hiking shorts as well, provided they still have plenty of pockets.

Expeditions are long days on your feet, so you want to make sure they’re comfortable and protected. You’ll need your walking boots to be well-fitting, waterproof and breathable.

Whilst slightly pricier, leather boots are typically the sturdiest. But if you’re looking to spend less or don’t plan on much use after your expedition, opt for a more lightweight, fabric boot. Once you’ve got your perfect pair, make sure you give them some wear before your expedition as this will ensure maximum comfort.

If you’ve got walking boots, then you’ll be needing some socks to go with them. Avoid cotton socks completely, it’s walking socks that you’re after. Walking socks are designed to minimise the chance of blisters and keep your feet ventilated and dry on your expedition. A mid-weight sock is the most appropriate choice for all year round and we recommend packing around three-four pairs so you’ve always got spares if you need.