chuckmum6 Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I am after any suggestions were I can get decent quality, but affordable waterproof gear for my ES who is starting his D Of E. He isn't quite big enough to fit men's clothes yet, although may fit an XS in grown up coats. He will probably need boots to as I'm sure his existing ones are too small. Any outlet links would be appreciated ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Worth finding your nearest Army surplus store. There's less of them about but they are still very good value some even have 2nd hand kit. My ES got a pair of very good quality 2nd hand army boots for £10 a couple of years ago. The store we use has plenty in teen sizes as well as adult sizes I don't know if that's general. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Agreed, there's one near us and it's very reasonable. Might be worth asking Chook n Boo Mum too as her lad has just done the 3 peaks challenge and will have had to get plenty of stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 Brilliant idea I will see what I can find regarding army supplies near me - thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 If you take a look at Cotswold Outdoors website, they hav various items marked as 'recommended for DofE'. They are usually budget/mid-range items. You can always then take a look to see if you can find the same item cheaper elsewhere. Don't scrimp on boots is the one piece of advice I'd give, I have dreadful memories of huge blisters and very painful feet when I did DofE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 My son has signed up for DofE this year. Having never done it myself I will be looking at this thread with interest. Any suggestions are great fully received Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 (edited) Spend a decent amount on boots, make sure they cover the ankle and wear them in a bit beforehand therefore no blisters! Edited September 21, 2013 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Good boots are very important as is a good waterproof coat, and pack some blister plasters, but tell him how to use them, I gave them to my son who got blisters on the first day went to the leader and he as given a roll of fabric plaster tape and just put this straight onto his blisters, I then had the lovely job of peeling this off raw skin when he got home. He didn't think to use the expensive plasters which I had given to him a rucksack with well padded straps is also a good idea, a waterproof cover for the bag is also a good idea. If you have plenty of waterproof stuff you can guarantee that you will actually need sun screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 For a decent waterproof jacket, I can recommend a Jack in a Pack it is lightweight and folds up really really small. I have had mine for about 5 years now (still going strong), served me well on my sliver DofE. Top tip - dress in layers, t-shirt, fleece, waterproof jacket. Don't bring a normal coat. Dressing in layers keeps you warmer and if you get too hot/cold you can always remove/add layers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 (edited) a waterproof cover for the bag is also a good idea. Check the bag beforehand, some of them have the waterproof bag built in already. Edited September 21, 2013 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 The D of E website has a good list of suppliers and you'll often get a discount for being a D of E participant (they seem to do a discount card now too). I agree about the boots - we got YS's at an Army & Navy Store. They weren't that expensive and survived D of E plus a trip to Borneo. I'd recommend Dristore bags too. Ideal for keeping stuff organised and dry in a rucksack. If you only have a bag liner, it's hard to find a particular item but if you have clothes in one Dristore bag, toiletries/First aid/food/etc in different ones, it's a lot quicker to find what you're looking for - a good thing if it's lashing with rain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Boots...boots....and has anyone mentioned boots? .... I can't recommend Cotswold Outdoors enough...we've been in for boots, rucksack & cooker for the small boy....the staff (in Chichester at least) cannot do enough for you, they advise and recommend from personal experience as much as anything...and don't push you to the most expensive option either ...they also accept it if you say you need to consider the purchase before committing! Trying the rucky with different weight packs in makes a huge difference to the feel of each design, this is where going into a shop is so important...personal recommendation for a certain pack is great, but may not be right for everyone.... Also recommend a tshirt which wicks the sweat away from the skin, topped by a cotton tshirt, then fleece, then waterproof as needed...as Fred says, layers are king! I really wish I'd borrowed a "wicky shirt" as well as his spare walking trousers when we did Snowdon a few weeks back...damp cotton tshirt is very cold when you remove your rucky & fresh air hits it ....walking trousers dry quicker than jeans or joggers.....walking socks which fit so don't rub are an excellent investment, as are Compeed blister plasters in the event you do get sore bits.... As with everything, buy the best you can afford, especially if it's an item that will last them forever... And many outdoorsy places have DoE discounts....DS's school handed out cards to prove they were actually buying for DoE... Your son will not understand if he hasn't hiked & camped before, but a beanie hat (and gloves) might be the difference between a comfortable expedition and a horrible one, do not underestimate the chill & damp of early mornings especially...and you will not believe where wind can force rain to ....DS always takes ski base layers too, except in highest summer...good if the weather is cold & make reasonable pjs & aren't too bulky & heavy...his gaiters get worn a lot too....and he always packs his waterproof trousers...his ruckies both have waterproof covers, but he always has waterproof stuff sacks for important stuff to be absolutely sure they stay dry...will ask him for his thoughts when I collect him iab... We & family members have given him a lot of his "forever" kit as part of birthday & Christmas presents, and he saved up for his hideously expensive but very small & very warm sleeping bag...he has more kit than Millets now I think lol...he is happy to use his cooker for example on DoE trips (as the school ones are rubbish in his opinion!) but will not lend any of his good stuff to anyone, even me, it's all that precious to him... Gosh that was a bit of a ramble...Hope it helps, and good luck young man! Xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Ditto to all the above . Plus ... get one of those sleeping bags that you can stuff any old way into the little bag it comes with. So much easier than ones you have to roll up and never fit easily back in the bag . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted September 21, 2013 Author Share Posted September 21, 2013 Well, we went to Cotswold Outdoor and I got a D of E discount on a pair of size 7 leather boots, ES has pretty small feet and measured a 6, but with the staffs, these fitted the best. I do agree they were very good and took time and care helping him, we also picked up some half price, but excellent quality socks! Coat is the next thing, I have my eye on eBay and the like, but he isn't really in anything but XS adults as he is still really in 13-14 yr kids clothes. I can't find many brands that will probably fit him, but of a gamble. I totally agree about layers and have a fair few already. Other advice was to pack a pair of trainers just in case the boots do become uncomfortable, it give an option to change into, which makes sense to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 My stepson has just done his, We got most of his gear from Sports Direct at a good price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted September 21, 2013 Author Share Posted September 21, 2013 Just got a load of gear from regatta outlet online. He now has a jacket, fleeces x 2, walking trousers x 2, shirt and a couple of wicking t-shirts, hats, gloves and a full set of thermals all for just over £100. Not bad, although they might be a little big, so he will have room to grow into them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 BASE LAYERS! Sorry, did I shout? I don't do hiking these days, but long dog walks, sometimes in the pouring rain, and base layers are a god send... really cheap at Sports Direct. I wear them to work in the winter too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted September 21, 2013 Author Share Posted September 21, 2013 Absolutely Dogmother, we all have thermal base layers in our house since the first really cold winter. In fact the children have used them as pj's, both boys also have base layer sets from rugby and hockey, so ES can use these too, I did buy a full set in a bigger size for only £6 from regatta kids section - bargain! He will get to try out his sleeping bag on Thursday night as the school CCF (cadet force) have a nights camping as part of their training - I've only just found the letter in his room grrrrr! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
