What should I wear under my waterproofs?
Layering your clothing helps you manage your temperature on your journey and keeps you comfortable in all weathers.
You can experience sun, wind, and rain all in one expedition, so a multi-purpose scarf or hat can also be a useful addition to your kit.
Underneath your waterproofs you’ll want a lightweight middle layer, such as fleece, to keep you warm and insulated. Under that, you’ll need a breathable and tight-fitting base layer to absorb moisture away from your body.
Remember – avoid cotton and denim! They let heat escape, get heavy when wet and dry slowly, so no jeans or joggers.
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended technical clothing is breathable and lightweight. It’s designed with a specific role in mind.
The wicking layer (also known as the base layer) is worn closest to your body to help move moisture and sweat away from the skin, regulating your temperature.
Craghoppers Charon Short Sleeve T-Shirt – Men’s
- Lightweight
- Moisture control
- Quick drying fabric
VIEW Men’s Charon Short Sleeve T-SHIRT
Craghoppers Ellie Short Sleeve T-Shirt – Women’s
- Lightweight
- Moisture control
- Quick drying fabric
VIEW Women’s Ellie Short Sleeve T-SHIRT
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended technical clothing is breathable and lightweight. It’s designed with a specific role in mind.
Working with the wicking layer, the mid layer provides insulation, directing heat back into your body and preventing cold air from cooling you down.
Craghoppers Travos Hooded Jacket – Men’s
- Insulating
- Recycled materials
- Zipped security pocket
- Full length zip
- 2 pockets
- Reflective detail
VIEW MEN’S TRAVOS HOODED JACKET
Craghoppers Esk Hooded Half Zip – Women’s
- Insulated
- Recycled materials
- Half-zip
VIEW WOMEN’S ESK HOODED HALF ZIP
Craghoppers Esk Half Zip Fleece – Men’s
- Insulating
- Recycled materials
- Half-zip
Craghoppers Tarvos Jacket – Women’s
- Insulating
- Recycled materials
- Zipped security pocket
- Full length zip
- 2 pockets
- Reflective detail
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended technical clothing is breathable and lightweight, including walking trousers. It’s designed for a specific role and layer.
You will be walking in the countryside, up hills, and in all weathers so your trousers must be flexible. Remember, no jeans or joggers.
Craghoppers Brisk Trousers – Men’s
- Heel tape
- Fixed waist
- 3 pockets
- UPF 50+ sun-protection
- Water repellent
- Recycled materials
Craghoppers Brisk Shorts – Men’s
- Fixed waist
- 3 pockets
- UPF 50+ sun-protection
- Water repellent
- Recycled materials
Craghoppers Mimas Trousers – Women’s
- Zipped security pocket
- Heel tape
- Fixed waist
- 4 pockets
- UPF 50+ sun-protection
- Water repellent
- Recyled materials
Craghoppers Alex Leggings – Women’s
- Stretch fabric for flexibility
- Fixed waist with gripper fabric
- UPF 40+ sun-protection
- Water repellent
- Recyled materials
- Try to avoid anything that holds moisture when wet. It will weigh you down and won’t keep you warm.
- Every bit of space counts in your rucksack. Make sure whatever you take is lightweight and packs down small.
- Use neckwear as a face mask to protect against midges.
- Heel tape on trousers gives extra durability when they run against your boots.
- Craghoppers recommended DofE clothing has a lifetime guarantee.
- You can substitute these products for loose fitting long sleeve tops or long lightweight trousers – but avoid cotton, jeans and tracksuit bottoms.
- Depending on the weather and when and where your expedition is, think about what you should bring. It’s unlikely you’ll need a winter hat for summer expeditions.
- Use your DofE Card to save at least 10% on expedition kit at our recommended retailers.
What to wear on your expedition poster
Whatever the weather, know what clothes are going to be best to pack to keep you comfortable.
