Did I pack too much? Please help.

[JohnGalt]

Hi, I only packed the things I absolutely needed. (Just testing out my bag ahead of time)

5 White Towels
2 Hand Towels
1 Pair Swim Trunks
5 Pair of Black Socks
5 Pair of White Socks
5 White T-Shirts
1 Laundry Bag
1 Shoe Shine kit

(To reduce wheight)
1 Mini Toothbrush
1 Mini Tube of toothpaste
1 Mini Shampoo bottle
1 Mini Comb
1 Mini Room Spray bottle

1 Pair of Boots

And that is it. And the bag is heavy already, is that all I need? Or can I remove any of the items. I still need to add 1 pair or running shoes, 1 pair of court shoes and an alarm clock, and my "carry on" is already at maximum capacity :doh:

And what does the list mean when it says "You will be holding it at arms length"? Does that mean I will be extending hand in front of me with my bag in my arm? If so, I'm screwed, I could barely hold this bag for more than 15 seconds without my arm dying out on me.

[HotPursuit]

Don't forget shaving equipment.

[Stargrl]

Hi, I only packed the things I absolutely needed. (Just testing out my bag ahead of time)

5 White Towels


well, I'd say that you could probably get away with just using 1 towel for the 1st week, and leave the other 4 in your car. You usually use the towel after showering, so it should stay clean. That would probably remove a lot of bulk. Also, my cadet has been able to get away with using just one hand towel. You know you won't be swimming the first week, so you could also leave your swim trunks in the car (although that's one of the most compact, lightest items). Based off the list they gave out at orientation, I don't think there's any way to pack a bag that's "light"; even if all you packed were shoes it would be heavy! Hope that helps, and good luck on your first day!

[SB 405]

Maybe you can ease up on the 5 white towels? Are you talking bath size towels?

[JohnGalt]

Maybe you can ease up on the 5 white towels? Are you talking bath size towels?
Yep, I guess I'll just take 2 just incase. Oh and do'h, thanks for reminding me about the shaving kit.

Quick question though, are electric shavers allowed? I know they said no electronics. But I shave fast with my electric one.

[rayni]

:lol: mini comb can get left behind at this point you should look similar to mr.clean.
i agree w/strgrl that is what my hubby did there is no way to make it any lighter he kept a bag of full size hygiene products in the car & mini shave kit & hygiene products as galt already stated in his bag. it is gonna suck for a couple of weeksbeyond belief i think mac said it best when stated unless you been there done that there aren't words to describe what academy experience is about. best wishes to all incoming stay strong & never give up. have your spouses/s.o. read your recruit hiring pack to see some of what they expect from you. my hubby/cadet is going into his 11th week i like to look at to keep him motivated.:cool:

[RJSMITH]

I used an electric razor the entire time I was there. Less time and less mess to clean up after.

[Dipmo]

5 White Towels
***Stargrl is right, bring 2

2 Hand Towels
***Bring 1, it's for grease anyway (you'll see)

1 Pair Swim Trunks
***Leave em at home, bring them week two

5 Pair of Black Socks
***Pretty much right on

5 Pair of White Socks
***cut it to 3 pair

5 White T-Shirts
***Depends on how much you sweat, Should be the right amount.

1 Laundry Bag
***Forget it, you should be buying one amid the chaos.

1 Shoe Shine kit
***Old t-shirt, can of whatever you like to use, and cotton balls should be all the kit you need.

(To reduce weight)
1 Mini Toothbrush
1 Mini Tube of toothpaste
1 Mini Shampoo bottle

***shave your head prior to going (I'm serious) save even more weight leaving the shampoo behind.

1 Mini Comb

***see above
1 Mini Room Spray bottle

1 Pair of Boots

***don't forget your white court shoes and your go fasters, you'll be a needen those!



And what does the list mean when it says "You will be holding it at arms length"? Does that mean I will be extending hand in front of me with my bag in my arm? If so, I'm screwed, I could barely hold this bag for more than 15 seconds without my arm dying out on me.

***Make a key screw up (watch for somebody else to do it) and you shall see what this means.

Pupdog; no fair telling him.

[AaeJae]

Man, I am guessing BO is a very intricate part of the academy.

[Tom]

Man, I am guessing BO is a very intricate part of the academy.


Actually this is how "motors" are selected...the cadets that don't sweat under intense pressure are pre-approved. Stinking, also, is not allowed but is REQUIRED for any division job. Right DW?

[HWY Ranger2B]

Were you going to wear any underwear?

[23112]

Were you going to wear any underwear?

An unecessary luxury at the Academy, since they try to emasculate you by the second wee, anyway. :biggrin: Just kidding...bring plenty of chonies.

I think I had 10 + boxers and pairs of socks--you'll be changing those bad boys due to the heat of Sacramento in the summer.

Listen to Dipmo: Ditch the comb, unless it's for your eyebrows (if that's the case, you can use your toothbrush...just ask the women-folk). If you can still comb the hair on your head, you're a nasty hippy. Take the guard off your clippers and get your melon up to speed!

If they really said, "no electrics," why are you asking? You'll need a close shave that stands up under scrutiny. Otherwise, you'll be writing "Nasty shave" on a blue card.

[AaeJae]

Actually this is how "motors" are selected...the cadets that don't sweat under intense pressure are pre-approved. Stinking, also, is not allowed but is REQUIRED for any division job. Right DW?

Lol.

[Afrmthabay]

Small amount of dusting supplies, an alarm clock, and your minimum amount of appropriate civilian attire for when you leave on the weekend if you did not pack that already. I wonder if there is toilet paper already there? I am bringng a roll just in case.

