I felt good at the end of it

DofE kit is not there to make an expedition look dramatic. It is there so students can stay calm, comfortable and capable while ordinary outdoor problems keep appearing.

The useful kit was the simple stuff: waterproofs that were easy to reach, a rucksack packed properly, spare layers that stayed dry and first aid basics that did not disappear to the bottom of the bag.

The story is exactly the point of DofE. A bit nervous, a bit funny, occasionally too close to a field of cows, and much better when the group has the right kit with them.