What to Pack for Your Duke of Edinburgh Expedition — The Complete Kit List

Planning your Duke of Edinburgh expedition and not sure what to pack — or what to pack it in? Getting your kit list right can make the difference between a great experience and a miserable one. And the single most important thing? Keeping everything dry.

At Ultra Dry Adventurer, we supply International Search and Rescue (ISAR) teams with waterproof bags that perform in the most extreme conditions on earth. That same protection is built into every bag we sell — so whether you’re heading out for your Bronze practice expedition or tackling a Gold qualifier in the Scottish Highlands, your kit will stay bone dry.

Choosing the Right Bag for Your DofE Expedition

We recommend two options depending on how much you need to carry and your expedition level.

The 35 Litre Waterproof Backpack — £38.99

Our most popular DofE bag. The 35L is the sweet spot for most expeditions — big enough to carry everything you need for a multi-day trek, but compact enough to stop you overpacking (which your shoulders will thank you for on day two). It’s 100% waterproof with no rain cover needed, has comfortable padded straps, and the roll-top closure is simple, reliable, and watertight.

Best for: Bronze and Silver expeditions, or Gold expeditions where you’re packing light and efficient.

The 55 Litre Waterproof Backpack — £45.99

If you like to be well-prepared or you’re heading out on a longer Gold expedition, the 55L gives you plenty of room for everything — including bulkier items like a sleeping bag, cooking gear, and extra layers. It’s the same 100% waterproof construction as the 35L, just with more space. An excellent choice if you’re carrying group kit or simply prefer not to compress everything down to the last millimetre.

Best for: Gold expeditions, longer multi-day treks, or anyone who likes a bit of extra room.

The 5 Litre Dry Bag — £13.99 (The Secret Weapon)

Here’s a DofE pro tip: pack a 5L dry bag inside your main backpack for wet or dirty kit. Muddy boots? Wet socks? Damp towel? Chuck it in the 5L bag and keep it separate from your dry gear. It’s also brilliant for keeping valuables like your phone, wallet, and map in one easy-to-grab place. Experienced expedition leaders swear by this trick.

The Ultimate DofE Kit Packing List

Here’s what you should be packing for a typical DofE expedition. Your assessor and expedition supervisor will give you a specific list, but this covers the essentials:

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket (breathable, not a cheap poncho)
• Waterproof trousers
• Walking boots (broken in — this is not the time for new shoes)
• Thick walking socks (at least 2 pairs)
• Base layer top (moisture-wicking, not cotton)
• Fleece or insulating mid-layer
• Spare t-shirt
• Walking trousers or leggings (not jeans — they get heavy when wet)
• Warm hat and gloves (yes, even in summer — evenings get cold)
• Sun hat and sunscreen (for those rare sunny days)

Sleeping & Shelter

• Sleeping bag (3-season minimum)
• Sleeping mat
• Tent (shared between the group — know your share of the weight)

Cooking & Food

• Stove and fuel (if your group is cooking)
• Mess tin or lightweight pan
• Spork or cutlery
• Mug
• Food for each meal plus snacks (high-energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit)
• Water bottle (at least 1 litre, ideally 2)
• Water purification tablets (just in case)

Navigation & Safety

• OS map of your route area
• Compass (and know how to use it)
• Route card
• Watch
• Whistle
• First aid kit (basic)
• Torch or head torch with spare batteries
• Emergency shelter / survival bag
• Mobile phone (charged, in a waterproof case — for emergencies only)

Personal Items

• Toiletries (small, travel-size)
• Toilet roll and trowel
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Notebook and pen (for your expedition log)
• Small amount of cash
• Bin bags (for rubbish — leave no trace)

How to Pack Your Ultra Dry Bag

Packing a roll-top waterproof bag is slightly different from a traditional rucksack. Here are our top tips:

1. Heaviest items near your back — Keeps the weight close to your centre of gravity and stops the bag pulling you backwards.
2. Sleeping bag at the bottom — You won’t need it until camp, and it’s soft enough to form a base.
3. Clothes and food in the middle — Layered so you can access what you need without unpacking everything.
4. Waterproofs and snacks at the top — Easy access for quick changes and energy boosts on the trail.
5. 5L dry bag for wet/dirty kit — Keep it near the top so you can stuff wet socks in without rummaging.
6. Roll the top down at least 3 times — This creates the watertight seal. Don’t rush it.

Bulk Orders for DofE Groups & Schools

Kitting out a whole expedition group? We offer a B2B price list with up to 30% discount on bulk orders of six cartons or more. Contact mark@ultradrybags.co.uk for pricing, or visit our Duke of Edinburgh Award page for more information.