By Ethan Maurice | October 31, 2015
Over the summer of 2015, I spent 72 incredible days living on the Big Island of Hawaii. In a work-trade deal through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), I worked 20 hours a week on a small lush Hawaiian farm in exchange for room and board.
Here's a list of everything I brought to the Big Island:
Backpacking Supplies
Backpack (5600 cubic inches)
Backpacking Tent (Two Person)
Backpacking Hammock
55 Degree Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Draw String Bag (camping pillow when stuffed with clothes)
Nalgene Water Bottle (1 Liter)
Aquamira Water Treatment Drops
Water Bladder (2.5 Liter)
Lightweight Bowl
Spoon-Fork-Knife Combo
Headlamp
Mosquito Head Net
Compass
Pocket Knife
Lighter
40ft Nylon Cord
Small Emergency Kit
Trash Bag (backpack cover for rain)
Toilet Paper in Ziplock Bag
*If you don't plan on backpacking to remote sections of the island, you won't need most Backpacking Supplies.
Toiletries
2 in 1 Shampoo/Body Wash
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Hair Gel
2 Bottles of Sunscreen
Chapstick
Deodorant
Allergy Eye Drops
Nail Clippers
Clothes
(2) T-Shirts
(3) Tank Tops
(2) Quick Dry Synthetic Shirts
(2) Light Button Down Shirts
(2) Board Shorts
(2) Hybrid Shorts (basically board shorts with pockets)
(1) Athletic Shorts
(7) Underwear
(7) Socks
(1) Fleece Jacket
(1) Rain Jacket
(3) Shoes (Running Shoes, Vibram FiveFingers, and Sandals)
(1) Hat
Electronics
Laptop (with case)
External Hard Drive
DSLR Camera
GoPro
Memory Cards
Mini Tripod
Electric Razor
Cell Phone
Chargers For Each
Headphones
Other
School Backpack
Books (Born To Run. Dharma Bums. Wherever You Go, There You Are)
Diving Mask
Beach Towel
Deck of Cards
Journal & 2 Pens
*If you don't plan on backpacking to remote sections of the island, you won't need most Backpacking Supplies.
What I Would Have Packed Differently:
1. A larger daypack. I brought a small school backpack, making trips back from the grocery store a challenge. Groceries I could buy in one trip were limited and every time I'd hitchhike home with a gallon of milk in hand. Bring a medium or large sized school-type pack and save yourself the struggle.
2. Casual Shoes. WWOOFing in Hawaii is the polar opposite of a fashion show, but I ended up buying a pair of Vans halfway through my time on the island. Much more socially acceptable on those late nights at a bar than my ragged running shoes I've run, hiked, and backpacked hundreds of miles in.
3. Lightweight Poncho. In Hawaii, when it rains it pours. At lower elevations (roughly less than 3,000ft) the temperature is so perfect that it really doesn't matter if you get wet. However. I found myself gambling with my laptop as I hitchhiked to and from town without anyway to fend off the rain.
