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Camp drop-off comes fast—and your kid needs a travel trunk that’s not just big, but battle-ready. More than just a box for clothes, a footlocker trunk becomes your camper’s personal command center: a dresser, a bench, a nightstand, a gear locker, and a piece of home they bring along for the ride.
When you’re prepping your child for summer camp, their footlocker might seem like a small detail—but ask any seasoned camp parent, and they’ll tell you: it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
A high-quality footlocker makes camp life smoother, more organized, and WAY less stressful! Pick the wrong one, and you’re dealing with cracked bins, busted wheels, broken zippers—or camp gear that just won’t fit.
That’s why we created this guide—to help you make the right choice with complete confidence.
Picture this:
It’s Opening Day.
Your kid steps off the bus—excited, maybe a little nervous.
You drag out a wobbly duffel bag that’s already sagging, shoes crammed in the corners, and clothes spilling out. Stressful, right?
Now picture the opposite:
A sturdy camp trunk rolls smoothly across the gravel, packed with care, slides neatly under the bunk, and sets the tone for the whole week.
No mess. No fuss. Just a strong start.
That’s the difference a good packing container makes.
Camp is full of firsts—first bunkmates, first campfires, first time away from home. A well-packed trunk gives kids structure, control, and confidence right from the jump. It helps them feel settled in an unfamiliar space and lets them focus on what really matters—having fun.
This guide will walk you through what matters, what to avoid, and how to pick a trunk that fits your camper’s needs.
Let’s make sure this is one decision you don’t have to second guess.
What Is a Travel Trunk and Why Does It Matter for Summer Camp?
A travel trunk isn’t your run-of-the-mill luggage—it’s a rugged, reliable workhorse built for the wild world of summer camp. Designed to withstand rough terrain, unexpected downpours, and the daily chaos of bunk life, it’s more than just storage—it’s mission control for your camper’s entire stay.
The right camp trunk keeps everything in its place: clothes neatly folded, gear protected from the elements, and essentials easy to grab—even when your child is sharing tight quarters with a dozen bunkmates in a whirlwind of noise, dirt, and non-stop activity.
Most trunks built for camp are rectangular, rigid, and constructed from steel-clad wood or durable, tear-resistant fabric. Unlike a suitcase or backpack, a footlocker doubles as multi-use gear: it’s a bench, a nightstand, a catch-all surface, and a secure space your camper can truly call their own. In most cabins, it’s the only personal storage they get.
Functionality matters. Some footlocker chests include built-in organizers, zippered compartments, or wheel systems for easier transport. Others are intentionally minimalist—designed to be tough, no-frills, and dependable. Either way, choosing the right style, size, and build makes a big impact. The right summer camp trunk helps your camper feel settled, self-sufficient, and ready to roll from Day One.
Beyond the practical perks, there’s something emotional about a well-packed camp trunk. For many campers, it becomes a comforting slice of home—a sturdy constant in a brand-new environment. It builds routine, encourages independence, and gives your child a sense of control at a time when they’re learning to stand on their own.
Camp Trunk vs. Suitcase: Which Travel Luggage Is Better for Camp?
Let’s clear up a common question that pops up every camp season: why not just use a suitcase? After all, most of us are familiar with them—they’re easy to find, come in all sizes, and they’ve handled countless vacations and sleepovers without issue. But summer camp isn’t your average travel scenario. It’s rugged, it’s messy, and it demands gear that can take a beating.
Suitcases are great for hotel stays, airport terminals, and quick weekend trips—but for the high-impact reality of camp? Not so much. Campsites don’t come with luggage carts or bellhops. Kids are hauling their own gear through dirt paths, over gravel, into rustic cabins—and they need something that won’t buckle under pressure. Here’s why a summer camp trunk typically wins out:
- Structure: Suitcases are often soft-sided and prone to collapsing or tipping when not fully packed. A steel trunk holds its shape no matter what, making it easier for kids to keep things neat.
- Durability: Quality footlockers are designed to be tossed, dragged, and sat on. Suitcases simply aren’t built for that kind of punishment whereas a steel trunk is built to last the full session—and then some.
- Storage: Footlockers offer more internal space and they’re easier to organize. They can also fit under most camp bunks—something most upright luggage can’t manage.
- Customization: From nameplates and stickers to interior lights and trays, steel footlockers offer a level of personalization suitcases just don’t match. This isn’t just fun—it helps kids identify their own quickly in a sea of similar gear.
