What do I need to bring to basic training?

I was told to bring nothing. I had a pack of Marlboros and matches. Which were taken immediatly.

Here's the deal, you're going to be issued a couple duffle bags worth of clothing and gear. You are going to have to carry all of that, together, at the same time along with whatever you bring. Bring the absolute bare minimum. What you're wearing and maybe another pair of socks and underwear, you won't see that stuff again until graduation. Anything you need, you'll be issued or be able to buy. Your documents are a necessity, cell phone for the rare 10 minute call home, they are issued out for the calls, then taken back up. Put some sort of identifying mark on it.
The time goes by quick. Pay attention, put the effort in, and help your buddies if they need it.

Very little bring paper work. Shower shoes hygiene kit and one days of cloths. The first 48 hours your have your uniforms. Mark all uniforms with your last name and last 4 of SSN.

Seems like my predecessors on this post have got you covered. Good luck and kick ass!

They will give you some sort of Ziploc bag to put your phone in when they confinscate it. Bring a portable battery pack charge and cable with you and put it in that bag with your phone. You will be given your phone generally every Sunday after the first 3 weeks and charging ports are hard to come by and always fought over so just bring the battery pack so you won't have to worry about that. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and shaving cream. They didn't let us go to the PX the buy hygiene items and PT shoes until the last day of reception (day 7 Fort Sill). Make sure your bag is large enough to hold the clothes you are wearing and your shoes, don't bring to small a bag like I did and have to throw your shoes out because they didn't fit. For reference I graduated BCT November 2017.

Make sure you have at least three pairs of clothes with you

When i went to MCRD San Diego, I only left with the clothes on my back and my wallet with my id, SS card and my debit card. We were issued our PT gear in the first few hours, haircut, and fitted with uniforms by the second or third day (the first week was a blur between lack of sleep and the constant activity). It might seem difficult, but a piece of advice from my recruiter that I still remember, if you're tall just volunteer.. You can't hide in the group, don't try. And also remember they want to see what you are made of and show you that you are stronger than you ever thought possible.

Nothing, my recruiter told me to pack light. 1 small duffle bag. I did what he said and was grateful. Watched Privates carrying 2 and 3 suitcases while lugging the big green Army issue duffle bag getting kicked over a bunch of shrubs for falling behind.

Stamps, paper, pen, and a Sharpie. Don't bring anything else extra. Somebody else mentioned a black watch you don't mind scuffing up and that's a good idea as well. But bring as little as possible. It will all be locked up until the end of basic.

Maybe two pairs of clothes is all you need. Travel sizes of basic hygiene items. When I went to OSUT at Knox they actually gave you a card with a part of your first months pay on it when you arrived and took you to the shoppette to make sure you had everything else that you needed. You get issued your uniforms on the spot. And if it is anything like it was when I went through, don't bother cutting your hair, you still have to pay for a haircut just like everyone else.