What to pack for Army Basic Training (what you actually need)

Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel! Today we’re talking about what you ACTUALLY need to pack for basic training (because it’s not that much!).
We’re talking:
- what NOT to take
- clothes
- documents
- hygiene
- haircare
And a few lady topics!
As always, let me know what you’d like to see next. Leave your army/lifestyle questions down below. Oh yeah, and follow me on Instagram!
Main: @abwweave
Fitness: @abgetsfab
Subscribe so we can get our healthy little army fam to 1k subscribers! Thanks for watching!

[@theunknown5181]

Thank you this is so helpful especially as a female! I couldn’t find a video that addressed all this and I ship out today.

[@rebekahbaker554]

Hey Abby! I just wanted to say that I really appreciate your content- I leave for BCT at Ft Sill in about three weeks and like you, when you were in my shoes about one year ago, I have watched sooo many videos. Yours have been the most helpful and the most encouraging. Thank you for your honesty and the wealth of helpful information- watching your videos is like talking to a friend. I am also really enjoying hearing about the experiences you've had while becoming an Army musician. I'm going to be a 68W so of course there is no overlap in our jobs but you deliver the content in an interesting and engaging way, and I appreciate it. I'm sure you've been busy in your new life as a married soldier but I look forward to watching any new content you release. Thanks again. :)

[@littlemisscountry00]

Rebekah Baker did you ship yet? I ship on Tuesday!

[@vigilantlegends482]

Shipping out in 18 days fort Jackson here I come thanks for your videos I love them ✅✅

[@toyag638]

Good one! I’m going to meps next week for my physical so excited and a little bit nervous to start this journey.

[@AbbyWeaver]

That’s awesome. If you haven’t already, check out my MEPS video! Best of luck with everything!

[@tannerfleming9509]

Abby your channel has helped me so much I ship out Monday the 26th and I am very nervous! But because of you it’s been helping my nerves! Keep doing you!

[@aaliaramkissoon4395]

Just did my asvab waiting to go to meps your videos have really helped me in soo much way in preparing myself. Would like videos on like what they do your medical & the bun video!

[@AbbyWeaver]

I talk all about the medical portion of MEPS in my MEPS video if that’s what you mean! And I’ll be filming the hair video soon, thanks for watching ♥️

[@aaliaramkissoon4395]

Abby Weaver ok I’ll look for it thank you 🙏🏽

[@coralgrimez9357]

do a bun video! i’ve never done a military style bun in my life, and i ship out on june 29th.

[@AbbyWeaver]

Coming up! Thank you for watching ♥️

[@virsyn1952]

Where!? Fort Sill!? Me too!

[@lupevivar6778]

Shipping out in two days !!

[@mildredcurbelo92]

Loved this video ❤️ thanks 🙏

[@AbbyWeaver]

Thanks, Mildred! 💙

[@Darknightkiller64]

This is honestly a huge help. I’m getting shipped out on Nov 9th ( Fort Sill) and I only have 2 weeks to prepare.

[@ForeverFootballer]

I'm shipping to Sill the 3rd! Might see you there lol

[@Darknightkiller64]

@@ForeverFootballer Shit that makes us battle buddy or something

[@kelseymoon223]

I ship out on August 3rd to Fort Jackson. Thanks for the helpful tips, it really helped me get prepared.

[@tsims4236]

Same here

[@halezbelz]

Me to!!

[@jenniferalamo5708]

I am so thankful I found this right now! I ship out on Jan 11th and I wasn’t too sure what to bring

[@Ninjagirl-mw3cd]

Girl! I leave the same date!! Are you going to sill or Jackson? I’m going to Jackson!! I might see you there!!

[@jenniferalamo5708]

@@Ninjagirl-mw3cd hey girl! I’m going to Jackson, I think we might see each other lol!

[@autumnfox2112]

Thank you! Shipping out May 27th to Fort Jackson!

[@AbbyWeaver]

Thanks for watching, Autumn! Best of luck!

[@marykite5872]

Same here! We should talk!

[@autumnfox2112]

@@marykite5872 girl add me on snap if ya want! auddie2020 I'm not sure what time I'm shipping out the 27th😂😂

[@frogblogs4761]

Autumn Fox good luck !!!

