Equipment - Walking Expeditions

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 bags pack smaller than rectangular.

• September - April Expeditions (Spring/Autumn) 

  • • Night time temperatures will be cold, especially at higher elevations.

    • Participants must use a 3-4 season sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of at least 0C

• For Expeditions in May - August, participants may be able to use a 2-season sleeping bag.

• 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/plastic bag/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.

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.

Water Bottle(s) / Bladder

• You must be able to carry a MINIMUM of 2L of water (in addition to other drinks like Capri Sun's & Lucozade)

• If bringing bottle(s), these must be non-breakable. We reccomend 2 x 1L bottles to spread the weight evenly

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

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.

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 Items

• 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 bring a sanitary items.(Please see Advice on managing periods on expeditions)

• 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.