Coping with limited luxury on DofE expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions are not designed to be on a par with a luxury spa experience. The experience is designed to challenge you through learning and exploring outside of your comfort zone. However for many participants, the thought of not showering and spending a significant chunk of time feeling a little damp can feel a little overwhelming. In our experience, the often nervously-anticipated expedition is never as bad as one assumes and participants describe feelings of pride, satisfaction, and newfound confidence once everything is said and done.

There are, however, things you can do to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the expedition ahead, coping with limited luxury and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

• Set your expectations early in the process. Aim to accept that, for a short time, your clothes may be damp, your food quite basic and you may be more tired than usual. When you expect something, it helps you mentally prepare. This helps you to frame the experience as something that is designed to benefit you in different ways. Your tiredness is from experiencing a brilliant adventure, your food is fuelling you and will be a welcomed treat following your day’s efforts.   
• Focus on the small comforts that are available. On an expedition, it’s the little comforts that can often feel like true luxuries. For me, a face wash and a dry pair of socks tick this box. It may be a warm drink in the evening or the moment of sitting down after a long day. Even cheap cereal bars can taste nice when you’re up a hill with a fantastic view. 

• Routine creates rest. When exerting yourself on expedition, you need to maximise your opportunity for rest. Creating basic routes to help you feel settled and organised helps give you bigger pockets of rest later on. For example, get changed as soon as you can into some ‘camp clothes’. They may become less desirable as the expedition goes on but will always be more appealing than your walking ones. Aim to tidy your kit before going to sleep. This small act will make the morning much easier and may give you some time to have an extra cup of tea (a luxury!) before you set off.  
• Find joy in the simplicity. In a world that is overrun with consumption, comparison and choice. Take pride in the simplicity of the whole experience. Everything you need for the duration is in your rucksack. On top of that, you’re moving yourself and your equipment under your own power. Totally self-sufficient. It’s rare to experience this simplicity in modern society so enjoy it while you can.

• Remember that it is only temporary. The experience will make you appreciate things even more when you are back home. I know I appreciate something as simple as switching on a kettle after time away on an expedition. 
• Be aware of the other team members and their morale. Do your bit to keep morale high. Share snacks, tell stories, sing... Anything that lifts the mood will be good for all who are there and often they make the best memories. Plus, being able to raise spirits and keep people motivated is a hugely powerful skill to practice.  

I once heard the phrase ‘Comfort is nice, capability is better’ and it struck a chord with me. The expedition may be a tough experience for many reasons, but it is there to show you that you can do more than you think. 

What top tips do you have for getting comfortable with limited luxuries on expedition or in the outdoors? Or do you see the outdoor experience as a luxury in itself?