[@xxleahferrexx7107]

Good luck!! Remember to never ever give up. Also remember that the military isn’t easy or hard, it’s challenging. Good luck

[@madisonduncan4256]

I needed this sooooo much!!! Thank you 🙏🏼... I leave for basic on May 31 😁

[@AbbyWeaver]

Best of luck, Madison! Which training facility are you headed to?

[@madisonduncan4256]

Abby Weaver I’m going to fort Leonard Wood :))

[@AbbyWeaver]

Nice!

[@Roguema1]

Your battle buddies will be your best asset!

[@AbbyWeaver]

😭😭😭

[@FirstLady101100]

Thank you, Thank you so much your the best🙂

[@AbbyWeaver]

Thank YOU for watching! ♥️

[@joseandresavilesmoran8728]

good video... thank for the information

[@casslamb3543]

Yes. Would love to see the buns you can do!!!

[@AbbyWeaver]

Can totally do that! Thanks for watching! ♥️

[@letsgrowtogetherwithjess]

I'm shipping out may 26th to fort Jackson. This really helped me.

[@AbbyWeaver]

Thanks for watching and good luck!!

[@rasheenjames767]

I ship out that day too

[@user-jh7br4un6w]

l leave for basic training at Fort Sill on Monday. Your videos are SUPER helpful and I love the details you go into and the way you deliver the message (some other youtubers are loud and a little intense). Thanks again!

[@ji2sickk]

me too!

[@arickamedlock7479]

Whew I leave to ft leonardwood October 27 I’m Ready 🥳

[@naikamacena9242]

Good luck👍🏻 🍀 I will join next year

[@marykite5872]

can you do a video on tips for basic training to help get through it easier as well as things to watch for please!

[@AbbyWeaver]

Sure thing! I’ll add it to the list! When do you ship?

[@marykite5872]

Abby Weaver On the 27th! Thank you so much!!

[@AbbyWeaver]

Ooo it’s coming up! I’ll try and get that video out before you go!

[@panda_bear12345]

I leave October 6th to Fort Sill and the thing I’m most scared/worried about is getting my period and knowing what to pack 😂

[@htmewturcr.]

I leave to Fort Sill as well on October 5th

[@andreeamarin8696]

Me Oct 7th 😊

[@auntbee1776]

Hi Abby, I’m shipping out July 28th. Can we take a small journal with us or is that something they may take from us during the shake down?

[@savannahmonkres7304]

Yes do tutorials on buns please. And quick question. I'm in the process of losing weight to actually join the army (40 lbs down, 5 to go) and I know that I have to be a certain weight to go into the army. So do I have to be at that weight when I talk to the recruiter or will that happen at meps?

[@AbbyWeaver]

If you’re close you can go ahead and meet with a recruiter but I usually hear that recruiters want you to be 5-10 pounds under your max before they slot you for a MEPS time. I was only 5 pounds under when I went! I’m gonna be making a video on how I lost weight and prepared for BCT soon! Thank you for watching ♥️

[@gerarodriguez2296]

When you go to your recruiter they will weigh you and tell you if you have to loose weight

[@lydamaldonado3695]

should you pack your own razors with you or are the ones at reception okay to buy?

[@prancingsquid]

With my luck, I’ll get my period and have to deal with that shit the entire time. 😭

[@The11blue2]

thank you so much!! shipping out July 27th to fort leonardwood !

[@stephanieeasling310]

Me too!!

[@The11blue2]

Stephanie Easling omg awesome !!! good luck to you !!

[@stephanieeasling310]

@@The11blue2 you too!!

[@emma5006]

Same here!

[@The11blue2]

Go1d3nNightmare omg!! good luck !!! maybe we’ll see each other

[@tlalocp]

Thank you! Shipping to Fort Jackson May 18th. 42R!

[@AbbyWeaver]

Awesome, thank you for watching! What do you play? Active, NG, or reserves?

[@tlalocp]

@@AbbyWeaver I'm a trumpet player going into the Reserves.

[@AbbyWeaver]

Nice! Best of luck, you’re going to love the schoolhouse!

