What Should I Bring to Basic Training

All 39 items

Papers and ID 4

Driver's license or state ID card The Army's list asks for one that is valid and current.
Papers from your recruiter and processing station Everything they issued travels with your orders.
Travel and meal tickets You are given these on the day you ship, so there is nothing to print at home.
Your orders, every copy Carry them yourself and hand them over in person, the Army's list says.

The few clothes allowed 6

Eyeglasses or contact lenses, if you need them On the Army's list. Ask your recruiter which to arrive in.
One day of casual, comfortable clothes A one-day supply is all the Army's list asks for.
One pair of calf-length athletic socks Black or white, free of color bands, designs and logos.
One pair of comfortable shoes One pair. The list names no style, only comfort.
One small suitcase or gym bag One bag, and a small one: that is the list's wording.
Three sets of white cotton underwear White and cotton are both named on the list.

For women 4

Feminine hygiene products Pack what you use. The Army says recruits reach the store on post every two weeks.
Hair elastics that match your hair color The match is part of the rule, so leave the bright ones behind.
Nylons or tights in a neutral shade Listed for women on the Army's checklist.
Three bras in a neutral shade At least two of the three should be sports bras, the list says.

Money and extras 5

Cash: at least $10 and no more than $50 Both ends of that range come from the Army's list.
Checkbook or ATM card Either one, the list says.
Combination lock, or a padlock with two keys One lock. The list says a second can be bought at the store on post.
Prescription medication On the Army's list. Ask your recruiter how to carry it and what papers go with it.
Standard wristwatch No smartwatches, the list says.

Toiletries 11

Dental floss Named on the same line as the toothbrush and toothpaste.
Deodorant On the list by name, with no kind given.
Disposable or safety razor with blades Optional for women, the list says.
Hairbrush or a black comb A comb has to be black and no longer than six inches.
One towel One, listed with the washcloth.
One washcloth One is the number on the list.
Shampoo, soap and a soap case The case is on the list too, so a wet bar has somewhere to go.
Shaving cream Listed with the razor, and optional for women in the same way.
Shower shoes Named on the list, with no style given.
Toothbrush with a case The case is named on the list, not just the brush.
Toothpaste It shares a line with the toothbrush on the Army's list.

Leave at home 9

Leave at home: alcohol and non-prescription drugs Drug paraphernalia is barred on the same line.
Leave at home: cigarettes, tobacco and vapes Tobacco products and vaping paraphernalia are barred with them.
Leave at home: expensive personal items The list names no examples. Ask your recruiter if you are unsure.
Leave at home: gum, candy and chips Snacks are on the not-allowed list by name.
Leave at home: playing cards, dice and dominoes All three are on the not-allowed list by name.
Leave at home: razor blades Barred by name, though a razor with blades is on the list to bring. Ask your recruiter.
Leave at home: steel hair picks Barred by name on the Army's list.
Leave at home: weapons of any type Pocket knives are named as part of this.
Leave at home: your own car Privately owned vehicles are first on the Army's not-allowed list.

How it works

These 39 rows follow the U.S. Army's published packing list for Basic Training: 30 things to bring and 9 to leave at home. This page is unofficial and not affiliated with any armed service.

Read the full guide

Your recruiter's list comes first

This page follows the checklist on goarmy.com, read on 11 October 2026 and put in our own words. Lists change, so pack from the papers your recruiter gives you and use this page to see what such a list looks like.

How little the list holds

One small suitcase or gym bag: one day of clothes, three sets of underwear, toiletries, your papers, a lock, a standard wristwatch and a little cash. The Army says recruits can reach the store on post every two weeks for personal essentials.

The Army's page says to memorize your itinerary and take pictures of important documents on your phone before you travel.

Questions and answers

What should I pack for boot camp?

Much the same short list: ID and orders, one day of casual clothes, basic toiletries, a lock, a little cash and any prescription medication. This list is the Army's; another service may ask for different things, so follow your recruiter's list.

What can you not bring to basic training?

The Army's list bars your own car, costly belongings, razor blades, steel hair picks, weapons including pocket knives, obscene material, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, playing cards, dice, dominoes, tobacco, vapes, gum, candy and chips.

How much money should I bring to basic training?

The Army's list says at least $10 and no more than $50 in cash, plus a checkbook or an ATM card.

What clothes should I bring to basic training?

Very few: a one-day supply of casual, comfortable clothes, three sets of white cotton underwear, a pair of plain black or white calf-length athletic socks and one pair of comfortable shoes. Items for women have a short row of their own.

Notes

Facts on this page were checked against the sources named under the list. If you spot a mistake, tell us through the contact page and we will check it and correct the page.

More notes about this page

Results are random and meant for fun, practice and planning. Do not rely on them for a decision that matters.

How this list was compiled: Every item follows the checklist "Pack up for Basic Training" that the U.S. Army publishes on goarmy.com (https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/after-you-join), read on 2026-10-11. The items are the Army's; the wording and the line under each are ours, and each line says only what the checklist says or tells you to ask your recruiter. One entry of the Army's not-allowed list, obscene material, is left out of the draw. This page is unofficial and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Army or any armed service. Lists change: follow the one your recruiter gives you. Licence: wording own work; the list of items is a work of the U.S. government (public domain)