Every camp trip involves packing, and before deciding what to pack, you’ll have to decide what type of luggage you’re going use to pack your camp gear into. This leads to the question: which is better for camp, a trunk or a duffle?

The truth is that the right container for your camper could be a footlocker trunk, a suitcase, a duffel bag, or it could even be a large backpack. With the help of camp experts Dr. Chris Thurber and Dr. Jon Malinowski, we’ve compiled a list of tips for choosing the best luggage for camp.

How to Pick the Best Luggage for Summer Camp

The best place to start when trying to decide what type of container you will use for your summer camp trip is checking with the camp itself. Most summer camps will list suggested luggage solutions in their information packets, or even a preferred type of container.

If you don’t see any information regarding suggested luggage, you should call the camp to ask. Camp directors will know how much space is available for campers personal belongings and guide you accordingly.

Benefits of a Footlocker Trunk

Footlocker trunks are a long-time favorite because they are tough, compact and multi-functional.

Here are five additional benefits of having a footlocker trunk while at camp:

• Desk: A great hard surface to write letters home
• Game Table: For cards or other board games
• Chair: Additional seating for visitors from other cabins
• Step Ladder: Easily reach your top bunk
• Organization: Keeps clothes and gear neater than a suitcase or duffle bag

Footlocker Trunks are the long-lasting reliable choice for thousands of summer campers every year. In fact, at Everything Summer Camp our camp footlocker trunks last long enough to be passed down from one sibling to another, and are backed by a lifetime free repair warranty!

Soft Case or Duffle Bag for Summer Camp?

While hard trunks have the most to offer in terms of additional benefits, there are situations where packing for camp with a duffle bag or pop-up soft trunk is advantageous. Also, some summer camps specify luggage must be soft-sided for potential travel or luggage weight reasons. First and foremost, if your camp advises against hard trunks, do not bring one. 

Don’t hesitate to call the camp and talk to a director for luggage guideline clarifications, but if the information packet is specifically advising against hard trunks you should trust that they have a good reason.

Similarly, if your trip to summer camp involves a plane flight, it will be much easier to bring a pop-up trunk or duffle bag rather than a traditional trunk. If the camp cabins will have closets and drawers for campers then a duffle bag can be compacted for storage.

Additionally, If your camper will be doing long hikes, they will need to bring a day pack in the form of a duffle bag or backpack in addition to a footlocker trunk or a soft trunk.

How to Pick the Best Backpack for Summer Camp

Once you’ve decided between a footlocker trunk, pop-up trunk, or duffle, the last piece of luggage you’ll want to consider is a backpack.

There isn’t a summer camp we can think of that we wouldn’t recommend packing a backpack for. The problem is that there are so many backpacks out there, that it’s hard to know how to choose.

Here are two rules for finding the perfect backpack for summer camp:

• Go Big: A large backpack is your best option for long hikes. Remember: You can always leave space in a large backpack, but you can’t increase the capacity of a small backpack.

• Add Weight: If you’re going to a store to purchase your backpack make sure you add weight to the backpack while trying it on. Every backpack feels comfortable when it's empty, but you need it to be comfortable when it’s fully weighed down with gear.

The Smart Choice for Summer Camp Luggage

Hey, Camp Kids!

Here comes the sun and you all know what that means! The time to twist and shout at summer camp is right around the corner. Whether your kid is roughin’ it overnight or if they’re a day tripper—the approaching summer camp season sure is something to sing about. Would you believe that Paul McCartney of The Beatles thought so too when he was closer to your age?

The Corf campsite has been delivering magical summers for young boys since 1937 on the Isle of Wight. The island is situated in the English Channel, four miles off the coast of Hampshire—separated from mainland. 23 acres on the west side of the island is like an infinite, rustic playground for lucky Corf Scouts like Paul was back in his early adolescence.

His first summer there, Paul and his younger brother attended a week of Scouts together. Everything went fine until Paul prompted Mike to see how long he could hang from a cliff. The experiment ended in a broken arm and a visit to the infirmary, but despite the unfortunate conclusion to Paul’s bad idea his Scout leader, Arthur Evans was impressed with Paul’s overall character.

Peter Ames Carlin, a biographer, wrote in his book, ‘Paul McCartney: A Life’, about a Scout Leader of McCartney’s recalled “Paul’s enthusiastic showmanship while leading the Scouts’ nightly campfires. He’d brought his guitar, of course, so once the Scouts gathered and the flames rose, the evenings would become full-blown McCartney concerts, complete with jokes and a set list split between rock n’ roll favorites and what Evans recalled as a few McCartney originals.”

It wasn’t long after summer camp that Paul became a part of this band that was slowly forming called ‘The Beetles’. It took a little time for the ‘Fab Four’—Paul, John, George, and Ringo—to finally unite (or for the word ‘beetle’ to finally be spelled with an ‘A’), but once they did, there was no stopping them. They went on to create unique, upbeat music that the world has since loved.

Outlasting any pop band of the time and surpassing just about every band in popularity, The Beatles delivered hit after hit. Summer camp was a great experience where Paul discovered his love for playing his music in front of a crowd. What will you discover? As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check out Paul’s performance of a song he wrote back in his summer camp days called ‘I Lost My Little Girl’ below.

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We don’t call ourselves Everything Summer Camp for nothing—we literally have everything you could need under the summer camp sun. And we’re adding new products to our selection all the time! We’ve gone to the best of the best for our excellent footwear selection—Merrell! Producing high-performance footwear for the outdoors since 1981, you can trust that these shoes are of quality construction.

