What Else to Pack + Bring to I-Day?

2026

2026

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Feb 27, 2021
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158
Hello all!
Question: my DS has the list of what to "hand carry" outside of his luggage for I-Day. We are a bit confused: what else is he going to have to pack + bring? If he can fit all of the items on the list in his backpack, will he have to bring anything else? He does not have another packing list in his portal or anything...just not sure what else there is or what that incoming cadet was carrying in his BIG BOX o_O
 
They don't need much. You can bring a few more things at parents weekend. We knew my DS's sponsor, so we prepositioned some things at their house.
 
T-37IP said:
They don't need much. You can bring a few more things at parents weekend. We knew my DS's sponsor, so we prepositioned some things at their house.
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Ok great -but is what's on the list all they need for drop off? Like you said and others have noted, we can bring things like monitor, sleeping pad, pics? etc during A-Day or Parent's Weekend....just want to know if he needs anything else or what else people bring that fills up their luggage and boxes?
Thanks!
 
Last year DS stuck to the list and it was exactly correct, everything else is issued. USAFA has been doing this for a long time and, generally, have it down to a science. Just follow the appointee handbook and it will be fine.
 
So can the cadet bring a "hand carry" outside the luggage, and the luggage as well? Also, do the cadet need to bring two pairs of boots?
 
T-37IP said:
Last year DS stuck to the list and it was exactly correct, everything else is issued. USAFA has been doing this for a long time and, generally, have it down to a science. Just follow the appointee handbook and it will be fine.
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Did everything fit into a backpack?
And in the Appointee Booklet it says "We suggest you bring minimal civilian clothing"....so does that mean they can wear their shirt, shorts, etc on I-Day but have another shirt or 2 in their backpack/luggage?? :) I know its like splitting hairs but just want to have him be all set. We live in NY, we have no service academy experience and do not know anyone in town that can assist....just want to make sure all is set for him to start his journey with the LEAST problems as possible.
Guidance always appreciated!!
 
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Oliverdad said:
So can the cadet bring a "hand carry" outside the luggage, and the luggage as well? Also, do the cadet need to bring two pairs of boots?
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You bring your luggage and hand carry the other information. You don’t need to bring any boots, however it is recommended you bring a pair that is broken in.
 
You can see what was on the list last year here in the In-processing Checklist section: 2025-Appointee-Handbook.pdf Only other item my DS brought were black compression shorts which he preferred to the "whiteys" on the packing list. My DS wore his boots (only brought 1 pair) and packed his tennis shoes. We got him a black North Face Router backpack and it was perfect and he uses it for classes and trips home.
 
2026 said:
Did everything fit into a backpack?
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boymom43 said:
You can see what was on the list last year here in the In-processing Checklist section: 2025-Appointee-Handbook.pdf Only other item my DS brought were black compression shorts which he preferred to the "whiteys" on the packing list. My DS wore his boots (only brought 1 pair) and packed his tennis shoes. We got him a black North Face Router backpack and it was perfect and he uses it for classes and trips home.
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Thank you :)
 
2026 said:
Did everything fit into a backpack?
And in the Appointee Booklet it says "We suggest you bring minimal civilian clothing"....so does that mean they can wear their shirt, shorts, etc on I-Day but have another shirt or 2 in their backpack/luggage?? :) I know its like splitting hairs but just want to have him be all set. We live in NY, we have no service academy experience and do not know anyone in town that can assist....just want to make sure all is set for him to start his journey with the LEAST problems as possible.
Guidance always appreciated!!
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No civilian clothing is allowed to be worn until after Recognition in March. Everything will be official usafa issued gear, except for the t-shirts, underwear, bras indicated on the packing list. Extra clothes are unnecessary and will only take up space.

Our plan is to fit everything into a backpack...t-shirts, underwear, toiletries, paper, envelopes, stamps and athletic shoes. Hand carry required papers in envelope as instructed. He will wear boots on I-day with a pair of shorts and t-shirt. That's it.

