Money-Saving Kit Tips

As expedition season approaches it's also time to start thinking about kit...what will you need, how much extra will you need to fundraise to buy it, could you borrow any of it from your friends...or could you put that new headtorch or permethrin treated mosquito net on your Christmas wish list??

Getting kit for travelling to the far flung corners of the world can be an expensive business, which is why it's important to think carefully about what you need and how you spend your money. Here's a few tips to help:

1. What do you already have? Immediately tick off all those items you already have, even if they've been crushed at the back of your drawer for a while. This usually includes fleeces, t-shirts, tracksuit bottoms and shorts.

2. What can you borrow? Have any of your family and friends spent lots of time in the outdoors and have kit they would be willing to lend you? Do you know anyone that does a lot of travelling? Does your school have a Duke of Edinburgh group (or similar) that may have kit you can borrow or rent? Ask around...but be careful with the items you borrow!

3. Once you've asked everyone you should be left with a list of things you need to buy...have a look on the internet and compare prices of different shops- and keep an eye on the sales! Have a look at the quality (especially for walking boots and rucksacks!) but bear in mind- are you going to use it again afterwards? If so it may be worth getting something more hardwearing. If not, perhaps something cheaper. Remember your Cotswold discount card as well!

And lastly a few more money-saving kit tips:

- you don't need to spend out on lots of 'drybags' to waterproof your kit, you can also use sandwich bags, plastic bags or rubble sacks to keep everything dry.

- look in army surplus stores for some bargains

- instead of taking lots of toiletries buy some 'all-purpose soap' which you can use as shampoo, bodywash, soap and clothes wash
- instead of buying a sleeping bag liner you can use a bed sheet- does the same job!
- often first aid kits can be expensive and contain lots of things you don't need- make your own instead

And most importantly...if you have any queries about an item of kit contact World Challenge! There are plenty of kit boffs in the office who will be happy to discuss the use, price and quality of any item you're thinking of buying!

...or hot and humid?

And remember, are you heading somewhere
cold and dry...