Hints and tips for your next expedition

Get ready to explore nature with these top tips from GO Outdoors on how best to fit your rucksack, re-proof waterproofs, and more. 

Whatever your next adventure outdoors looks like, there’s always lots of things to think about. Whether it’s planning what food to pack or working out which sleeping bag to bring.  

3 top tips

To help answer some of these questions, we’re profiling our 3 favourite recommendations from GO Outdoors’ Bundle Guide Hints and Tips for expeditions advice booklet. You can find all 10 recommendations in the full leaflet, which you can download here, and don't forget Girlguiding members save at least 10% at GO Outdoors online and in-store!

How to fit a rucksack 

There are 5 steps to fitting a rucksack properly: 

1. Check the comfort of your pack and loosen all the straps on it. 
2. Starting at the bottom clip the hipbelt. Ensure the hipbelt is over the hips and the pads are touching the hips right in the centre. Tighten the straps to ensure the hipbelt takes most of the weight. Beware not to put too much pressure on your stomach but tighten it enough so that it takes the load. 
3. Adjust shoulder straps so that the pack feels secure and comfortable. 
4. Position and clip together the chest strap so that it’s secure but not too tight. They should allow for some stretch and movement.  
5. If your rucksack has top tensioners, tighten these to help pull the pack closer to your shoulders. These are sometimes referred to as ‘magic straps’ as they help to distribute the weight effectively across your hips. For a great backpack check out the Eurohike Ratio 18 Daypack.

Navigating your way using land features 

You can always use a compass like the Silva Classic Compass to navigate on your expedition. But if you don’t want to use a real compass or the one on your phone a great alternative is using your eyesight to orientate your map.  

• First, locate yourself next to a feature or landmark and place your finger on the map at the point where you’re standing. Then begin to rotate the map so that other features and landmarks on the map begin to line up with the actual ones you can see.  
• The map is now orientated with the land, although not as accurately as it would using a compass.  

Handy tip: you can look at something in the distance that lines up with your travel arrow, and then head toward this.  

How to re-proof waterproofs 

Dirt and oil can clog up the breathable membrane found in many waterproof jackets, making it feel as though water is getting through the fabric. After washing your jacket here is how you can re-proof it: 

1. Spray a waterproofing product such as the NikWax Tech Wash evenly on the outside of the jacket from approximately 15-20cm away. Hanging the jacket on a washing line when spraying the proofer will help maintain an even coating. 
2. Check the jacket carefully to ensure no areas of the fabric have been missed. 
3. Wipe off any excess with a damp cloth. 
4. Allow the jacket to dry naturally. 
5. For high abrasion areas such as the elbows and shoulders, it’s recommended that a second coat of proofer is put on. 

Find out more and book a free kit talk

Download the digital version of the full Bundle Guide Hints and Tips for expeditions booklet to use. And next time you're in a GO Outdoors store, why not ask about the free kit talks that staff give to Girlguiding units to get your girls completely prepared. Or contact your local store to find out more.  

Use your discount 

Don’t forget about your discount. To support with your outdoor adventures, Girlguiding members can save at least 10% at GO Outdoors online and in-store. 

Get your discount from the member benefits area of GO, our membership system.