Hydro Sandal
Branded ‘built for water’ by Merrell, their Hydro Sandal is just the thing for any wet day at camp or around the poolside on a sunny day. It’s given a rubber toe guard and provides great traction on rocky terrain for perfect protection of your camper’s feet. Sure to dry fast and last long, this Hydro Sandal is a great choice for any camp adventure! Made in boys designs as well as girls designs—check them out for your camper right here!

Hydro Run Sneaker
The perfect summer sneaker, the Merrell Hydro Run Sneaker is lightweight and constructed with breathable mesh upper to create conditions for running. Great for adventuring too, this Run Shoe possesses a durable outsole which is designed for high traction. Versatile for good grip in dry, rocky areas as well as watery conditions, these easy-on and easy-off Run Sneakers are great for camp life. Check it out for boys and girls  right here!

Capra Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keep the camp adventures coming! Merrell’s Capra Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot can take it! Constructed with M-Select Grip technology that provides the wearer with traction their feet can depend on, the Capra feels amazing as every step is cushioned with the removable EVA footbed. Rise to the task of any trail go with Merrell’s Capra Mid for your Waterproof Hiking Boot. Merrell Hiking Boots are available in both boys’ designs and girls’ designs. Check them both out right here.

Enjoy the top-notch selection of reliable Merrell footwear that we offer right here at Everything Summer Camp and, as always, thanks for reading.

- John

Hey, Swimmers!

You’re bound to get your fill of time in the water during your stay at summer camp. But as fun as swimming is, it’s also physically taxing—especially if you’re trying to develop your skills as a swimmer. Throughout April, I’ve been posting fitness tips and advice on Mondays to help you prepare your body for the rigors of summer camp. Today is the last Monday in April. I’ve held off posting about dry land exercises for swimmers until now because swimming is the most popular camp activity and I wanted to grab as much attention as I could!

I have a number of easy and free exercises to improve your swimming capabilities:

Squats
There’s no better exercise than Squats to help build the calf, thigh, and core muscles—exactly the muscles used in that kicking motion to propel yourself forward under water. Squats are easy; just stand with your feet at shoulder-width apart and, with your back straight and head up, bend at the knees until your thighs are nearly parallel to the ground. Then push yourself back up.

Shoulder Touches
Work your upper body strength with Shoulder Touches. Get into the position for push-ups, but instead of lowering and raising your body, shift your weight so you can hold yourself up with one arm and touch the shoulder of the supporting arm with your other hand. Ten of these should have you feeling pretty wiped.

Elbow Plank
Another great exercise for building upper body strength is to hold the position of an Elbow Plank. The Plank position is the same as the position to do a push-up only you support yourself with your elbows and forearms instead of your hands. It may not sound like much, but simply holding this position is exercise enough!

Leg Raises
You build up muscles in your legs and core with Leg Raises. Easy to perform, simply lie on your back and lift your legs to a 90 angle with the rest of your body. Then lower your legs within inches of the floor before going back up.

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Windshield Wipers
Similar to Leg Raises, Windshield Wipers help strengthen the same areas, but work different angles. Windshield Wipers are Leg Raises that move from side to side and never really touch the ground.

Diver Push-ups
The last exercise I have to share is the Diver Push-up. I can tell you how to do this one, but it’ll be a lot easier to just show you with this video. As you can see, it’s like a traditional push-up with a backwards element in which you pump your four outstretched limbs upward while lying on your belly.
To help give you a clearer idea of what these exercises look like, I’ve included this video link of a dry land workout routine that incorporates the majority of these exercises. The video is targeted at swimmers of an intermediate level, so keep in mind that his towel suggestion is certainly optional. Make a splash at summer camp and enjoy your time in the water.

- John

Hey, Swimmers!!

Everything Summer Camp has you covered this summer for your fun in the water. Splash it up with Speedo’s great water apparel and accessories. We’ve recently added products from this leading swimwear brand! Check it out:

We’ve added three one-piece swimsuits—the Illusion Cubes Side Splice, the Tie Dye Splash Keyhole, and the Mesh Splice Thin Strap. These colorful swimsuits are chlorine resistant, made of 80% nylon and 20% special spandex which is made to be 10 times stronger than typical spandex and it provides long term protection against sagging and bagging.

Illusion Cubes Side Splice One Piece
Make your splashes wearing Speedo’s Illusion Cubes Side Splice One Piece swimsuit. Boasting weightlessness and excellent durability, this swimsuit flaunts a fiery fashion. It features maximum movability as well which makes it perfect for summer camp.

Tie Dye Splash Keyhole One Piece
Get the cool coverage for your soon-to-be-summer-camper when she jumps in the water! It wears comfortable 100% polyester lining on the inside too. Comfy and quick to dry, get the Tie Dye Splash Keyhole One Piece for her camp days!

Mesh Splice Thin Strap
Look the coolest in the water with this swimsuit This attractive, thin strap Mesh Splice One Piece is a great pick for splashin’ around in the water this summer. Comfortable with 100% polyester lining like the Tie Dye Splash Keyhole, this is a wonderful Swimsuit to take along to summer camp.

These products are excellent and there’s plenty more where THAT came from! Speedo never fails to marry fantastic fashion with practical functionality. If you want a quality swimsuit—go to the business that created them!

Check out our entire collection of quality Speedo swimwear and other excellent accessories to help you have your fun in the water this summer.  As always, thanks for reading.

- John