Anything they bring they will be required to carry in the left hand, walking quickly, for several hours as they move between stations on I-day. Keep the weight of the bag minimal.
 
Just to be clear--- Only bring what's on the list, with only the possible addition of compression shorts, stamps, and blister bandaids. Box boy is a hilarious example of what not to do. Do not bring civilian clothes outside of what is on your back. You will not be allowed any civilian clothes until recognition in March. Everything should fit in the backpack. No luggage will be needed.
 
2026 said:
Did everything fit into a backpack?
And in the Appointee Booklet it says "We suggest you bring minimal civilian clothing"....so does that mean they can wear their shirt, shorts, etc on I-Day but have another shirt or 2 in their backpack/luggage?? :) I know its like splitting hairs but just want to have him be all set. We live in NY, we have no service academy experience and do not know anyone in town that can assist....just want to make sure all is set for him to start his journey with the LEAST problems as possible.
Guidance always appreciated!!
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Literally the clothes on their back. Wear the boots, and carry the shoes. A good handle on the backpack is a must, they will be lifting it and setting it down ALL DAY LONG! After A-day, they'll sort out stuff with their sponsor and begin to collect things. I know by rec, my son had so much "contraband" in his room, his coach was truly impressed! Again, during BCT, light and nimble. Compression shorts are highly encouraged. I would add, nothing cotton for underwear. Needs to be breathable. Watch this.
 
Momto5 said:
No civilian clothing is allowed to be worn until after Recognition in March. Everything will be official usafa issued gear, except for the t-shirts, underwear, bras indicated on the packing list. Extra clothes are unnecessary and will only take up space.

Our plan is to fit everything into a backpack...t-shirts, underwear, toiletries, paper, envelopes, stamps and athletic shoes. Hand carry required papers in envelope as instructed. He will wear boots on I-day with a pair of shorts and t-shirt. That's it.

Anything they bring they will be required to carry in the left hand, walking quickly, for several hours as they move between stations on I-day. Keep the weight of the bag minimal.
Click to expand...
This is helpful -thank you!! :)
 
No luggage…. Just the backpack with the items listed. If they travel alone, try to take only what they need for the day before and have it all fit in a black backpack or duffel. We only added glasses strap, moleskin, envelopes, paper, journal and small bible. Everything fit in the backpack with the boots tied outside the backpack. They’ll lock away civilian clothes, cell phone and chargers.
 
Clothes, shoes, cell phone, charger, wallet, toiletries, a bag to put them in, and whatever is on the packing list. Everything else needed is issued or available at the C-store.
 
My DS wears contacts, but it said no CONTACTS at all. So do they give him the glasses or can he wear his glasses?
 
Oliverdad said:
My DS wears contacts, but it said no CONTACTS at all. So do they give him the glasses or can he wear his glasses?
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Per the appointee handbook:
"If you wear eyeglasses or have worn eyeglasses in the past two years even if you do not regularly wear them, you MUST bring a pair with you to the Academy and have them with you on in-processing day."

More details and explanation on page 22 - 23 under the "Optical" heading.
 
Oliverdad said:
My DS wears contacts, but it said no CONTACTS at all. So do they give him the glasses or can he wear his glasses?
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Both. I would recommend he bring two pairs of sturdy glasses with him just in case, but they'll also issue him glasses too. Don't show up wearing contacts.

Their glasses should be CONSERVATIVE and neutral in color. Nothing shiny and no gold or silver frames.
 
T-37IP said:
So can the cadet bring a "hand carry" outside the luggage, and the luggage as well?
Click to expand...
The lighter a basic packs, the better. I showed up with my paperwork, a few $20 bills, three pairs of extra socks and skivvies, a toothbrush, my cell phone (turned off) and charger, and two pairs of glasses in a backpack. They gave me everything else. The lighter you are that first day, the better....lots of running around. And you don't want to be "that" guy or gal touting lots of luggage as it draws negative attention from the cadre.

I ran a lot back in those days and I decide to wear my good running shows on day #1, made things much more comfortable with all the scurrying and standing around.
 
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