Rucksack

• Size: Between 55 - 65 litre capacity. It needs to be big enough to fit all your kit in, but not too big as you'll overfill it and it will be too heavy to carry.

• Waist strap: Must be padded and adjustable. Fasten tightly on top of hips so as to take the weight of the rucksack.

• Shoulder straps: Must be adjustable and padded. Shoulders support the weight being carried - there should be a space between the tops of your shoulders and the straps.

• Chest strap: This helps to draw the rucksack into the centre of your body.

Rucksack liner

Your rucksack is NOT waterproof. Many modern rucksacks have a rain cover, but this can be flimsy and can blow off in heavy winds, resulting in a safety issue. Make sure you pack your sleeping bag and spare clothes in a waterproof drybag or a very thick rubble sack (available from supermarkets and DIY stores).

Sleeping Bag

• Mummy-shaped sleeping bag with hood, made from synthetic material. Avoid using down Sleeping Bags as if they get wet, the down will clump together and will not be evenly spread.

• For Expeditions in March/April and September/October, participants must use a 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of -5C

• For Expeditions in May - August, participants may be able to use a 2-season sleeping bag, with an Inner Sheet Sleeping Bag for additional warmth during cooler nights.

• It must pack into a compression bag. This is a bag with straps that when tightened will reduce the size of the sleeping bag. It is also called a "stuff sack" as you "stuff" your sleeping bag into it (it will fit, honest!).

• Must be then packed into a thick rubble sack or drybag to keep it dry (the stuff sack is NOT waterproof!). 

• It is the first item to be packed into your rucksack, and must fit horizontally at the very bottom of your rucksack. If your rucksack has a separate lower compartment, it will fit in this, even if you have to open up the divider between the lower compartment and main part of your rucksack.

Inner Sheet Sleeping Bag

• This is an inner sheet that you sleep in, inside your sleeping bag.

• Helps with keeping you warm.

• Easier to wash, helping keep the sleeping bag hygienic.

Roll Mat

• Soft foam mat, that helps insulate you from the cold and provides additional comfort when sleeping.

• The only item that is allowed to be carried outside the rucksack.

• Ideally, should fit on top of the rucksack above your shoulders to avoid getting damaged when climbing stiles.

• Can be self-inflating, but take care not to get it punctured.

• Just one set of spare outer clothes for the entire expedition regardless of length. 

• Pack a spare top, jumper, and trousers in a thick rubble sack or waterproof drybag. Use these clothes to change into at the very end of the expedition day to sleep in. Wear previous day's expedition clothes again the next day and keep your spare clothes dry.

• It is advisable to have a change of underwear and walking socks per expedition day, to keep you comfortable and avoid sore patches and blisters. 

Torch

• A small head torch that works. If battery-powered, bring a spare set of batteries.

Watch

• A cheap wrist watch to be able to tell the time. Very useful for navigation and time-keeping. Even better if it has an alarm to wake you up in the morning!

Small personal first aid kit and personal medication

• Small first aid kit containing plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, safety pins, knee support (if needed).

• If you have an asthma inhaler, epi-pen or other personal medication needed during the expedition, you must bring these and show them to your Supervisor.

• If you suffer from hayfever, please bring your usual hayfever medication and show this to your Supervisor.

Water Bottle(s)

• You must bring water bottle(s) or a hydration pouch with drinking tube, that can hold a total of 2 litres of water. If bringing bottle(s), these must be plastic or lightweight drinking bottles, and multiple bottles should be packed either side of the rucksack so as to balance the weight across the pack.

• We will meet teams at locations throughout each day's journey to top participants up with water.

Survival Bag

• A thick orange plastic bag that can be used to protect a casualty if they are injured. 

• Multi-purpose: can also be used to provide additional insulation at camp, or as a waterproof bag to keep fabric items of kit dry.

Emergency Rations

• A small bar of Kendal Mint Cake or a tube of energy tablets to provide an additional sugar boost in the event of an emergency.

• Advisable to pack inside first aid kit so that it is available for emergencies.

Whistle

• Small whistle for attracting attention in the event of an emergency.

• Many modern rucksacks have a whistle built-in as part of the straps.

Small pencil and notebook

• For making notes, recording location or other details in the event of an emergency, or for recording details for their Expedition Team Goal.

Equipment Repair Kit

• A set of spare laces, spare batteries for torch, and a small length of "Duck Tape" (wrapped round a plastic bottle) in case of any issues affecting your kit, rucksack or walking boots.

Mug, plastic bowl and cutlery

• Insulated travel mug or plastic mug to drink out of.

• Plastic bowl to eat out of.

• Spork, or knife, fork and spoon to eat with.

Small Wash Kit

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, flannel, travel soap.

• Small travel-sized items.

Hygiene kit

• Small amount of toilet paper or wet wipes, double wrapped in a small plastic bag (e.g. sandwich bag). There will be toilets on campsites and occasional public toilets that are on the expedition route. This is just for emergencies.

• Female participants should also bring a small sanitary pack.

• Please refer to our factsheet regarding periods and hygiene.

• If bringing a mobile phone onto an expedition, this must be switched off, sealed in a waterproof bag and only used in the event of an emergency.

• Participants are asked not to use their mobile phone unless instructed to do so by their Supervisor.

• This preserves the battery life for use when needed in an emergency, and also reduces the risk of causing distress to other participants or to parents.

• Participants are asked not to contact home - our Expedition Leaders, Home Contact or School Pastoral Support Staff will contact parents in the event of any communication being necessary during the expedition.

• Participants will not be able to use other functions on a mobile phone, and will need therefore need alternative methods of taking photos and videos, or waking up in the morning.