What size bag for residential?

[HRTQuestions]

DS is going on a 5 day residential. Never been one one before as the overnight was cancelled due to Covid. What size bag is suitable? I was thinking a duffel type with backpack straps as I don't know if there's e.g. gravel from the bus to the hostel.
He needs to take sleeping bag, bed sheet, towel etc, slippers and trainers, clothes for warm and cold weather, sports clothes for outdoors, rain gear etc etc.
Finding it hard to judge from online what size he needs. I imaging slippers and trainers will take up a large space (size 44!) plus sleeping bag. Will 30litre be too small? 50L?

Does it have to be a backpack? Do you not already own suitcases with wheels?
Sleeping bag can be separate (unless they say not) and tied on to suitcase.

Can you get everything out and eye it up for size?

I thought it would be easier for him to manage a duffel/backpack.
I only have a "going on holiday for two weeks" size suitcase. My hand luggage bag (which will barely fit his trainers and slippers 😂) broke last time I used it. I've just realised our household is severely lacking in bags! It doesn't specify that sleeping bags can be attached and luggage will travel separately to the children so I assumed they would want it all as one unit.

I reckon most people will have two bags. He will need to be able to carry it himself.

The list for my DD’s year six camp was crazy, and it was winter. Most dc had a shopping bag fill of shoes.

He will be expected to get it from the pile of bags when they get off the coach and carry his bag to his room. Which might be up some stairs. However, nobody will mind if he has to do it in more than one trip.

Also, the dc do tend to help each other.

In my vast experience, 90% of the stuff will come back unworn. The towel unused.

I'd go for something on wheels as even if it has to be carried over gravel it can still be rolled along pavements / corridors.

If travelling by plane I'd definitely have a firm suitcase, and then a small day-rucksack too.
If going by coach then a fabric 'grip' but that also has wheels would be fine.

You can work out volume from your '2 weeks' suitcase. Measure 3 dimensions in centimetres and multiply together Then divide by 1000. That will give you volume in litres. So ifeg suitcase is 60l and you think he would only half fill it, you know you need 30l.

Suitcase with wheels is easier imo, that’s what I’m sending DD with and she’s only going for 3 days.

All take suitcases on wheels here, And a ton of other shit, if they want to take it they can figure out how to carry it!

I purchased a pull along rucksack got my Ds and his was for three days. Was perfect.

My yr3 child went on an overnight residential, they had to take 2 pairs of shoes, 2 sets of all clothes, waterproofs, sleeping bag, pillow, extra blanket, wash stuff, plate and cutlery.

Every kid had a wheely hand luggage suitcase, a separate sleeping bag and a separate bag with shoes and they were able to manage that themselves. They only had to lug it from classroom to bus, bus to bunk room and vice versa.

Yes, 30l will be too small - that is a reasonable rucksac used for a day out.

DS takes everything for a weekend (2 nights) in a 65 l rucksac. But that includes a pillow and sleeping bag, plus a couple of pairs of shoes.

If the sleeping bag is going in the bag, id think your 2 week case isn't too far off the mark.

If you've got to get a sleeping bag, thick coat and shoes in, one of your two week ones might actually be alright. Plus a day bag, either empty and in the case, or filled with other bits.

Could you get together all his kit now and assess what the volume looks like (even if it can't all be packed now. Try and put it in the 2 week one and see if how much space it actually is. Confirm if he can lift it and carry a short distant. If not you might need two smaller ones, but at least you'll get an idea on the size you'd need. You'd probably want it a little roomy as it's unlikely to be going to back in neatly folded. Plus the inevitable stuff that gets added on the return.

DD had our "clothes for one person for two weeks" suitcase with her for both one week residentials she did, staying in dorms. If you have to bring sheets, towels etc than that may be a decent size for one week.

30l is a daypack and not big enough.

For her Scout/Explorer camps DD has a large duffle plus her sleeping bag and mat as an extra. She had this also with her for a week riding residential but again, bedding and riding equipment was packed in a second bag.

Bigger than you think! I would say 80l at least. Can you ask school what they recommend, it depends on the location. If there is a lack of storage space they may prefer holdalls over hard cases, stairs in hostel, distance from drop of to rooms etc etc.

I think wheeled holdall with straps that can be used to carry on back if necessary would be best. If you don't have one already a compression sack for a sleeping bag can half its size. Also the quick dry sports towels are loads easier to pack.

Basically if it's a squeeze to fit it in at home, they will have no chance doing it alone to come home, so allow a bit of extra space.

As someone who has done many residentials (from the centre staff side not accompanying adult), a few things:-

• whichever bag you use, don't knot any extras on the outside like the sleeping bag or boots. We used to load all the bags into a trailer and the tangle from all the crap knotted to the outsides of some bags was a nightmare
• teach him how to stuff his sleeping bag back into the little stuff sack before he goes. It doesnt roll. Take the closed end and physically stuff it down into the little sack and just keep stuffing until its all in. The open end goes in last.
• don't overdo the clothes. Most wear the same thing two -or more- days in a row

No idea how the bold happened sorry.

Sleeping bag is ordered. He will have a practice sleep and pack up in it before he goes. I'm also planning to make him pack his own clothes. He is very particular about clean clothes so I genuinely don't know if he would re-wear anything.

I think wheeled holdall with straps that can be used to carry on back if necessary would be best.

Do you know if these survive airport handling? (We're going away on holiday this year 😀so it would be practical if it could be used for both?

We've been asked not to use a suitcase for our Y6 residential and use something that can be accessed by the top, large rucksack or holdall as not much room for opening suitcase lids.