This phrase suggests that this is strictly a raiding party, a military expedition on its way to Laish. But later the story will show this to be mistaken. This is actually a family expedition, one that includes women and children, as well as livestock and goods (Judges 18:21). The armed men have to lead and protect this body of humans and animals along the way.
11 So 600 men of the tribe of Dan, armed with weapons of war, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol,