Nikwax has proudly been in partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) for nearly 10 years. Through our partnership we take joy in supporting and helping young people discover, enjoy and respect the great outdoors. Enjoyment of our natural environment and environmental responsibility has always been at the core of the Nikwax philosophy, which is why our partnership has been so successful.
Learning to respect our environment is vital for its protection, which is especially significant at a time when there is a climate crisis. The work that the DofE do in teaching the next generation how to enjoy and respect the great outdoors is essential. With this knowledge they will be able to help protect the outdoors we all love, continue to enjoy it for years to come and eventually pass the knowledge on. Additionally, getting outdoors in the fresh air is key to personal growth and very important for mental health and wellbeing. Disconnecting from the busy world we all live in and reconnecting with nature, ourselves and each other is a refreshing challenge, one which both Nikwax and the DofE love to embrace.
The DofE highlight certain Nikwax products on their Recommended Kit list. We are proud of our DofE Recommended Kit status and support the charity by donating a proportion of DofE recommended Nikwax product sales. Our DofE recommended products have the DofE logo in a prominent position on the Nikwax bottle label – this helps when parents and participants are shopping for their expedition, so keep your eyes peeled!
DofE Recommended Nikwax Products
Tech Wash®
TX.Direct®
Footwear Cleaning Gel
Fabric and Leather Proof
Nubuck and Suede Proof
Tent and Gear Solarproof®
Nikwax Top 10 Expedition Tips!
- Weather
Check the weather forecast to ensure you pack the correct clothing and equipment. It is best not to start out wearing all of your layers; once you get moving you’ll warm up, you can then add or remove layers until you’re comfortable. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. - Preparation
Walking in wet clothing and footwear is miserable. Putting damp clothes and footwear on the next day can be even more disheartening. Make sure you prep your kit with Nikwax before your expedition to stay dry and warm. - Food is fuel
Plan your recipes in advance with your team. You’ll be on the move pretty much all day, so you need to keep your energy up. Only bring food that you like to eat! Make up zip lock bags with the correct amount of tea/coffee/sugar/milk powder for a single cup, empty the contents of the bag into a mug, then simply add hot water at the camp site and enjoy. - Equipment
It is sensible to share expedition equipment within your team, liaise with them so you can pack smart. It won’t be necessary for you all to bring cleaning bits to wash your portable stove. Divide and conquer. - Kit
Kit doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does needs to be good quality. Weather protection is vital, so consider the four ‘Ws’: wicking, warming, waterproofing and windproofing. The right expedition boots and socks are imperative as no other kit will have a greater impact on your enjoyment of the expedition. Expedition boots should be fitted, and you should wear them-in to help reduce blistering. - Respect your countryside
We all have a responsibility to protect the countryside for others and for future generations. Stick to the pathways, leaves gates as you find them, respect livestock and protect our environment by leaving no litter behind. Leave no trace. - Pack
Learn how to pack your bag in advance and don’t overload yourself, less if often better. Keep your waterproofs at the top of your rucksack for ease of access! Use the DofE kit list to tick off as you go. - Hydrate
Everyone needs to carry enough water on expedition to see them through the day; generally two litres per person, more on a hot day. By the time you feel thirsty it’s too late. Drink little and often. - Positivity
The mood of your expedition group will vary throughout the day depending on the weather, terrain, if you’re lost, and tiredness. Staying positive will help keep the mood light and the end goal won’t seem so impossible. - Enjoy!
Make sure to take regular breaks, stop for lunch in a sheltered area, enjoy the views, take photos and enjoy the time with your teammates. Sing, play games, learn about each other, or tell stories. Tough but rewarding, you will remember your expedition forever.
More about the DofE
The DofE is a youth-achievement charity who work with organisations across the UK to help young people gain essential skills, experience, confidence and resilience. They engage, inspire and empower over 460,000 young people from a variety of backgrounds. Nikwax helps to support and promote the DofE’s goals and visions. Their current aim is to reach more young people from diverse backgrounds to equip them to succeed in life, something that Nikwax wholly supports.
They have different levels of programmes (Bronze, Silver and Gold) which are open to anyone aged 14-24. The programmes involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition. The DofE emphasise that “Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries”.
Taking part in a DofE programme is a life-changing experience, participants will have fun with friends, and have the opportunity to discover new interests and talents. They will develop essential skills for both life and work. Gaining a DofE award is recognised as a mark of achievement and respected by employers.