[@nayelitrejo5147]

Me too!!! But 25Q

[@myagutierrez7484]

@@nayelitrejo5147 yessss 25 series I ship out Monday

[@92justinayube]

sneak diss after work drones will be acceptable at some point

[@jaylonpearson7966]

I’m shipping out on the 29th

[@Hoodmakaeasha]

I ship out next summer

[@630thebeatles]

If any see’s this and could help I’d really appreciate it! Since Covid has us going straight to our first assignment/school right after boot camp I’m not totally sure what I should pack just to keep in my civilian bag. Like should I pack my contacts and whatnot to keep in my civilian bag? After BC do you keep wearing what you have been or do I need other clothes? Of course I can have stuff mailed but just wanted to be prepared. Thanks:)

[@Catfishhh]

Can you bring face wash and lotion? when you fly, can you bring them on the plane? or you have to delivery them?

[@radboy7584]

I’m shipping out on August 4th to fort Jackson. Who else?

[@jking9785]

What do you put your hygiene kit in? Like what kind of bag should I bring everything in?

[@flamerraider]

Shipping out to fort Leonard wood nov 23rd

[@coralgrimez9357]

quick question, if i take a travel size shampoo and conditioner that has a scent to it, is it gonna get thrown out? i heard you can’t have scented anything in basic.

[@AbbyWeaver]

You should be fine! I had travel size garnier shampoo/conditioner that had a slight fruity scent and lots of girls were sent their favorite products from home that were fragrant. If it’s super strong I would maybe consider another one but what they’re really concerned about is actual perfume. Anyone with body spray or perfume had to leave it in their personal bag in our company.

[@taylornicolewas]

I'm shipping out July 14 to Fort Jackson :)

[@WEBEREATS]

Lol same

[@marlenesalazar4149]

I ship July 13 😬

[@helloiamnotacrazedbuttstab2109]

Good luck you guys!! 🥳🎉🎊🥺

[@BrookeBerghuis]

Good luck today Taylor

[@dazzlingdexter5060]

If I bring my favorite sweater will I get to keep it or will it be thrown away

[@alyhernandez1688]

I'm shipping out to basic soon and I was wondering whether they let you keep a few things like an address book and stamps. I know they take all your civilian clothes but can you keep some?

[@AbbyWeaver]

They’ll take all your civilian clothes and lock them up until graduation. You can keep stationary items- I took one normal size notebook and wrote all of the addresses I would need inside of the front cover.

[@alyhernandez1688]

@@AbbyWeaver Thank youuu I was really worried about not being able to memorize everything. I love your videoss btw

[@allybish8121]

what’s it like enlisting while in a committed relationship? would you be willing to chat about your experience?

[@AbbyWeaver]

Every relationship is unique but of course! Maybe I can get my fiancé in a video eventually too. 😄

[@athena_pnce2377]

Do you have to buy shampoo there ? Or can I just keep my own

[@cakesmaya1775]

See I'm a lady and just chopped off all my hair recently lol. I'm gonna enlist soon and plan to just keep it short

[@alexacabello9625]

How much money to bring to but the stuff you said?

[@alyssasamaniego-flores79]

Headed to Fort Jackson September 14th, 92R :)

[@maymaypanda6279]

Me too!! Wanna be friends? 🥺

[@tiaharknett467]

I ship that day 2

[@madisonoster]

I go the same day for 89b!

[@alyssasamaniego-flores79]

May May Panda yes of course!!

[@tiaharknett467]

Why May Pandas?

[@jess-sp2fh]

can you bring chapstick? do they have that at the px?

[@AbbyWeaver]

Yes! I somehow missed that you get a little generic chapstick in the hygiene kit you have to buy in reception. All I ever saw at the PX was Carmex, my aunt sent me a couple burts bees and I ALWAYS had one on me!

[@leatateo]

Are we allowed to bring hair spray or hair gel to basic?

[@museme6309]

Abby shark attack is removed through by sgt major so first 100 yards do you still carry it??

[@AbbyWeaver]

I really need to sit down with some soldiers fresh out of training and talk to them about their experiences!

[@sanamthakuri9711]

shipping out fort sill august 11th

[@AbbyWeaver]

Best of luck!!

[@universe25.x]

Do I have to bring my shower shoes or they will provide us with it?

[@hayleypollard2029]

So I ship out September 8th..couple questions, should I bring a watch? Would it be better to just buy sports bras at reception?

