To ask for hiking help

[polkadotpj]

My DS12 is doing s hikf with scouts. I did D if E bronze and stopped. We had no cash for the boots/ coats/ gear and I had no clue of the outdoors and maps etc. Blagged it but felt horribly out of my depth. I've walked very little since. The odd 6/8 miles while camping (following friends and with kids so nothing too crazy terrain wise). But now my son needs kit for this walk. I've found boots online and a waterproof but what trousers should i get? Will he need over trousers or a waterproof pair ? Walking wicking t shirts like I run in? Thin fleece? What else? All the help from you lovely lot please. Oh and what sleeping bag that won't break the bank? Ours are very much "comfy camping" cotton padded ones! Thank you!!

Don't go for the full on list that is DofE recommended as long as he can fit the sleeping bag in his rucksack he can use that. I know you get a list but most of it isn't necessary and cheaper alternatives are fine. A good pair of boots are a must and a waterproof jacket but again don't spend a fortune because they are "DofE" recommended.

Cheap waterproof trousers over joggers or shorts would be fine. That’s what I had when I did mine years ago!

Where are you op? Can't you borrow kit rather than buy it for one expedition?

The boots are the most important item - and I wouldn't buy them online. He really needs to try them on and make sure they fit his feet. And he needs to wear them for a bit before the hike to hopefully get through the blister stage. The good news is that Sports direct now own Karrimoor and have a good selection of outdoor clothes.
The other store to look in is Deacathon if you have one near you (their footwear don't fit my feet).
The key thing for a lengthy hike is not to wear Jean, and have layers. Fleeces or similar material is good because they dry quickly.
In the UK he probably will need some waterproof over trousers, but you can get those pretty cheaply (and he might not use them - it's just miserable if you do need them and don't have them).

Sorry as for clothes normal t shirts, tracksuit bottoms are fine they don't go too crazy on bronze, he will need a waterproof pair of trouser but probably won't wear them if he's anything like my boys, all been through Beavers, cubs, scouts and now at Explorers and have never worn the waterproof trousers that were a must on every kit list for every camp. I soon learnt and bought the cheapest just so they had them.

Light Trackie bottoms and waterproof overtrousers if it is likely to be raining. Focus on good boots and jacket, then layers. Decathlon is pretty cheap.

Cotton trousers (not neceserily expencive walking type.) Waterproof trousers are good. Layer up no need for specialist tops/fleeces. A waterproof jacket. Ask on fb though scout sites through free cycle ext.

I would check out an army surplus store if there's one nearby, I used to buy some useful but of kit from there as a poor uni student. Also if you need OS maps, Millet's have got a sale on at the moment and I got some the other day for about £5 each (think they are usually £7-8)

I really really really wouldn’t buy walking boots online. Go to a walking store and try on a few pairs and buy them discounted online if money is tight but you NEED to try them on.
Yes to waterproof trousers and a fleece but I wouldn’t bother about anything wicking. Cotton tees you aren’t too precious about are fine.

^
The boots are the most important item - and I wouldn't buy them online. He really needs to try them on and make sure they fit his feet. And he needs to wear them for a bit before the hike to hopefully get through the blister stage. The good news is that Sports direct now own Karrimoor and have a good selection of outdoor clothes.^

Absolutely this. Go to a shop and try on walking boots. The best boots in the world won’t be right for him if they don’t fit well. The cheapest might fit him like a glove!

I know the brand, and code for the last? That fits my. Scarpa B last. Never had a problem since I worked this out. DH and I spent a day going round outdoor shops.

At 12 he should be doing some basic map reading in scouts and they should have some help with a route plan.
Unless he's a strapping 6footer there will need to be compromise over the weight he can easily and safely carry.
A cheap foil blanket for under his roll mat / SIM will insulate from the cold, as will a hat - always a hat!
Spare socks in a plastic bag in case his feet get cold / wet walking, plenty of snacks and a sense of humour.

Please don’t buy boots online! They’re probably the most important bit of kit he’ll have and they need to be comfortable. Vango sleeping bags tend to be decent for this kind of thing. Wicking T-shirts will be more comfy but not essential. Go outdoors do scout discount - I think he’d need to take his necker in and you’d get everything you need there.

Thanks all. You’re very right. I’ll take him to try boots on. Bought some wool socks but my DH had some wool and another later twin skin ones he rated too. I like my twin skin running socks and guess the same applies? I hope to goodness I don’t have to spend £££ on boots which fit for a few months then don’t! He’s growing like a fast growing thing currently.

I know you’re not asking but I have some over trousers that I’d be happy to post to you if you messaged me. I bought them for DS to go to Iceland on a school trip. We don’t need them anymore.

It might be worth checking with the scout leaders if he can borrow sleeping bags etc from others or f there are bursaries available...he could use a liner made from a sheet or bought v cheaply. Same with waterproofs. Boots really matter.

If he is in scouts, if you go to shops like Go Outdoors take his necker, you will get a discount. Same applies if he is doing DofE take the membership card

If the scout group has a facebook page post on there to see if anyone has any spare kit you can borrow (not boots obviously) or if anyone knows of any good deals at the moment

Try a post on Freecycle, I have given away numerous old rucksacks/sleeping mats/sleeping bags/waterproofs etc to D of E-ers in the same situation.

@Darbs76 that's really kind of you. A school my friends' kids go to are going to Iceland. I wonder if you know them?!

Have the scout group not provided you with a list of kit needed?

I'm getting ahead. I'm sure there'll be s list but as previous people have said, I'm looking for all the needed stuff and advice from those who know!

Try to find your style and fit in the shops then looking on eBay for the same make and size. So many people think they have the right boot but after a few wears realise they aren’t right, but because they are so expensive try to recoup some of the money by selling on. I had to do this with a pair of Scarpa B2 boots once I realised I was a La Sportiva foot. Try and go for Goretex if possible - will keep feet dry. Look in Trespass and Millets for cheaper kit - I got waterproof over trousers for about a fiver and they’ve lasted me several years. Try not to scrimp on socks - Bridgedale are great, and don’t smell. Cotswold Outdoor always have sale stuff going on, and discount heavily for clubs, NHS public sector, NUS, etc. Try using this discount code - AF-BMC-M1 - it’s the BMC membership code for 15% off non-sale stuff. Finally, if you’re in the North West try Winfields of Haslingden - not as cheap as they used to be but still plenty of bargains. Also see if you can hire rather than buy - lots of trekking outfits recommend hiring a better standard of kit rather than purchasing a lower spec. You can even hire boots, sleeping bags, and down jackets.

And, as a tip on snacks from my mate who is an outdoor instructor and leads loads of DofE expeds, she takes a ziplock bag with her special trail mix in - Haribo, salted peanuts, and a mix of different M&Ms, all in the same bag. Replaces all your salt and sugars when you need a lift and much nicer than energy bars. Maybe sneak a bag in his backpack :-)

Hi OP I am just getting rid of Waterproof that would be perfect size! If you pm me your address I will send.

You lot are so helpful. Thank you!!