Hi, I only packed the things I absolutely needed. (Just testing out my bag ahead of time)

5 White Towels
2 Hand Towels
1 Pair Swim Trunks
5 Pair of Black Socks
5 Pair of White Socks
5 White T-Shirts
1 Laundry Bag
1 Shoe Shine kit

(To reduce wheight)
1 Mini Toothbrush
1 Mini Tube of toothpaste
1 Mini Shampoo bottle
1 Mini Comb
1 Mini Room Spray bottle

1 Pair of Boots

And that is it. And the bag is heavy already, is that all I need? Or can I remove any of the items. I still need to add 1 pair or running shoes, 1 pair of court shoes and an alarm clock, and my "carry on" is already at maximum capacity :doh:

And what does the list mean when it says "You will be holding it at arms length"? Does that mean I will be extending hand in front of me with my bag in my arm? If so, I'm screwed, I could barely hold this bag for more than 15 seconds without my arm dying out on me.

[Stargrl]

Small amount of dusting supplies, an alarm clock, and your minimum amount of appropriate civilian attire for when you leave on the weekend if you did not pack that already. I wonder if there is toilet paper already there? I am bringng a roll just in case.

Pledge has dusting wipes which are great and compact, much better than bringing a dusting rag & spray can. You'll probably be fine just bringing an extra dress shirt to wear home with the suit that you wore on day one. My cadet said there is definitely toilet paper and paper towels stocked in the bathrooms, so if you want to save room leave your personal roll at home (unless you're picky about the ply, thickness and cushiness of your TP!). :cool:

[uoplax13]

Pledge has dusting wipes which are great and compact, much better than bringing a dusting rag & spray can. You'll probably be fine just bringing an extra dress shirt to wear home with the suit that you wore on day one. My cadet said there is definitely toilet paper and paper towels stocked in the bathrooms, so if you want to save room leave your personal roll at home (unless you're picky about the ply, thickness and cushiness of your TP!). :cool:

Leaving your own roll might save you some space, but having the softness not found in state-issued tp might help your body adjust to Academy food eaiser.....:biggrin:

[dw]

Stinking, also, is not allowed but is REQUIRED for any division job. Right DW?That hurts... Deep down inside. :lol:

[idontthinkuheard]

1 Pair Swim Trunks
***Leave em at home, bring them week two

1 Laundry Bag
***Forget it, you should be buying one amid the chaos.

***don't forget your white court shoes and your go fasters, you'll be a needen those!


1. Regarding swim trunks are we talking board shorts style or something more appropriate for lap swimming?

2. Laundry bag - this maybe a dumb question but what exactly is this or what style are we talking about that would be appropriate?

3. "go fasters" aka running shoes??

[Kevin]

Don't forget to bring a cell phone, just in case there's something more important than those boring LD classes. You can also send text messages to other members of your class. Also, can't forget the IPOD, it's great during the class runs.

[JohnKD]

As far as civilian clothes go, just wear your dress business attire in on day one, and wear the same thing out on Friday. You won't be wearing it in between anyway.

[jrsfan]

Don't forget to bring a cell phone, just in case there's something more important than those boring LD classes. You can also send text messages to other members of your class. Also, can't forget the IPOD, it's great during the class runs.

Oh, now you're just screwing with him...

Oh, and one bath towel is plenty. Keep it light.

[FROZEN ROPE]

The key is to not stand out. Get a swim suit that is neutral in color. It does not matter what kind of laundry bag you bring. Invest in a good pair of running shoes. You will put a lot of miles on them. :lol:

1. Regarding swim trunks are we talking board shorts style or something more appropriate for lap swimming?

2. Laundry bag - this maybe a dumb question but what exactly is this or what style are we talking about that would be appropriate?

3. "go fasters" aka running shoes??

[JohnKD]

1. Regarding swim trunks are we talking board shorts style or something more appropriate for lap swimming?

2. Laundry bag - this maybe a dumb question but what exactly is this or what style are we talking about that would be appropriate?

3. "go fasters" aka running shoes??

Make sure your swimming shorts are Navy Blue or Black.

No Laundry bag neccessary, you will be buying one there.

[Stargrl]

2. Laundry bag - this maybe a dumb question but what exactly is this or what style are we talking about that would be appropriate?



We found the laundry bag in the section where the irons/ironing boards were in Target. It was even labeled "laundry bag". Who woulda thunk? :smile:

[23112]

The paperwork you get before going to the Academy LISTS EVERYTHING YOU'LL NEED TO BRING. When you're there your first week, you'll be told about any additional items you need to get. Relax...the Academy Staff will give you all the answers you need to be successful. :biggrin:

[Dipmo]

1. Regarding swim trunks are we talking board shorts style or something more appropriate for lap swimming?

2. Laundry bag - this maybe a dumb question but what exactly is this or what style are we talking about that would be appropriate?

3. "go fasters" aka running shoes??

Lap swim would work, your best bet bet would be a conservative, navy blue, three finger width Speedo.

[idontthinkuheard]

Lap swim would work, your best bet bet would be a conservative, navy blue, three finger width Speedo.

Speedo eh... why do I feel like I am getting set up to be the only guy wearing speedo's... something out the movie Police Academy :cool:

[Nor-Cal hopeful]

No, wear the banana hammock. I am sure the instructors will enjoy it. :lol: Do they have a speedo in a T-back? If they don't, make sure and tuck it in in the back, then jump in the water and yell I feel pretty. Don't forget the hot pink swimmer's cap, and orange arm floaties. Your class mates will love you.