> Blog: Overnight School Trip Packing List

A school trip packing list…there’s lots to include and planning required, but it’s all part of the fun and the excitement is building! The time has finally arrived, your school trip awaits, and you can’t wait to get going! But before you can embark on your adventure, it’s time to pack your essentials! 

School trips can be full of surprises, so it’s imperative that your students are prepared for all eventualities with all the correct equipment, clothing and personal items, just in case. So, what are they required to bring? Well, let us take you through our overnight school trip packing list recommendations that covers the essentials your students may need. Check out our full kit list here.

Clothing essentials

Tops/T-shirts

Bring plenty of t-shirts. Especially if your students are off on a PGL adventure! It’s always important to have some clean, dry and fresh tops to change into after a day of fun-filled activities. A couple of spare tops is probably a good idea, as outdoors activities can get rather messy and particularly wet if watersports are on your itinerary! 

Jackets/Coats

Waterproofs, jackets, jumpers, you name it - it’s quite possible you’ll need it! Unfortunately, the British weather throws up more surprises than our adventure activities! It could be t-shirt and shorts weather in the morning, then a zip-up fleece might be needed by the afternoon! We have to plan for every kind of weather in the UK, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. On a PGL school trip, your students will be out and about all day, so make sure they have something to keep them dry if the heavens decide to open!

Tracksuit bottoms/Leggings

Tracksuit bottoms and leggings provide comfort and generally, they’re a looser form of clothing, which is preferable when competing in challenges or tasks. If your students are getting stuck in with adventurous activities, they’ll be very grateful of comfortable clothing they don’t mind getting a little messy! Plus, they’re less restrictive than jeans when they get wet whilst doing watersports on one of our lakes.

Shorts

Sunny or not, shorts are a must. They’re great for playing sports or taking part in any indoor activities. Of course, it’s entirely up to your students if they prefer shorts or tracksuit bottoms; they can always bring both! 

Underwear & socks

A plentiful supply of underwear and socks is a must! Some activities may involve water, depending on your itinerary. Students will need to ensure they have enough to last the duration of your stay. Everyone wants to be clean and fresh for the evening activities!

Hat and gloves

Being cold is never fun - so if you’re planning on visiting PGL during the colder months, then make sure your students wrap up warm! They’ll be outdoors all day for activities, so just something to bear in mind. 

Clothes for the evening

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Your students will have evening activities planned throughout their stay, and sometimes even a disco! They might want to bring some clothes for the evenings and dress to impress. We all like to dress to impress for the disco! 

Pyjamas

There’s nothing better than being cosy at night time. So why not bring pyjamas. Plus, it might help some students feel less homesick with a little home comfort at night. 

Footwear

Trainers

Arguably one of the most important items to include on a school trip packing list is trainers. PGL is predominantly an outdoor environment, so whether it’s outdoor activities or playing sports, a single pair of trainers probably won’t suffice. We advise 2-3 pairs of trainers, so students are comfortable if one pair gets very muddy or extremely wet during our exhilarating watersports. They’ll then have another clean and dry pair of trainers or ready to dance the night away at the evening disco! 

Wellies (programme-dependent)

Are you heading on a field trip? Don’t let your students forget these! Muddy paths and uneven terrains will be prominent, so it’s always best to come prepared and have a pair of wellies ready to navigate the outdoors! If you’re trekking across muddy fields and hills, students will be super thankful for packing their wellies! 

Essential toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Students need to bring their toothbrushes and toothpaste because they’ll be away for at least one night. Let’s keep those pearly whites clean!

Shower gel

After a day of adventurous activities, students will need a nice shower to get spruced up ahead of the evening entertainment! At PGL, our activities require students to get stuck in, which could mean they get a bit muddy. Well, that’s no problem when they’ve got their shower gel; it’s an easy clean-up! 

Handy extras

Towel

It’s best for students to bring a couple of towels on their overnight school trip. One for showering and one to get clean and dry after activities. 

Reusable drinks bottle

It’s always important to stay hydrated, so remind your students to bring a reusable bottle to quench their thirst while they take part in a range of activities. 

Rucksack

We always advise everybody to bring a handy little bag or rucksack, so students can take a towel, their water bottle and anything else they need out with them for the day. 

Sleeping bag & pillow (if bedding not booked)

Depending on whether you’ve booked bedding or not, students will need to bring a sleeping bag and their comfiest pillow. Especially if you’re heading off on a camping field trip. Being toasty and cosy is essential, particularly when the temperatures start to drop during the night, so perhaps a blanket would be a welcome addition too! 

Let’s get started today!

Our residential school trips offer pupils an experience they’ll never forget, and a rewarding feeling for teachers that will live long in the memory. Life at PGL is about adventure, fun and laughter! With fantastic group activities galore, your students will never tire of the wide range of adrenaline-fuelled activities and amazing activities into the evening too. 

Why not take a look at our handy overnight school trip packing list that you can print off for your students? At least then you’ll know they shouldn’t forget anything! 

At PGL, we have an exceptional offering of trips, locations and activities to enjoy, so get in touch today to discuss your next school trip.