What to pack in your duffel bag before boarding the bus to basic training?

In the coming weeks, as every year at this time, major IDF draft days will take place. New recruits, who have been preparing for months, arrive on draft day with a large backpack containing the necessary equipment for their service period. The "soldier's kit" is costly and usually falls on the parents. What’s important to buy before draft day? What can wait? And how much will it cost?

Every year, tens of thousands of young men and women enlist in the IDF. The August draft cycle is one of the three major cycles for combat service. This year, more than ever, the excitement for military service is high, the motivation is strong, and the emotions are mixed.

MIG Ai, a company specializing in monitoring and analyzing media, social, and business information from social networks, gathered data for us from conversations among recruits and their parents. It’s clear that the motivation for enlistment, particularly for combat roles, is high (20%). Recruits asked about changing their assignments to more prestigious or meaningful roles. 10% of the conversation was about shopping and equipment lists, with questions about what to buy and where. Most respondents shared that store sellers helped and directed them to the must-have items.

For the recruits, the period before enlistment involves physical and mental preparation. For the parents, it also entails significant financial expenditure. The IDF’s equipment list is comprehensive but requires essential additions, such as an extra large bag, military shirts, socks, sportswear, underwear, a wristwatch (preferably digital with a stopwatch), medications, toiletries, bed linen, a lock, a flashlight, a laundry bag, and more.

To improve conditions for conscript soldiers, the IDF grants a one-time amount of about NIS 300 two months before the draft, via a text message. The digital eligibility (Stars Card) can be used throughout the service, with combat support and combat soldiers receiving additional money during their service.

Given the cost of living, this amount is insufficient for the initial purchase, as the "soldier's kit" ranges between NIS 800-1,500. Even after using the "stars," parents will have to spend hundreds more from their own pockets.

It's important to understand that not everything needs to be bought in advance. After the first home visit, you'll know better what you need and what additional equipment will make life easier. Additionally, the Kaveret convenience store chain (formerly Shekem), operated by the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers at 300 locations on IDF bases, offers recruits convenient services to complete their equipment, including hygiene products, toiletries, textiles, and mobile accessories. So, it's not a disaster if you forget something necessary.

The convenience store chain, which also operates an online store, allows families to order items for recruits, including snacks and drinks, with delivery guaranteed within four business days. According to Tzvika Goldenberg, CEO of Kaveret, the online store offers an easy and convenient option to send recruits essential items, mobile accessories, and treats, accompanied by a personal letter from home. He shares that thousands of packages were ordered for recruits during the summer months, with 62% sent to southern bases, 25% to northern bases, and 13% to central bases.

He also mentions that the most common items in packages for recruits include: Neviot water (1.5 liters), Coca-Cola (1.5 liters), Bamba, spicy sour Doritos, Kinder Bueno, Klik bag, All In protein bar, wet wipes, shoe polish, shoe brush, bath towel, boxer briefs, socks, and shirts.

Kobi Zviaeli, manager of the Lametayel store chain, spoke about pre-draft preparations and the shopping habits of young people enlisting: "In the weeks before enlistment, we see increased traffic of recruits and their parents coming to the stores or shopping online." He shares that Lametayel offers significant discounts for recruits upon presenting the draft notice, and the staff is available to provide personal and professional advice in choosing the equipment.

On the general atmosphere among recruits, Zviaeli says: "Since October 7, there’s been a noticeable difference in the atmosphere among IDF recruits. Following recent events and security challenges, there’s an increase in motivation for combat service. Recruits understand the importance of combat service and protecting the country, showing determination and a desire to contribute significantly to Israel's security. It's heartening to see this dedication and willingness to take on combat roles, reflecting a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the country."

Zviaeli notes that the most sought-after items for recruits include: sweat-wicking socks, comfortable boxer briefs without seams made from breathable fabrics, tactical gloves, a high-quality backpack suited for heavy loads, watches that don’t require charging or connection to a phone, thermal clothing, and a headlamp. "The demand for these items increases as the draft date approaches, and there are times when stock runs out quickly."

Essential Gear for Recruits

House on Your BackThe Porter 80-liter soldier’s bag from OUTDOOR REVOLUTION offers ample space, comfortable carrying, and high durability for field conditions. This backpack is popular among soldiers and hikers, featuring an adjustable and ventilated back system and padded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying and even weight distribution.

Price: NIS 409. Available at travel stores and the Kal Gav website.

The Extra TouchLametayel recommends adding these items to your kit: the WILDCAT breathable T-shirt, suitable for intensive activity, sweat-wicking, and sun-protective. Price: from NIS 98.

The powerful and waterproof HDL40 headlamp, ideal for long field activities with energy-efficient LED lights and long-range tactical red light. Price: NIS 169.

