Packing List for Students

I agree the 30-36" range for that duffle would be best. I brought two duffles, one 30" to hold light weight stuff (pillow, sleeping bag, clothes, etc.) and one small/medium one to hold heavier stuff (food, books, etc.). I also brought my computer bag. If my trainer had cupboard space available I'd have unpacked it all and been able to stow the empty duffles just fine. I only had one cupboard and ended up with both duffles stowed with me in the top bunk, which was fine by me.

Regarding looking into REI or other stores to see what backpackers are using...

... I'd strongly urge trainees to avoid getting backpacks, for the same reason I discourage bringing rolling luggage. The larger internal frame packs these days are over designed with shoulder strap and hip belt systems that would be a major PITA to stow away. A duffle bag that can fold down to nothing is preferable.

 

Remember that your only going to be in that trainers truck for a short time. After that you can customize your belongings in the truck your assigned. A lot of things you find you might or do need after your in the trainers truck is available elsewhere like truck stops and some Walmarts with Truck parking. I understand how difficult and intimidating it can be for someone to start out seeking adventure and a new career. Dont be afraid that you might need something and bring too much. Your there to learn and train to enter this career. More stuff will come later when you have control of it. Best of luck, Make a friend and be safe.

 

When trainees are in my truck we review what they have, what they NEED to have once they go solo, and what will be NICE to have but isn't essential. Then we budget their expenses so they aren't getting the whole thing at once, just the things that are absolutely essential first. Often the last week or so in the truck they will start making some of those essential purchases, so that by the time they test out at a terminal they can at least make it efficiently to the next available Walmart or truck stop to begin rounding out their tools and supplies.

That's pretty much the way I did it, taking what was essential to live in a trainer's truck to orientation, and then when I went solo the first stop or two were purposed to fill out my essentials. Within the first couple of months I had the truck and road lifestyle comfortably situated.

 

I disagree with this as many of the newer 'framed' backpacks out there give more organized storage in the same kind of space, and the materials and technology incorporated in many frames make them lighter, stronger, and more compact than what I was forced to use when camping; most definitely moreso than in any 'wheeled' luggage.

 

that was funny

 

Also...above all else...have an exit strategy. Not about jumping ship or quitting. Its about self preservation. Its about getting out and having the ability to get back home on your own. The world we live in is very unpredictable. Things and circumstances can arise that will require you to make a choice that have to do with your own well being. It does not necessarily mean leave your truck behind, or leave your trainer. Its about having to make choices that effect your well being in a dire emergency....or a national emergency. Do not depend on your dispatchers....do not depend on anything else but yourself. If with a trainer I have hopes he is prepared and can make the hard choices. What if the vicinity you are in is faced or compromised with a terrorist attack.

An exit strategy basically means that you are prepared to weather the situation with the truck, move the truck to a safer haven despite what some dispatcher 1000 miles away tells you....or in a worst case scenario you must leave the truck and make your way back on your own.

An example of this is: My truck will always have enough fuel to take me over 600 miles no matter what. If you need to get out of a danger zone or an area that has been compromised you have enough fuel to get to a safer haven. Also enough fuel to heat the truck just in case. Keep enough food for at least 5+ days. Power Bars Bottled water etc etc.

We are trucking in dangerous times...be vigilant and be prepared. Do not depend on your company to tell you what to do! Always have an exit strategy just in case.

 

Attachment 74102 Question: is this too much stuff to bring to training? The duffel bag is 30 in. Long by 15 in height and width. Note: Im going to Wisconsin for orientation, so i had to pack a little extra clothes for the weather conditions

 

Attachment does not work???

 

It's a picture of a full backpack, and and also a duffel bag that is 30 in. Long, by 15 in. In height and width.

 

I think the duffle and backpack combo is about right, the same as I brought with me for training; although I also had a computer bag. Much more than that would be overkill. With winter coming on you do need to be prepared for working in cold and wet environments. You also need to be prepared for hot times in the southwest.