The complete Big Island Farms internship packing guide:
Whether you consider yourself a seasoned veteran or a complete newbie, the art of adventure travel is ceaseless practice. We can all benefit from a few suggestions from now and then. Here we’ve laid out a straight forward run-down of exactly what and how to pack for your Big Island Farms internship. (Our director Carli has offered some suggestions for the ladies as well – these are marked with **)
Step 1:
Find, buy, or borrow these two bags:
- 70 – 120L Backpack or Duffel Bag (this will be your ‘check bag’)
- 35 – 40L Backpack (this will be your carry on and also serve as your day/adventure pack)
Make sure you get the correct size.
There are tons of great bags out there! However if you’re interested in some suggestions, here are a few my favorite packs:
Patagonia Black Hole 90 (as an alternative to the 70-120L Backpack)
Step 2:
Lay out your essentials – Cloths, toiletries, etc.
This is always where folks go overboard. Keep it lean. Try to limit yourself to only a weeks worth of outfits. (remember you can always wash your clothes) Synthetic and wool-blend cloths are great for keeping you’re pack light.
Here’s the list:
Base Layers
3x Synthetic Boxers/Underwear (REI has some great selections of hiking underwear)
3x Regular Boxers/Underwear
4x Socks (by far the most underrated item of clothing – splurge for the good stuff)
2x **Sports Bras
Top Layers
5x T-shirts (less if you can afford the nice synthetic stuff)
2x Tank Tops
1x Button Ups or **Dresses (for ‘going out’)
1x Long Sleeve (for chilly nights or keeping out of the sun)
1x Light Jacket
1x Rain Jacket
Bottom Layers
3x Swim Trunks
3x Athletic Quick-Dry Shorts
3x Regular Shorts
1x Quick-Dry Pants (these are nice for farm work)
1x Denim Pants or **Skirt (again.. for going out)
Shoes
1x Athletic Shoes/Hiking Boots (Make sure these are well worn in to avoid blisters)
1x Flip Flops (Chacos or Tevas are a great idea too since they can do everything)
Misc:
1x Shades
1x Hat (it’s not a bad idea to throw in a wide brim if you have one)
Toiletries:
1x Dr. Bronners Biodegradable Soap
1x Toothbrush
1x Biodegradable Toothpaste
1x Deodorant
1x Comb/Brush
1x Shampoo/Conditioner (Dr. Bs is great, but there are lots of other biodegradable shampoos on the market now… A place like Whole Foods will have a lot of options, although Garnier Fructis has a line of eco-friendly soaps that you can find at a convenience store)
1x Body Wipes
1x Glasses, Contacts, Contact Case
** Tampons (or pads, or diva cups… you’ll be able to buy these on the island but having some extras packed away will be helpful just in case)
Step 3:
Lay out your gear.
Again, avoid becoming the dreaded ‘gear junkie’ here.
Essentials:
1x Sleeping bag (rated around 35+F)
1x Compression Sack (for sleeping bag)
1x Camp Pillow (you can also use rolled up clothes)
1x Headlamp
2x Nalgenes
2x Quick-Dry Towels
1x Knife
1x Journal/Sketchbook
1x Laptop
All Chargers
Non-Essentials:
1x Eno Hammock
1x Art Supplies
1x Camera
1x Back-Up Hard Drive
1x Bluetooth Speaker
1x Kindle/Books
Step 4:
Pack your bags.
First, load your 30-40L/Carry-On.
Remember, this will have to go through security at the airport. (no liquids over 3.4oz, knives, etc.)
Here’s what goes in my Carry-On Pack:
1x Journal/Sketchbook
1x Laptop
1x Kindle/Books
1x Toiletries Bag (containing toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contact case, and deodorant)
1x Rain Jacket
1x Nalgene
– – you should still have a bit of space in your pack – –
Now load the rest of your items in the 70-120L/Check Bag
So here’s my process:
Line backpack with with contractor trash bag (useful later on for keeping out water and critters)
Sleeping bag goes in the bottom followed by camp pillow.
Shoes, Toiletries, and Gear are next.
Finally, use your clothes to fill up all dead space in the bag. (folding the clothes is unnecessary, you can always re-organize when you arrive)
If you have anything else left over, it can go in your carry on.
Step 5:
Morning of flight checklist.
So after days of preparing, packing, and triple checking your bags, you finally arrive at the airport feeling like a globe trotting aficionado. With a smug confidence, you walk directly to the flight counter. The person there politely asks you for your identification. Reaching your hand down to an empty back pocket, your pride is quickly lost to a lightning bolt of panic. Sh*#!
Don’t be that guy/chick. Here’s your checklist:
____ Wallet (Personal ID, Cash and Credit Cards, Insurance Cards)
____ Phone
____ Tickets
____ Itinerary
____ Emergency Contact Info
As always please feel free to reach out with any questions. Happy Packing!