Question about packing list and boots?

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callim

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Feb 22, 2024
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Admittedly fluff and not super important question but...I read the packing list for appointees and was curious. It mentions men must bring razors and it made me wonder, can women not bring personal care products outside of what is specifically listed? For example, razors for legs, moisturizer, sunscreen, hair dryer, maybe a couple other products that aren't "makeup" but are related to skincare but also aren't considered "essential". Is it a given that you can bring a small amount of items not listed? Or maybe not? Do you go without anything for the 6 weeks and then can have these type of items after BCT? Also, I did do a search but I was wondering if anyone has boot recommendations for as lightweight and comfy as possible. Willing to splurge on this. I know what I'm committing to and could survive with nothing and I don't "need" these things but if I can have them I would definitely choose to. : )
Thank you for any info!!
 
My son got Oakley Light Assault 2 in coyote brown from Amazon. He will start BCT this summer but his USAFA friend there recommended them. Son just this morning took a 5 mile run in them to test and said they're great. I believe they will be issued another pair on I-Day which may be good for Jacks Valley. If you look on the packing list it does seem like common sense items could be packed (some of the items you noted are listed.) Even though I have a son, I imagine other appropriate toiletry items (though not excessive) can be packed or purchased at the store on site so planning on travel size to get him started - if he doesn't need or can't keep what he brought, so be it, he can pitch it. DS plans to pack his stuff in gallon ziploc bags to keep things organized for the BCT.
 
My DS CL27 got Nike SFB Gen 2 and he loves it. It is light and good for daily wear. The issued boots are heavy and the Cadre told my son to use them at Jack's since he will get wet. Since space is limited in the backpack, bring only travel pack size toiletries. There's a cadet store at Vandenburg Hall that they can go during the first few days to buy essential items that they need. Electric toothbrush and razors was sent to him after A-day or during Parents Weekend.
 
callim said:
Admittedly fluff and not super important question but...I read the packing list for appointees and was curious. It mentions men must bring razors and it made me wonder, can women not bring personal care products outside of what is specifically listed? For example, razors for legs, moisturizer, sunscreen, hair dryer, maybe a couple other products that aren't "makeup" but are related to skincare but also aren't considered "essential". Is it a given that you can bring a small amount of items not listed? Or maybe not? Do you go without anything for the 6 weeks and then can have these type of items after BCT? Also, I did do a search but I was wondering if anyone has boot recommendations for as lightweight and comfy as possible. Willing to splurge on this. I know what I'm committing to and could survive with nothing and I don't "need" these things but if I can have them I would definitely choose to. : )
Thank you for any info!!
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For BCT (Basic Cadet Training), they have very little time for hair drying, shaving legs, etc. Stick to the packing list & bring travel sized shampoos, etc. On I-day, they will be carrying everything in their left hand (you salute with the right). They will be given a large duffle bag to fill with boots, uniforms, etc. It can get very heavy. The only thing I would recommend bringing besides what's on the list is a few pairs of compression shorts (white or black). This is for modesty (the PT shorts have large leg openings) and to help prevent chafing which can sometimes happen with their OCPs (think camos).

Your basic cadet will be taken to the cadet store to purchase full sized personal items during the first week of BCT

If you decide to visit on Acceptance Day, you can bring some items like a blow dryer. Please hold off mailing packages until a few weeks into the academic year. Many cadets order books and school supplies & the mailroom struggles to handle the load at the start of each semester.
 
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JacoAZ said:
My son got Oakley Light Assault 2 in coyote brown from Amazon. He will start BCT this summer but his USAFA friend there recommended them. Son just this morning took a 5 mile run in them to test and said they're great. I believe they will be issued another pair on I-Day which may be good for Jacks Valley. If you look on the packing list it does seem like common sense items could be packed (some of the items you noted are listed.) Even though I have a son, I imagine other appropriate toiletry items (though not excessive) can be packed or purchased at the store on site so planning on travel size to get him started - if he doesn't need or can't keep what he brought, so be it, he can pitch it. DS plans to pack his stuff in gallon ziploc bags to keep things organized for the BCT.
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Thank you so much! I will check out the boots and ziplocs are a great idea for packing! Appreciate your input!
 
