Gear

Hells bells.

I haven't bought a sack in years coz the damn things are so complicated. Clip the camera pouch to the haul loop behind my head coz it doesn't move there, I can't feel it and I can get the camera out easily. all other straps chopped off

mattsccm wrote (see)

While we are here, why oh why can't the Dof E organisation train their kids to pack a sack properly.

I don't think that the problem is a lack of packing skills. 

The huge kit lists prescribed by the organisers, combined with the fact that most kids (or their parents) can't afford lightweight alternatives, mean that even a 65L load-hauler can't contain all the kit.  Hence you get loads of bits hanging off DofE packs.

I'm sure we've all encountered a column of DofE walkers, slogging along, looking like refugees fleeing from the Wehrmacht.  I always expect to see a bloke bringing up the rear, pushing a wooden handcart.

Seriously, I do wonder how many kids are put off from backpacking entirely as a result of their DofE experiences.