Expert Advice And Inspiration

Preparation is key to a successful DofE Expedition. A well-planned route and slick navigation skills are crucial, but so is getting the correct gear and equipment. Here is our DofE kit list, which features solely Recommended Kit tested and shortlisted by DofE Staff and expedition teams.

You weren’t made to sit still. When you take the 9-5 in your stride and escape to the outdoors in your precious free time, you need gear that will keep up. Your pack should see you from the streets to the hills and back again – and that’s where this lot come in.

Heading off the roads and into the forest, the hills or the mountains is guaranteed to and turn every run into an adventure - but there are plenty of official challenges waiting to test your limits. Get on your trail shoes, and check out these UK trail running challenges.

Taking care of your walking boots ensures that they last longer and perform better in the outdoors. Regularly cleaning, drying and reproofing hiking boots enhances comfort by keeping feet fresh and dry (full grain leather boots also need to be conditioned when the uppers start to dry and crack). These are the different treatments and aftercare products required for maintaining your footwear.

Meet Elinor, a passionate advocate for conscious living and the friendly face behind ConsciouslyElle.

With a slow start to the winter season and following recent weeks of heavy snowfall, snowpacks across Europe can be unstable and prone to lethal avalanches. Whilst you should never head into the backcountry without full backcountry equipment and a qualified local professional, we’re of the belief that avalanche safety starts with understanding snowpacks and preventing avalanches before they occur.

Adventure skiing is skiing un-pisted ‘natural’ snow, generally outside designated ski areas. Whether you’re skiing just off-piste, close to all the amenities, lifts, restaurants or hiking up distant peaks far away from the madding crowd, safety has to be the number one priority. From transceivers, shovels, probes and ABS Airbag Packs, to the correct clothing and ski wear, it is important to ensure that you have right type of equipment for the type of adventure skiing you are undertaking.

Where to go and what to wear - here's everything you need to know to do spring skiing right this year.

Your ski and snowboard boots are an investment. They're the foundation of your setup that will be with you on the slopes for years to come. Book a boot fitting appointments and find your perfect fit. 

Fast and light hiking is all about picking up the pace through the wilderness. Here's our lowdown on the essential gear you'll need, to do just that.

Arc’teryx are renowned for being at the cutting-edge of development, constantly evolving in order to provide you with the ultimate performance products. We’re going to look at the tech behind the brand and give you the lowdown on some of the unique features that set them apart.

Arc’teryx are masters when it comes to technical clothing and we are continually blown away by the level of innovation and attention to detail that is evident in their designs. The brand work closely with GORE-TEX to create activity specific products that each have their home on the mountain, but with  so much tech doing the rounds, how do you know which Arc’teryx piece is right for you? Let’s demystify things a little.