Walking Tall said:
My DS CL27 got Nike SFB Gen 2 and he loves it. It is light and good for daily wear. The issued boots are heavy and the Cadre told my son to use them at Jack's since he will get wet. Since space is limited in the backpack, bring only travel pack size toiletries. There's a cadet store at Vandenburg Hall that they can go during the first few days to buy essential items that they need. Electric toothbrush and razors was sent to him after A-day or during Parents Weekend.
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Okay thank you so much! Definitely will check out the boots and appreciate the info!
 
SpiritCommitteeLiaison said:
For BCT (Basic Cadet Training), they have very little time for hair drying, shaving legs, etc. Stick to the packing list & bring travel sized shampoos, etc. On I-day, they will be carrying everything in their left hand (you salute with the right). They will be given a large duffle bag to fill with boots, uniforms, etc. It can get very heavy. The only thing I would recommend bringing besides what's on the list is a few pairs of compression shorts (white or black). This is for modesty (the PT shorts have large leg openings) and to help prevent chafing which can sometimes happen with their OCPs (think camos).

Your basic cadet will be taken to the cadet store to purchase full sized personal items during the first week of BCT

If you decide to visit on Acceptance Day, you can bring some items like a blow dryer. Please hold off mailing packages until a few weeks into the academic year. Many cadets order books and school supplies & the mailroom struggles to handle the load at the start of each semester.
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Great info, thank you! I remember hearing about compression shorts during SS but needed the reminder. Thanks for clearing up the packing info!
 
I would stick to the packing list as closely as possible, but 4 or 5 pairs of compression shorts (DS did not bring them but the girls do use them). I'm pretty sure that sunscreen is issued. Sending some stamps is also good because they sometimes run out at the store.

Also, check out Danner for boots. Mine likes Danner Tachyon.
 
Osprey123 said:
I would stick to the packing list as closely as possible, but 4 or 5 pairs of compression shorts (DS did not bring them but the girls do use them). I'm pretty sure that sunscreen is issued. Sending some stamps is also good because they sometimes run out at the store.

Also, check out Danner for boots. Mine likes Danner Tachyon.
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These are the boots my son got and loves.
 
Danner tachyons all the way, have held up almost 2 years now including all of basic. Lighter than my sneakers.
 
We bought our son Danner Tanicus boots, which he loved during the warmer weather. Once it got cold out there, we sent him a pair of Merrell MQC Thermo Gortex boots. His squad had a training session in the cold and his feet never even got chilled! He loved both sets and likes having the flexibility depending on the weather, which changes by the day in Colo Spgs!
 
Osprey123 said:
I would stick to the packing list as closely as possible, but 4 or 5 pairs of compression shorts (DS did not bring them but the girls do use them). I'm pretty sure that sunscreen is issued. Sending some stamps is also good because they sometimes run out at the store.

Also, check out Danner for boots. Mine likes Danner Tachyon.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
Sebship said:
We bought our son Danner Tanicus boots, which he loved during the warmer weather. Once it got cold out there, we sent him a pair of Merrell MQC Thermo Gortex boots. His squad had a training session in the cold and his feet never even got chilled! He loved both sets and likes having the flexibility depending on the weather, which changes by the day in Colo Spgs!
Click to expand...
Thank you! Makes sense to two if possible! Dumb question but are these boots pretty much what you wear almost every day?
 
callim said:
Thank you! Makes sense to two if possible! Dumb question but are these boots pretty much what you wear almost every day?
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It depends on the UOD (Uniform of the Day). If wearing OPC or flight suits, then yes, you wear boots.
 
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