Get the latest from TODAY

Sign up for our newsletter

Parents, raise your hands if you can relate: You get your kid's camp supply list, and you just, well, sigh.

The list is long. The days are short. So, what's a parent to buy?

To simplify the process, we consulted experts at REI, who provided us with guidance on what to get and what you can safely leave at home (hint: cute fashion sandals that won't work in chilly pools or lakes).

To start, the biggest mistake parents make? Overpacking and overloading your little ones with stuff they won't use.

"If they don't want to wear it at home, they are not going to wear it at camp," said Malcolm Dunn, an REI Outdoor School senior instructor based in Seattle.

Sound familiar? Guilty as charged.

And the biggest rule of thumb for kids and parents is to wear water-friendly shoes so feet don't come home with blisters.

You want "sandals that won't fall off when getting in and out of the water. Flip-flops fall off and get lost," said Dunn. "Trips to the camp nurse are no fun!"

TODAY editors, writers and experts take care to recommend items we really like and hope you’ll enjoy! Just so you know, TODAY does have affiliate relationships. So, while every product is independently selected, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the revenue.

1. STATE Bags Kane Children's Backpack, $60, Amazon