Need Summer Camp Footlocker Recommendations

[EthansMom]

We're planning on having DS7 go to 2 weeks of sleepaway camp next summer for the first time. Looking at the packing list, there is a requirement for a "camp footlocker". They give the recommended dimensions which shouldn't be a problem. But searching the 'net, I found a whole lot of options and a wide range of prices for footlockers. I don't mind spending $200 on something that's going to last years, but I don't want to spend money on a piece of junk or to send DS off to camp with a footlocker that is way nicer than anyone else's (no reason to stick out on the first day).

So, if your child attends summer camp and has a footlocker, could you let me know what kind, how you like it, where you got it, etc...? Also, any general advice regarding packing/supplies for camp would be appreciated!

Thanks for your input!

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

We have one from CN (along with the tote that snaps on the top). It is awesome (and has weathered 4 years of camp very well). The tray on the inside top of the footlocker is great for putting little items (comb, books, pencils, postcards, etc.).

Hope this helps.

 

[EthansMom]

We have one from CN (along with the tote that snaps on the top). It is awesome (and has weathered 4 years of camp very well). The tray on the inside top of the footlocker is great for putting little items (comb, books, pencils, postcards, etc.).

Hope this helps.

Thanks for review. CN was one of the main brands I was considering.

While I was out, I saw that our Walmart has Sterilite plastic footlockers with wheels for just $20 (and they're the right size). I'm leaning towards maybe just getting that and putting it away for next year. Then, if we see that most of the kids have higher-end footlockers, I could always buy one for future years.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

We used something similar to that the first year of away camp and it came back home pretty well broken and cracked. The advantage to the C&N one was that it could be locked (my DS keeps a journal and is somewhat private...and he could keep an extra Reese's cup in there too, I'm sure!) and it's really sturdy (i.e., he could use it as a bedside table and could keep a lantern flashlight on it for reading since the bottom bunk (which he likes) tends to be "darker" than the top bunk.

As for what other kids had....1st year kids had duffles and all kinds of packs. Kids who had been to camp for more than 1 year tended to have footlockers.

Oh, and the real reason I bought one (in addition to camp) was that a good friend of mine said her son used his throughout camp and took it to college the 1st year and used it as a table/extra storage!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Everyone at DS's scout camp uses rubbermaid totes. (They sleep in the old style canvas tents and water sometimes gets in-lovely.) I wouldn't send a wooden/metal sort of footlocker in a situation like that.

 

[NHdisneylover]

We got one of the cheap footlockers at Traget for DS (I think it was around $50-$60). He took it to camp for three summers, and has used it in his room as a sometimes bench, sometimes table for nearly four years now. We used it as a "suitcase" when we moved here to Germany so it has been on a transatlantic flight as well (we secured it closed with a luggage strap for that). It is still in fine shape. The only reason he does not have it at camp right now is that he is comming home on the train and his rolling duffel will be easier to manage on the train.

 

[ksjayhawks]

Thanks for review. CN was one of the main brands I was considering.

While I was out, I saw that our Walmart has Sterilite plastic footlockers with wheels for just $20 (and they're the right size). I'm leaning towards maybe just getting that and putting it away for next year. Then, if we see that most of the kids have higher-end footlockers, I could always buy one for future years.

This is similar to what ds' boy scout troop uses. His does not have wheels--didn't have that option when we got his.The newest scouts have the ones with wheels. Ds's has had his for 6 years and it has gone to the 10 day camp, as well as monthly camps. We build a small tray to put in them to hold the small items. It is amazing what you can pack in them. It has been through all types of weather, also. We only paid $14 when he got his and it was definitely worth the money. Get a padlock that is easy to use--make sure it has the "long" part to go through the hole--if that makes sense--as it is easier to get on and off.

Here are some options:

this is the one ds and a alot of the other boys have:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2476189&findingMethod=rr
We also have two others and we use them for camping. They have been on planes and come out fine!

this is similar to the one some of the newer boys have
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10400133&findingMethod=rr

another option
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10569595&findingMethod=rr#ProductDetail

 

[mamacatnv]

I got a footlocker for DS to go off to college last year - it has wheels, it locks and is decently sturdy. I got it at Bed Bath and Beyond for $59

 

[Sherrypooh]

my boys were boys scouts and we went to the local army/navy store and picked up a foot locker. We brought it home repainted it, put stuff on it and sealed it. This was probably 8 years ago and they are still in great shape. Not sure how much they were but the kids loved them and they were the envy of all around.

 

[EthansMom]

Thanks for all of the advice.

I showed DS7 a couple of the options and he agreed with me that the plastic footlocker (which does have wheels and also a spot for a lock) would probably be the best option for the first year or two. Plus, it would be pretty easy to clean when he gets back! Since Walmart has them for only $20 right now, I'll just pick one up this week and stick it in my storage closet. Will give me a spot to stick other summer camp supplies as I accumulate them.

 

[PatsGirl]

EthansMom: DD has a cheap one from Walmart that she has used for the past three years (this summer will be the 4th summer) and it has held up well. She also takes it on the GS camp trips with her troop. It holds plenty for 10 days and can be used to store all that camping gear year round and as a footstool We don't need another yet but when/if we do, I'll get the same one again. BTW, I've never felt the need to use a lock on it and if I did, I think I'd buy a combo so she couldn't lose the key while away at camp.