This vs. That: Camp Packing Version

It’s offically April, which means some of you lucky folks will be here at camp with us NEXT MONTH! Can you believe it? We’re so excited, and camp buzzing with activity while we prepare to have you here! Judging by our phone calls and emails, many of y’all are preparing to be at camp, too!

As you’re thinking through packing strategies, I wanted to give a few comparisons of different versions of similar items. Keep in mind, neither one of the two options I’m putting head-to-head is inherently better or worse! Any other options you want to hear my thoughts on? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll give my two cents!

Trunk vs Duffel

On Opening Day, you’ll see many different ways folks have packed - trunks, duffels, giant Tupperware boxes, even suitcases! There’s no wrong way to do it, but I’m going to look at the advantages and disadvantages of two of the most popular items to pack in - a trunk and a duffel.

Trunk

Pros: There’s nothing quite like packing your trunk to come to camp, just like generations of Greystone girls before you! Very cool and classic. Show your personality with fun camp stickers or even a custom trunk design! Camp trunks can hold just about everything you need, and those babies are tough - it takes a lot to break them! A great spot to perch and eat your Sleep Late Friday breakfast.

Cons: Those things are heavy! Trust me, I’ve moved many a trunk - even putting one in the car will cause you to be able to cross arm day off your to-do list. They’re not the most storage-friendly, and I don’t see them really being used besides at camp - though I’m hoping to run into someone on the way to Spring Break with their stickered-out trunk one day…

Duffel

Pros: The key word of a duffel? Handy. Easy to store - after camp, just take out your stinky clothes, roll it up, and put it in the corner of your closet or under your bed. Shake off the dust and repeat next summer, or even sooner because those things are so versatile! Much easier to move than a trunk. (Duffel-carrying dads everywhere rejoice!) Has the magical ability to unzip and hold that one more thing you forgot that you stuff in there at the last minute, and is available in all different sizes.

Cons: You can’t put stickers on it. Lighter-weight means more smush-able. Don’t put your ceramics in there on Closing Day! You risk it getting moldy during that multi-day monsoon that has been known to grace camp every now and again, unless you have an outdoorsy, water-resistant duffel like this one. Cannot be used as table/chair/hiding spot combo.

Tote vs Backpack

Something to carry your things around from class to class is a must!

Tote

Pros: When the bell rings and you’ve got to make the long trek from waterpark to volleyball, you’ll waste no time with a tote - just throw in your things and head to the next place! There are tons of cute designs and size options.

Cons: Potentially very spill-able if they don’t have a zipper. Less weather-resistant for those mountain showers. Potentially less storage space, but not necessarily.

Backpack

Pros: Can carry anything and everything you’d need for a day at camp. Protects that summer reading book much better than the average tote. Transitions straight from the cabin to the classroom - provided it didn’t spend too much time in the dirt at Farm and Garden, anyway…

Cons: Remember that cheese stick you saved for later a week ago? Well, it’s still at the bottom of your backpack - gross! Sometimes plenty of room and storage space can be a bad thing. Oftentimes to large to bring into the Dining Hall and put on the back of your chair.

Chacos vs Crocs

Two different types of footwear, both suited for many Greystone activities!

Chacos

Pros: A marriage of stylish and sturdy, they’re a go-to camp shoe. Pull them on before waterpark or to head to flag. Stay committed for long enough and end up with a coveted Chaco tan. They come in so many cool patterns and you can even customize them!

Cons: Aren’t suitable for any activity where you need closed-toed shoes. Can take a while to figure out the straps - they can give some pretty rough blisters. By the end of a long, rainy session, they can have a distinct, unpleasant smell. (If you know, you know!)

Crocs

Pros: Pretty much indestructible. Get some good foot coverage - the inevitable toe stubs hurt way less than in open-toed shoes. Can put some Jibbitz on them to customize! They don’t hold water like the webbing of a Chaco, which means way less long-term stank!

Cons: Not as breathable as Chacos. The soles aren’t as stiff, which means stepping on a rock in them can be a big bummer. They can feel a little on the clunky side, especially if you have narrow feet. Fine for walking from place to place, but you’d want to bring a different pair of shoes to change into when it’s time to play Ultimate Frisbee!