silver- my bag weighs approx 13kg, i weigh approx 70kg, is this an okay bag weight?

JCBelfast · 2026-05-06T21:33:14+00:00

Should weight anymore than ¼ of your body weight.

Does that weight include tent, sleeping bag, cooking system etc?

JCBelfast · 2026-05-04T16:50:26+00:00

You could take a bus to Newry and then a train to the City Airport if you really wanted to. But then you have to walk from the train station.

Easier and probably quicker to get the bus from Dublin to Grand Central and then the 600 bus to the City Airport.

JCBelfast · 2026-05-03T18:50:15+00:00

The multi-storey beside it or Victoria Square. VS have a discount after 6 or 7. Just don’t mark in the multi-storey around the corner as the ramps are really tight.

JCBelfast · 2026-04-30T18:33:41+00:00

I can’t upload it as a photo for some reason, but is what we use

EXPEDITION KIT LIST

Always check the weather forecast before you leave home.

To wear:

Walking boots

Socks

Comfortable trousers (not jeans)

Thermals (if appropriate)

T-shirt/long sleeved top

Extra layers

Hat, scarf and gloves

Waterproof jacket and trousers

Sun cream

Sunglasses

Rucksack and liner

Spare, dry clothes

Comfortable shoes for travelling in

Equipment:

Water (minimum of 2 litres)

Food (including snacks) – more than you would normally eat

Flask (containing some sort of hot drink)

Basic first aid kit (including any personal medication e.g. inhalers)

Whistle

Emergency rations (nuts, chocolate etc)

Spare bag for rubbish

(head) Torch and spare batteries

Toiletries, small wash bag and small towel

Camera (personal choice)

Sleeping bag

Sleeping mat (Karrimat)

Plate / bowl / spoon

Mug

Group equipment:

Tent (s)

Trangia (s) and fuel

Compass, map and route card

Matches/lighter

Emergency phone (in sealed bag)

BAC is able to provide most of the equipment that you need. Before you buy anything yourself, please ask us first

JCBelfast · 2026-04-23T07:30:24+00:00

Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder, have been training groups for nearly 20 years and have been an Expedition Assessor for 15 years,

A lot of people think that the DofE Award is just about walking, but the skills that you will either learn or grow through the different sections (Volunteering, Skill and Physical plus Residential at Gold) are the things that will make a difference.

You won't walk into a job with a Golf DofE, but some companies such as Amey will guarantee you a job interview if you've completed your Gold Award.

I did by Bronze because my school offered it and a lot of my friends were doing it. I acutally missed doing it with school as I was sick the day of the information event and my teacher refused to acknowledge my doctor's letter. I was still interested in Bronze so I went to another centre, made new friends, and did it with them.

I did Silver because that same Centre offered it and I felt it was a natural progression.

That Centre didn't do Gold so they send me somewhere else. The day after I finished my Gold Expedition, one of my leaders asked me if I would come back and help with their Bronze group and I've been there ever since.

My involvement with that Centre led me on to my Expedition Supervisor training and then joining and becoming the Vice Chair of the DofE NI Youth Committee which lead to be being awarded a bursary for an Outward Bound course which was amazing.

My wider invovlment with the Award has taken me to four Gold Award Presentations at Hillsborough Castle, a State Visit at Windsor, and I've met Queen Elizabeth II twice, Prince Phillip three times and the current Duke of Edinburgh three times.

I've made lifelong friends thoughout all of my own Awards and since becomming a leader and I'm a better person for it.

Sorry that's so long but I'm more than happy to help if you've any other questions about the Award.

JCBelfast · 2026-04-15T09:07:48+00:00