Lucy on her Duke of Edinburg Award

What does a teenager like to wear on a DofE expedition?

Craghoppers Ambassador, Lucy Grayston, recommends her favourite pieces to take on a DofE expedition.

As a teenager, I’m quite fussy with what I wear.

I still want to look fashionable, especially amongst my friends on my DofE expedition. At the same time, I need functional gear that’s going to help me handle whatever the Great British weather and environment have in store for me on my expedition. These are two of my favourite items of kit from Craghoppers.

I love this fleece, it fits well, great material and is so comfy! I recommend it to anyone- for walking or just for around the house, its great!

Women's Miska VI Half Zip Fleece | Dusky Hibiscus

This velvet-feel microfleece top is one of our best sellers all year round for good reason. The classic design features a half-zip fastening – perfect for slipping on when the temperature cools. An easy-care insulating layer in a rainbow's-worth of seasonal colourways. Made from 100% recycled microfleece. Half-zip 260g Size Model is 5'9 and wears a size 10
Women's Miska VI Half Zip Fleece | Dusky Hibiscus

A fleece is an essential bit of kit you need when out on the hills. It’s easy to throw on when it gets a little chilly! The fleece is lightweight, so my rucksack is not any heavier than it needs to be. It’s also easy to dry so if I get caught in the rain (which is very likely doing a DofE expedition in the UK). I know that my fleece will dry quickly, so I won’t have to worry about being cold for long. It acts as an excellent mid-layer since it’s easy to apply more layers on top as it’s not big or bulky. The fleece is incredibly soft, so comfortable to wear and makes a comfortable pillow at night!

I love the look of this fleece: both the colours blend well. What I also really liked was the elasticated cuffs making it look more attractive and sporty. It also meant that the end of my sleeves was less likely to get wet or dirty. Along with this, the elasticated sleeves helped to keep me warm by allowing less cold air in and keeping the warm air inside.

Just the shirt I looked for to wear for walking in warm sunny climes. The fabric is robust and protective yet comfortable against the skin. It is a lovely shade of blue. I found it easy to turn up the sleeves and to use the handy pockets. I like the neat collar and close fit which means it’s comfortable to wear another layer on top in cooler weather. Definitely worth what I initially thought was a high price.

Women's NosiLife Adventure Long Sleeved Shirt III | Wild Olive

Tailor made for your next adventure, this easy-care shirt is perfectly suited to the trail. Incorporating plant-based NosiLife insect-repellent treatment and UV protection, it also offers great performance and fit. Quick-drying, anti-odour and easy-care for fresh, fuss-free travel. Zip'n'Clip security pocket Sun protective collar Vented back Sunglasses wipe Drying loops Wicking mesh cooling inner collar Modesty button 4 pockets UPF 40+ sun-protection / N/A Seasalt 205g Technology NOSILIFE: Our new and improved insect repellent & odour elimination treatment is built into our fabric and offers outstanding defence against biting insects. The renewable plant-based treatment lasts the lifetime of the garment. SOLAR SHIELD: SolarShield fabric technology has been tried and tested to give you UPF40+ protection from harmful UV rays. Size Model is 5'9 and wears a size 10
Women's NosiLife Adventure Long Sleeved Shirt III | Wild Olive

What you wear does make a difference to how you feel and the enjoyment of your adventure. When I’m dressed in this shirt, I feel like a real explorer out in the wild on a safari! This shirt has adventure written all over it! The neutral colour works well with my walking trousers, and the feminine fit gives a flattering look.

As well as looking good it has a lot of technical features that make it perfect for adventuring. When you are outside walking through bogs, grasslands, or sitting outside at night by your tent, there is no getting away from the pesky insect bites, so I was incredibly grateful for the Nosilife Insect Repellent, which helped to keep the little irritating bugs at bay!

Marching over hills in the sun you soon get warm carrying a large heavy rucksack. The ventilation feature certainly helped me to stay more comfortable. It also helped protect me from the sun (yes, the sun did make an appearance in Wales!!) as its a light cover up with a collar to protect your neck. The shirt is extremely comfortable to wear and very light so folds down to a tiny size to fit in your rucksack, and it appears just as good the next day – no creases – how good is that?!

Shop the Craghoppers NosiLife Adventure Long Sleeved Shirt here.

Both these items are great bits of DofE expedition kit that proved their worth on my trips and made it more enjoyable.

Are you interested in starting a DofE Challenge of your own?Discover our partnership and learn how you can get involved here.

ch_uk-Blog - Author - Bradley Stacey

Bradley Stacey

Based in Lancashire, Brad enjoys weekend getaways in his well travelled camper van, exploring Scotland, Wales and everything in-between.

Publish Date: 16/09/2016