Packing your DofE rucksack: part two
A helpful guide for ensuring your rucksack is packed correctly for a comfortable and efficient Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition.
How to pack - the layering system
Packing is about balance, accessibility, and waterproofing. You must keep your kit safe and dry, and spending time prepping, planning and carefully packing correctly will help ensure this happens, allowing you to access the items you need quickly, and efficiently as and when you need them.
Use a rucksack liner, a plastic bag or multiple bags - thick bags such as rubble sacks or dry bags are advised.
Bottom of the rucksack
- spare clothes and clothes you won’t need during the day
- sleeping bag
(These items are bulky but light, so they go low).
Middle of the rucksack
Heavier items like:
- tent parts
- stove
- food
(Keep them close to your back for better balance).
Top of the rucksack
- waterproof jacket
- first aid kit (always check with your team so you know where everyone’s first aid kit and any personal medication can be found)
- snacks
- map
- anything you might grab quickly.
Side pockets
- water bottles
- gas cannister
- gloves
- small items.
On the outside of your rucksack
The only thing you should have on the outside of your rucksack is your sleeping mat. You can attach the toll mat to the top or bottom of your rucksack. Remember to put it inside a bin liner to protect it from scratches from trees and shrubs. If you have a self-inflating mat, try and pack it inside your rucksack to avoid damaging it.
Weight tips
- Keep total weight to around a quarter of your body weight.
- Share group kit fairly - tents, stoves, and food should be divided evenly.
- Avoid “just in case” extras - they add up fast.
However you pack will depend on the style and size of your bag. Once the bag is packed, ask two teammates to lift the rucksack ready for you to be able to step into it.
Spend some time adjusting and making sure it’s comfortable, you may need to take it off in order to make some of these adjustments. When you remove your rucksack, ensure you undo all the straps and lower it to the group – don’t drop or throw your rucksack.
Final pre-trek check!
Before you set off:
- walk a short distance with your fully packed bag, make further adjustments if needed
- adjust straps so the weight sits on your hips, not just your shoulders
- make sure nothing is dangling - straps, or sleeping mats swinging around can slow you down or get caught up
- go for a walk with your rucksack and get used to how it feels and the additional weight before your DofE expedition.
Packing smart is about making your expedition safer, easier, and more enjoyable. By thinking about what you need, where to put it, and how much it weighs, you'll be setting yourself up for a successful DofE Award trek!
Why not download our handy packing checklist of all your essential items to include?
Read our first blog, which covers the specific items you'll need for your DofE Award expedition/residential.
Book an expedition!
Now you've leant all about how to pack your rucksack and the layering system, it's time to book onto a DofE Award expedition/residential!
