What to Pack (and What NOT to) for Your Teen's Trip: A Practical Guide
Pack smart, trust the list. Parents who follow the detailed packing guide—not Pinterest—end up with teens who are actually comfortable out there.
The basics stay the same across all trips. A few trips have specifics that actually matter for safety and function.
What every trip needs
- One checked soft duffel (not a rolling suitcase)
- One small carry-on backpack
- Personal clothing and toiletries
- Personal camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad) on most outdoor trips
- Any prescription medications, labeled with your teen's name and listed on the medical form
We supply all group gear—tents, cooking equipment, specialized activity equipment. Everything else is on your teen to pack.
Trip-specific extras you should know
Norway: Quality hiking boots (broken in, not brand new). A 70-liter backpacking pack. Cold-weather and backpacking-specific clothing. This is the trip where what you pack actually matters for safety and comfort.
Greece: Your own snorkel gear. Lots of people have preferences, and it's something they'll use again at home.
Japan: A carry-on suitcase (not a duffel, because Japan's trains have luggage restrictions) plus a small soft bag or backpack. Also pack a small gift from home ($15 or so) to exchange at the school visit.
Check the Travel + Packing section of your trip page for any other specific requirements.
What teens usually overpack
Too many shirts. Multiple shoe options. Full-size toiletry bottles. "Just in case" outfits that never get worn. Most teens pack far more than they actually use.
The advice: clothes that are comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Short showers and hand-washing happen. Bring a journal and a book. Skip the fancy clothes.
What teens forget (and shouldn't)
- Insect repellent for tropical or rainforest trips
- A hat for sun protection
- A reusable water bottle
- All prescriptions in original labeled bottles, listed on the medical form
- Photocopies or photos of the passport for international trips
Phones and cameras
Phones are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end. Digital cameras and GoPros that don't connect to the internet are welcome.
Things parents ask
When does the detailed list come out? Well in advance. Also available anytime during enrollment if you ask.
Should we buy new boots and a pack? Boots absolutely should be broken in. For most trips a regular daypack works fine. Norway is the exception—it requires a 70-liter backpacking pack.
Luggage size? One checked soft duffel (not rolling) and one small carry-on on every trip except Japan, which needs a carry-on suitcase for train logistics.
Electronics? Digital camera or GoPro without internet is fine. Phones, laptops, tablets all get collected on Day 1.
Medications? Full prescription bottles labeled with your teen's name. Every medication (prescription or OTC) must be listed on the medical form. Leaders manage and hand out meds during the trip.
Need the detailed packing list for your trip? Reach out anytime.