- Camp Culture: Steel trunks are part of the camp tradition, with a vintage appeal that speaks to generations of campers. They’re designed with cabin life in mind and often recommended—or required—by the camp itself.
A footlocker provides flat, stable access to everything they’ve packed—no zippers jamming or flaps flopping closed. That kind of convenience matters more than you’d think.
And, while a suitcase might suffice for a short trip, the camp experience calls for a storage solution that’s sturdier, roomier, and far more rugged. Campers need a travel trunk that can act as a home base for everything from bedding and clothes to flashlights, snacks, and bunk decorations.
Travel Trunks with Wheels—Are They Worth It?
In a word—YES!
If you’ve ever seen a 10-year-old struggle to carry a plastic tote across a gravel parking lot, you already know the answer: yes, wheels are worth it. In fact, wheels are one of the most requested features from both campers and parents.
Camp trunks with wheels are simply better suited for maneuvering the rocky and rough camp terrain. When kids are living in rustic, remote cabins, the trip from the parking lot can stretch a half a mile or longer. You want a simple means of hauling.
How can you know if a wheeled trunk is right for your camper? Wheeled trunks are great—but they’re not for every camper. Ask yourself these questions before making the call:
- Will your camper be responsible for hauling their own trunk at drop-off or pick-up?
- Is the distance from the parking area to the cabin long or unpaved?
- Are you flying or taking a bus to camp, where ease of rolling will help during transfers?
- Does your child struggle with lifting heavy items or navigating stairs?
- Does the camp allow trunks with wheels? (Some only allow recessed wheels or none at all.)
Picture your child navigating a steep hill or a long gravel driveway on drop-off day. Footlockers with wheels turn what could be a meltdown into a manageable moment. When paired with rugged construction and a reinforced base, wheels add serious convenience to your camper’s experience. After all, why carry 40 pounds of gear when you can roll it?
Choosing the Best Traveling Trunk for Your Camper
The phrase “best travel trunk” means different things depending on your camper’s age, camp style, and length of stay. Here’s how to narrow it down:
- Short Stays (1–2 weeks): Go with a standard-size hard trunk like our Happy Camper (32" x 18" x 13.5"). It fits under most bunks and offers ample storage.
- Longer Stays (3+ weeks): Upgrade to a deeper trunk like our UnderGrad or Graduate—an extra large camp trunk, to provide surplus capacity for bedding, sports gear, and multiple outfit rotations.
- Flying to Camp? Consider a soft-sided traveling trunk. Our Pop-Up Soft Trunk folds flat for easy storage and is light enough for most airlines.
- Minimalist Needs? Try a travel wardrobe trunk, which offers a vertical layout with shelves and hanging sections—perfect for neat-freak campers or specialty programs that require an organized wardrobe.
Also think about your camper’s personality. Do they like to organize their space? Are they bringing gear for a specific activity like horseback riding or theater? Their style and camp schedule should influence what size and type you choose.
Trunk build matters too. Look for steel hardware, plywood cores, and durable vinyl coatings. Avoid cheap plastic bins—they won’t last, and your child may end up dealing with broken latches or collapsed sides.
Want to go the extra mile? Look for a camp trunk that’s compatible with cool and practical accessories like interior organizers, nameplates, motion-sensor lights, and protective liners. These upgrades make a big difference in daily use.
Do Airlines Accept Trunk Luggage?
Good question—and the answer is: sometimes.
Airlines vary in how they treat steel footlockers. While large travel trunks are typically allowed as checked baggage, there are size and weight restrictions you’ll want to verify before departure. Here are a few tips:
- Check Dimensions: Most airlines have a max checked bag size of 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Some camp trunks exceed this, especially larger or extra-deep models.
- Weight Watch: If your trunk suitcase weighs over 50 lbs, you may face overweight fees. Distribute heavier items strategically to avoid surprises at the check-in counter.
- Soft-Sided Advantage: Collapsible, soft trunk models are more flexible for airline travel, especially when you're packing light. They’re easier to maneuver and less likely to incur oversize charges.
- Durability Counts: A steel footlocker might survive baggage handling better than a rolling suitcase, but it could also cost more to check due to bulk or weight.
If you’re planning to fly, contact your airline early and measure your trunk case carefully. We recommend our Pop-Up Soft Trunk for air travel—it offers the best balance of capacity, weight, and airline compatibility.
