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Feb 2021
12:53pm, 27 Feb 2021
271 posts
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southcoastclaret
re the DofE comments - whilst I agree many DofE students take far too much stuff, I have to disagree with some of the comments on here.
Depends of what level they are doing, but anyone taking out Gold groups will by definition had to have had a decent amount of wild camping experience in order to get the qualification needed to supervise the groups.
Whilst I am sure some people do get put off by carrying very heavy loads, but I can't tell you how many letters and cards I have had from students and parents about how they have been inspired to go on and do further adventures, and that DofE had given them a taste for it, and a confidence that venturing out is within their capabilities. I haven't kept a record, but if I had to hazard a guess I reckon it is well over 90% who look back on their experience as a challenging but very positive experience.
BTW DofE guidance is that students should carry no more than 25% of their own bodyweight. The difficulty is balancing giving young people a taste of the great outdoors without them paying out a fortune in ultralight gear, and therefore making it only accessible to the wealthy (that, and the battle with kids and parents to understand what they really need). We believe in experiential learning, and it is amazing how much lighter their packs are on their qualifying expedition compared to their practice!
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Feb 2021
3:30pm, 27 Feb 2021
19,848 posts
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Rosehip
My three all did silver and daughter did the hiking for gold but didn't finish the whole thing before she went off to uni - they would all agree about it being a challenging and positive experience. I think the younger two will get back into hiking and camping later - as I did.
I've just done a quick tally of the weight of my base kit (pack/tent/mat/bag/cook system/groundchair) and I'm up to 7kg
- I could make enough of a saving with a much lighter - and therefore more expensive rucksack to offset the weight of carrying my groundchair and even more with a proper lightweight tent - but that gets very costly!
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Feb 2021
7:22pm, 27 Feb 2021
13,933 posts
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Homer
Roll on spring
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Feb 2021
7:37pm, 27 Feb 2021
19,855 posts
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Rosehip
That looks glorious 
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Feb 2021
7:58pm, 27 Feb 2021
49,146 posts
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Derby Tup
Roll on spring indeed
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Feb 2021
8:06pm, 27 Feb 2021
19,856 posts
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Rosehip
Feb 2019
- mum is asking for another trip for her 81st in April, she's not that keen on the idea of hiking with a tent though.
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Feb 2021
8:08pm, 27 Feb 2021
13,934 posts
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Homer
Nice pics
Catseye Cym DT?
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Feb 2021
8:10pm, 27 Feb 2021
4,389 posts
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K5 Gus
My favourite ever camping spot, high on Sgurr na Ciche looking down Loch Quoich :-)
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Feb 2021
8:10pm, 27 Feb 2021
4,390 posts
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K5 Gus
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Feb 2021
8:12pm, 27 Feb 2021
49,147 posts
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Derby Tup
Homer yes. We’d bivvyed by Sticks Pass on an amazing August night. I’ve never seen so many shooting stars
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