Breathable boxer briefs for men from NATIVE PLANET, antibacterial and quick-drying. Special offer: 3 pairs for NIS 100. Available at Lametayel stores and website.

Speed Up RecoveryBio Velvet cream is an Israeli patent for accelerating the healing of skin imperfections based on deer antler – the only natural source of regenerating collagen.

The cream is intended to speed up recovery and relieve pain in cuts, open wounds, burns, seborrhea, pressure sores, herpes, rashes, and more. It’s a natural and holistic product, developed by Dr. Doron Tzur.

Price: NIS 139 for 50 ml, NIS 399 for 200 ml. Available on the company’s website and authorized pharmacies across the country.

Organized for BathingTravel Tactic toiletry bag is made of especially durable fabric, lightweight, and spacious.

Price: NIS 99. Includes a soap dish and toothbrush cover. Available at Kal Gav's website and travel stores.

Lighting the WayPetzl brand headlamp, lightweight and compact, illuminates at 300 lumens with three lighting modes, a wide beam, and long lighting duration. Equipped with an adjustable, removable, and washable elastic headband.

Price: NIS 195. Available at Kal Gav's website and travel stores.

Sweat-FreeT Cooldry short-sleeve T-shirt suitable for all activities, lightweight, ventilated, and sweat-wicking, made of easy-to-clean fabric that keeps the body dry and protected from the sun.

Price: NIS 59. Available at Kal Gav's website and travel stores.

Comfort Under UniformINTIMEN brand offers recruits a 1+1 deal: ribbed cotton tank tops suitable under uniforms and a pack of three microfiber boxer briefs with high resistance to washing and wear, made of quality cotton, with a soft elastic waistband bearing the brand name.

Available at Intima stores across the country and online.

Fitness ChallengedThe CHALLENGER 7 running shoe from HOKA is suitable for a wide range of terrains: rocks, gravel, fields, sand, mud, water crossings, as well as road running, tempo training, and running on wet and slippery surfaces.

The shoe has a thick sole made of compressed recycled EVA for support, high cushioning, and efficient energy return. Its features have made it a bestseller among fitness trainers and pre-recruit trainees who need a pair of shoes suitable for basic training and service conditions. The new CHALLENGER 7 design offers a variety of trendy colors.

Price: NIS 750. Available at HOKA concept stores in the Mandarin Complex and M Way Mall, at New Ran, the official importer of HOKA, WeShoes chain, and various stores selling the brand in Israel.

Basic GearHoodies offers quality basic items that will accompany soldiers throughout their service. Recommended items include plain basic shirts in white and olive green, underwear, socks, pants, hoodies, and more.

Price range: NIS 33-180 per item. Available at the chain's stores.

Smart on Your WristGarmin Instinct2 smart sports watch with GPS, durable and suited for field conditions. The watch has a built-in training profile with a full Hebrew interface including alerts and notifications.

The watch supports iPhone and Android with a full Hebrew app, and meets US military standard 810G for resistance to high heat, shock, and water (up to 100 meters), a built-in compass with a barometric altimeter, and global satellite navigation systems. The watch includes advanced metric monitoring for insights and analyses of various health metrics such as blood oxygen levels, energy levels, sleep monitoring, and more.

Battery life of up to 28 days in smart mode and up to 65 days in battery-saving mode. Price: NIS 1,169. Available at authorized stores and on the Garmin Israel website.

Paying with StarsH&O, selected by the IDF to supply equipment to recruits, offers a constant 25% discount to recruits and soldiers on top of all in-store promotions when paying with Stars and Caspar, in accordance with the variety approved by the Ministry of Defense.

The soldier collection items on sale include: underwear, moisture-wicking and thermal clothing, antibacterial socks, backpacks, field gear, shoe polishing kits, socks, underwear, dry-fit shirts with fringes (tzitzit), sports shirts, tank tops, shorts, sports shoes, toiletries, towels, and more.

Sample Prices:

Moisture-wicking shirt: NIS 30 Pack of six antibacterial military socks: NIS 53 Pack of seven men's boxer briefs: NIS 75 Pack of five white or olive green cotton T-shirts: NIS 98 Available at all chain branches.

Price Range: NIS 18-19.Available at supermarkets and drugstores.

Charging Field ConditionsHamilton, the official importer of the ANKER brand to Israel, offers the Anker 323 Power Bank with a capacity of 10,000mAh, featuring PowerIQ technology for fast and bi-directional charging. It can charge two devices simultaneously.

Battery Price: NIS 169.Available on the Hamilton website and from authorized retailers. The backup battery comes with an 18-month warranty from Hamilton Group.