And don’t forget to use Nameplates, LidSkinz, or other Labeling means to clearly identify which footlocker is your camper’s. There will be many of these at summer camp. However, a steel footlocker stands out on the baggage carousel and that’s a good thing! Even so, some families will write the camper’s name on all sides for easy ID and peace of mind.
Why Families Trust Our Camp Trunks
When it comes to outfitting your camper, we don’t just sell trunks—we live and breathe the camp experience. At Everything Summer Camp, camp isn’t a side hustle—it’s the heart of what we do. For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with hundreds of camps and supported tens of thousands of families across the country, helping each one send their child off with confidence, preparation, and pride.
We know what works because we’ve seen it all. Our gear is built on decades of camper feedback, real-world testing, and hands-on experience. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Durable Construction: Our footlocker chests are built right here in Wisconsin from real cabinet-grade wood, reinforced steel hardware, and tested by real campers. We control quality from start to finish.
- Expert Guidance: We don’t just ship gear—we help you choose what works best for your child, their camp, and your summer trips. Our team knows camp prep inside and out.
- Fast, Reliable Shipping: Most orders ship within 2 business days, so even if you're cutting it close, we’ve got your back. Need it delivered to camp directly? We can handle that too.
- Custom Options: From color combos to monogrammed nameplates and design upgrades, we offer more personalization than any other camp outfitter. Let your camper’s personality shine.
- Lifetime Repair Warranty: In the event that your footlocker breaks, we fix it. Simple as that. You invest in us, and we invest right back in you.
Whether you’re gearing up for your child’s very first summer away or replacing a beloved steamer trunk that’s seen one too many years in the attic, we’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and even a little fun.
From choosing the right size to picking custom colors and accessories, we’ll walk you through every step with expert advice and real-world insight to pick out a custom footlocker. You don’t have to figure it out alone—we’ve got your back, so you can focus on what matters most: giving your camper their best summer ever.
Craft a personalized camp trunk with our Create-Your-Own trunk option or peruse our Designer Trunk collection for a one-of-a-kind appearance!
Final Thoughts: Give Your Camper Confidence with a Reliable Wardrobe Trunk
At the end of the day, footlocker trunks aren’t just about packing—they’re about peace of mind.
We’ve got the best trunk for summer camp right here!
- Happy Camper – Our best-selling, standard-size footlocker (32"L × 18"W × 13.5"H)
- UnderGrad – Slightly deeper for longer sessions (32"L × 18"W × 16.5"H)
- Graduate – Extra capacity for serious campers (32"L × 18"W × 18.5"H)
- Pop-Up Soft Trunk – Lightweight and collapsible for travel convenience
Help your camper stay organized, feel grounded, and jump into the camp experience without hesitation. Their own footlocker becomes their anchor in a brand-new environment. A place for their gear, their keepsakes, and their sense of independence. But it’s not JUST the trunk—it’s how you accessorize it that brings convenience and personality!
Get the most function from your footlocker by getting great add-ons. We offer more accessories than any other trunk-maker. Check out our most popular options:
- LidMate Organizer – Adds compartments to the inside of the lid
- Wheel Away System – Removable wheels for easy transport
- InstaGlo LidLight – Motion-sensor lighting inside the trunk
- Trunk Liner – Washable fabric liner to keep it clean
- Shipping Protector Bag – Helps avoid dings and scuffs
- LidSkinz – Decorative trunk toppers with unique designs
- WordLock Padlock – A secure combination lock—no key needed
You don’t want them stressing over lost socks or crumpled clothes. You want them diving into canoe races, art projects, cabin games, and new friendships. A solid footlocker removes the chaos and gives them room to thrive.
Whether you go with a traditional summer camp trunk, our Pop Up Soft Trunk for plane trips, or one with wheels for extra convenience, make sure it fits your child’s needs—and the camp’s requirements. The right option for camp helps make for a smooth Opening and Closing Day, eases transitions, and sets your camper up for success right from the start. Set them up for the best summer ever with gear that doesn't give out!
So don’t wait for the packing list to send you scrambling. Start early. Explore your options. And if you’re not sure where to begin, we’re just a call or click away.
Camp’s no place for delicate gear. Your child needs a REAL trunk. Vintage strength. Built for today’s adventure. At Everything Summer Camp, we’re here to help you send them off strong—with a trunk that can handle the job.
Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!
- John