[@ndrahtanksley2707]

me too to ft jackson

[@ndrahtanksley2707]

im bringing a watch

[@AbbyWeaver]

Take a watch!! They will have ones you can buy, but they're relatively large (I wanted something smaller that wouldn't feel bulky on my wrist) and they're expensive. I ordered a classic Casio off of amazon and it made it through BCT just fine. Just make sure it has the date and an alarm built in!

[@amandadodson9444]

you know those small travel size bottles you can fill with your own shampoo/conditioner/body wash? instead of buying travel sizes can i just fill those up with my own things and label it? they don’t have labels on them but i can label them myself, i just wanna know if it’s allowed thank you :)

[@janelleyyy8270]

i don’t think you can bc its not labeled originally . there is a video on here of the shake down at for jackson . you can watch it and pretty much know what you can’t bring

[@AbbyWeaver]

I watched the same video and therefore didn’t take anything in travel containers. I don’t recall them specifically pointing those out during MY shakedown, but I wouldn’t want to take a chance on it. I bought the mini sized products you can get from travel section at Walmart or a drug store.

[@amandadodson9444]

thank you both!

[@ndrahtanksley2707]

can i bring notebook and a journal to write in?

[@cutepets4me4]

What do they do at the mini physical?

[@rudydelgado4544]

Shipping out to basic August 9th. 68A. Does anyone know how the quarantine is gonna be before reception?

[@Hoodmakaeasha]

2week quarantined yellow phase

[@brandeewest1300]

Where and what brand of a very supportive sports bra do you recommend?

[@AbbyWeaver]

Hmm, I am not the most well endowed woman to give suggestions about a high support bra. LOL. If you watch my Red Phase video, you'll see that all of my civilian sports bras were not allowed. Definitely do some research and find your brand. I've heard very good things about She Fit bras for high support (although I've never had one).

[@brandeewest1300]

@@AbbyWeaver thank you. I watched your video. I'll check out the she fit.

[@museme6309]

Abby I think I gotta die my hair back to dark brown due to I can’t take care of my roots.

[@AbbyWeaver]

Once you get out of training you'll be fine to dye your hair if you can maintain it. But I agree, it may be a problem in training.

[@gracemcallister9676]

Is it ok to have holes in the jeans at meps

[@emilyostermiller2634]

What sports bras can you buy to bring to basic that will be approved?

[@deutsche8870]

Pretty much any type of sports bra, they stress on the app to bring only black or white but they dont care what color or type you get. Just make sure you bring enough because there is a chance you could lose a few within the laundry

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Coming back to you as I'm joining your 42R ranks and shipping to Jackson in....1.5 weeks! Lord help me 😅 I also noticed you haven't posted in a while, so I hope you're ok??

[@AbbyWeaver]

Just super duper busy 😅 good luck and feel free to reach out with any questions!

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

@@AbbyWeaver Totally get that :):) Oh I probably will at some point, I’ve had 8 months to mull this reality over…I’m as ready as I’ll ever be at this point…I think 😅 I truly hope our band paths cross at some point, I love you and your channel, you and a few friends have been my go-to’s for “how to military musician” and it’s been a massive help in knowing what I’m getting into ahead of time!

[@AbbyWeaver]

@@jenniferhiemstra5228 so awesome! It’s a small field, I’m sure we’ll see each other eventually! 😁

[@madisonmartin4671]

so the stuff you bought was it with your eagle cash card or your debit card?

[@AbbyWeaver]

Eagle cash! Through basic, some people had spent all of their eagle cash but could still buy stuff with their debit card. I still had about $60 on mine by the end of basic.

[@rachaellaraine7531]

Abby Weaver how much are on eagle cash?

[@coralgrimez9357]

what are some good sports bras to take? send me a link! anyone! i’m lost and can’t find anything good on amazon

[@summerbaha8284]

coral grimez recently found these to take with me!! I

[@gabbyhesse9297]

Hair next video!

[@AbbyWeaver]

Sure thing! Thank you for watching ♥️

[@gabbyhesse9297]

Abby Weaver i leave for Fort Jackson June 1

[@AbbyWeaver]

I’ll get it up this next week so you can see before you leave!

