This list is a rough guide based on experience and conversations with other people, use you own common sense at all times and take advice from other ATC Staff and experienced Cadets 

Items Marked with a '' MUST be Carried at all times when out for Field Craft of Expeditions, this is non expensive kit, IF IN DOUBT ASK

The big rule is that cheap gear will not last and will let you down at the worse possible time. Cheap rucksacks will split, boots will leak, and you will get cold in a cheap sleeping bag. You are better off buying the minimum amount of kit but buying the best you can afford when you do. From time to time the squadron may be able to loan equipment on a first come first severed basis, so ASK. Where to Buy

Below is a list of kit which will be required on most exercises where there is an over night stay. This is NOT a Duke of Edinburgh Expedition kit list, however it is a guide. Items marked "Not DoE" may not be required for Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions (Your Choice)

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Put all clean clothes in plastic bags (Waterproof ones if poss), tents and rucksacks have been known to leak. Take enough clothes for each day and extra if there are water sports on the program or it is going to be cold.

ALL kit must be clearly marked with your name and Squadron number, so if it gets left behind it will know where and who to home to.

Marking your kit

Don't mark metal things with nail varnish, paint or sticking plasters, they all come off, engrave them. 

Get a pencil, masonry nail and a hammer. Then mark your initials on the metal with the pencil, Support the item firmly and make a series of small dents along the pencil lines by hitting the nail point into it with the hammer, you will then have your initials engraved forever.

Do this in an open space the noise will make your ears ring ask an adult for help, don not hit your thumbs of fingers this may hurt you.

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For Field craft Black Army type boots are best, these  can then be used for Adventure Training, how ever if you do a lot of adventure training or DoE then a specific pair of walking books would be best. Wear them at home around the house when they are new, this will wear them in DO NOT WEAR NEW BOOTS on your first activity. The Squadron may have a pair of Army style boots, you can purchase. Specific walking boots will cost in the region of £75- £100

Water Bottle

1liter is normally enough, the Black Army type are popular and be used for both Adventure training and Field Craft, these also come with a mug. Your Water Bottle Should be clean and should only ever have Water put in it, Orange juice will make all future water taste of Orange. You water bottle is no good empty - FILL IT UP

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Bags, Packs and Rucksacks

Most bags say that they are water repellent or resistant, but they won't be. Put everything in solid plastic bags inside your rucksack, and the important stuff like sleeping bags consider two. Don't use rubbish sacks, they split too easily.

On the other hand, you should still re-proof your rucksack regularly with a suitable proofing product. AS an experiment weigh your rucksack then put it out in the rain for a day and weigh it again, some can get over half a kilo heavier when wet.  

Day Sack

For day activities a small two-strap bag for carrying waterproofs, lunch, a drink and a first aid kit will be ideal. They are also good for taking a change of clothes and other bits to Cadet evenings, and many people use them as school bags. Use it with both straps whenever possible to avoid back and neck ache or strain.  

(£10ish from "Millets" type shops).

Holdall/Duffel bag

For a weekend or week camp you are better off with a large shapeless big bag or holdall. These are better in a tent than a rucksack as they take up less room and don't get damaged so easily. Good handles or a wrap around strap are best, but they can be awkward to carry any distance for smaller Cadets.

(£10+ from "Argos")

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Rucksack

Most Cadets don't go on activities where they have to carry their kit any distance until they have been a cadet for a year or so, such as on a D of E expedition, so there isn't much point paying out for a rucksack until then. A decent one will last well into adult life, but will be too big and cumbersome for younger scout. Mine has a large single compartment, and two side pockets, because I can arrange my kit easily and no space is wasted. Avoid extras like ice axe straps unless you plan to use them, they are just more weight.

 (£35-£120 From "Breaking Free" Farnham or Field and Trek (Guildford)).  

Wet Weather Gear

Wet Weather clothing should consist of Waterproof Trousers and Waterproof Coat, thin 'kagool' type coats are NOT Sufficient. For Adventure Training no DPM (Army) Clothing is allowed so DPM Waterproof Coats are not acceptable. The Squadron Can loan Waterproof Equipment for both Field Craft (DPM) and for Adventure Training

Coat £100 - Trousers £50

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Torch 

With spare bulb & batteries (or a 2nd Torch), remember batteries rechargeable will not last a week. A strap on head torch is a good idea as this keeps your hands free. A conventional torch will also be required. "Maglites" are very popular. I take a two-cell AA maglite and a strap on head torch.

 £5- £20 from "Millets", "Argos" or "Field & Trek"  

Note book/paper and pencil

If you are happy with just a piece of paper and a  pencil then that's ok, you will be using it, However you can buy specific note book and pen wallets with water proof pages and pens that write in the wet etc.

Hat / Gloves

Your Hat and gloves should suit the season and the activity e.g. Water proof and warm for the winter, Dark/ DPM for field craft and your hat should protect from the sun in the summer.

£5 - £25

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Map Case 

There are various different types of map case ones with pen holders, straps, pockets etc. a neoprene type case is best as the map will not move with in the case and they do not crack and go hard in the cold

£5 - £25

Compass

There are many different type of compass, for various different functions the "Silva" type with a base plate is best

£10 - £15

First Aid Kit

First aid kit (your painkillers, one triangular bandage, six assorted plasters, 2 pairs of surgical gloves, CPR mask, your medication

£10 - £20

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Survival Bag (not a space blanket)

Normally orange, the survival bag is to keep a casualty covered and dry, these will also warm you up if you are cold, get in your sleeping bag then you survival bag

£3 (Millets)

Whistle (plastic)

Plastic NOT Metal these will stick to you in the cold and burn you!, The orange plastic type are best

£1 (Millets)

Emergency rations