[@flamerraider]

I use head and shoulders lmao

[@Ana_dee]

So it won’t be a problem if we show up with leggings at reception?

[@AbbyWeaver]

It was not an issue for me or any others!

[@ceceace5505]

August 3rd anyone?

[@halezbelz]

Me

[@ashleybarnes1516]

Please do a bun video ☺️

[@AbbyWeaver]

Will do! Thank you for watching ♥️

[@corawardleigh8343]

In my opinion just don’t bring civilian under garments it’s 10weeks just suck it up lol

[@AbbyWeaver]

Unfortunately, this is true! Haha! I think some larger chested females are worried about the PX garments, which I understand.

[@ggcosmetix6976]

What about your phones? What do we do with them?

[@AbbyWeaver]

You will have your phone to travel and through reception. I had to stay at reception for a 4 day weekend before actually shipping to BCT. They took our phones for the long weekend and then returned them to us before shipping. Once you get your platoon etc, you'll turn in your phone in a plastic bag and it will be locked in a room in the sleep bays.

[@ggcosmetix6976]

Abby Weaver thank you so much! Can’t wait to apply for the army

[@92justinayube]

a tipi

[@museme6309]

What if you haven’t gone to college??

[@AbbyWeaver]

No worries! You can use Tuition Assistance or the GI IF you want to further your education.

[@danp4725]

Do they make you buy a watch in basic , thanks

[@AbbyWeaver]

You’re not required to but they were available at the PX! I would recommend buying one to take with you since you can probably find a cheaper one.

[@ndrahtanksley2707]

anyone leave september 8th ft jackson?

[@carolivarez23]

Ahhh shipping out in a week😬

[@grace-kf5us]

goodluckk!!

[@carolivarez23]

gracelyn thank youuu!!

[@MelissaTorres34]

How did it gooo ????

[@carolivarez23]

@@MelissaTorres34 piece of cake not gonna lie, currently in AIT graduating March 19 Hooah!!

[@joseandresavilesmoran8728]

I'm shipping out 12 October... someone else ???

[@monicaheverly8666]

October 5th

[@sailornelson7108]

@@monicaheverly8666 oct 5 for me too!

[@joycevelazquez6182]

Jenna marbles joined the military?

[@AbbyWeaver]

I get this so often 😂

[@JosephineOchere]

The period thing is due to the shots they give you forcing your periods to become irregular

[@journey161]

You cannot wear leggings to reception.

[@AbbyWeaver]

I and many other people did with no problems 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@goofyahhhh4089]

I’m not wearing leggings to reception either.

[@ForeigNCSGO]

did she just dig us on our national guard bags😩

[@AbbyWeaver]

I’m low key jealous you get super cool swag, but they are HUGE (at least all the ones I’ve seen 😎)

[@victoriashockley2846]

Could I wear contacts at basic?

[@AbbyWeaver]

No contacts, I didn’t even take any with me. I got my army glasses in reception and that’s what we had to wear the whole time.

[@victoriashockley2846]

@@AbbyWeaver ok. Thank you so much. Could I wear contacts at AIT if my family brings then to graduation

[@AbbyWeaver]

Yes! You can wear contacts, civilian glasses, watches, etc 😁

[@victoriashockley2846]

@@AbbyWeaver ok. Thank you so much. So would you recommend I pack a bag before basic for my family to bring to me on graduation or family day?

[@AbbyWeaver]

That’s a great idea! I know a lot of people would have their folks send their stuff to them at AIT. At my AIT, we got our civvie privileges about two thirds of the way through but some classes don’t get them at all- Just depends on your school.

[@92justinayube]

map of canada and an american flag to go do work abroad in canada while you drive around put a filter on your exhaust pipe dont disrespect your regime even if you blow farts just being honest still cute . cant find one make one like someone else

[@elizabethmorales746]

Im joining the army im excited but my heart is breaking because I'm leaving behind my daughter

[@kiimchavarria1609]

My son is 14 months and I’m going to take the ASVAB test on Monday, I feel the same way

[@elizabethmorales746]

@@kiimchavarria1609 my daughter is 10 years old and im a mess

[@goofyahhhh4089]

I’m leaving my 8 year old as well and that’s the toughest part of all of this.