Big Island Packing List

(CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE PDF PACKING LIST)

CLOTHING

LABEL ALL OF YOUR ITEMS! (PARENTS, RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO DO THIS FOR YOUR CHILD; LET YOUR CHILD LABEL HIS/HER ITEMS SO THAT HE/SHE TAKES MORE OWNERSHIP OF THE GEAR AND THE TRIP.)

☐ 1 Pair Quick-dry Hiking Pants (not jeans, non-cotton)

☐ 2 Pairs Shorts (board shorts or athletic shorts are great!)

☐ 1 Fleece Top or Down Jacket (medium weight for warmth)

☐ 1 set of clothes for sleeping

☐ 1 Long sleeve shirts (lightweight, button-down for bug/sun protection!)

☐ 2 T-shirts or tank-tops (non-cotton)

☐ 1 Long Underwear Bottoms (polypropylene or wool)

☐ 1 Long Underwear Top (polypropylene or wool)

☐ Rain Jacket (this is for setting up camp in the rain, as it will offer more range of motion than a poncho)

☐ Poncho (no plastic ponchos; high quality; this is for hiking in the rain, as it will offer more body and pack cover than a rain jacket)

☐ 5-7 Pairs Socks (crew cut or mid-calf; must be non-cotton)

☐ 7 Pairs Underwear/Boxers (optional)

☐ Swimming suit/trunks (board shorts can replace)

☐ Belt (if needed)

☐ Trail Runners or Hiking Boots (or running shoes with good tread) 

☐ Slippers for around camp (these are essential as some campsites will be wet and muddy and will not be suitable for wearing our hiking shoes at. Hiking shoes will not dry overnight!)

☐ Baseball Cap or Sun Hat

☐ Winter Beanie

☐ Camp Towel (small quick dry towel around 29 x 16 inches, example)

EQUIPMENT

☐ Sleeping Bag (30-40 degree bag; example. A higher degree sleeping bag is fine for the Big Island trip. However, we will be staying at campsites that will get down to 50’s at night. If your child brings a higher degree bag, but runs cold, consider sending them with extra warm gear to sleep in or a sleeping bag liner).
What to look for: degree rating, weight/packability. Down or synthetic are both fine in terms of material. Be sure to store your sleeping bag by either hanging it or keeping it in a very large bag so it maintains its loft.

☐ Compression Sack (example) Note: a waterproof compression sack is a worthwhile investment.

☐ Sleeping Pad (Thermarest or similar, example 1 non-inflatable, example 2 inflatable) Note: A sleeping pad is what keeps your body warm, as the cold ground is most responsible for sucking away your body heat. It is important to get a sleeping pad that can pack very small, but will also be warm. Inflatable sleeping pads tend to be a bit more comfortable, but many people swear by the foam z-rests as well.

☐ Camp Pillow (example). Note: this is a space issue, so getting a small, compressible pillow is quite important.

☐ Daypack (example 1, example 2, example 3). What to look for: must have waist belt and water bottle pockets, 35L minimum for Middle School, hydration pouch (optional), consider your child’s size and whether or not his/her gear will fit in the bag you’ve chosen 

☐ Headlamp with extra batteries in ziplock bag (example)

☐ Sunglasses (optional)

☐ Whistle (many daypacks come with a built in whistle)

☐ 2 Bandanas (minimum)

☐ Pocket Knife and/or Multi-tool

☐ Wrist watch and compass

☐ 2 Water Bottles (durable, 35-40 oz; Nalgene recommended; you can bring 1 insulated water bottle for hot beverages or you can bring a camp mug and stick to two non-insulated water bottles)  
Note: Camel Backs or similar hydration pouches are fine and can replace 1 bottle

☐ Mess Kit & Camp Mug (Chopsticks are great! Small, light collapsible bowl: example.)
 

MISCELLANEOUS

☐ Journal and Pen/Pencil (required! Wild Kids will provide journals)

☐ Book to read (optional)

☐ Camera (optional) Note: phones cannot be used as cameras

☐ Binoculars (optional)

☐ Magnifying glass  (optional)

☐ Field guides (optional)

TOILETRIES (TRAVEL SIZE)

☐ Sunscreen

☐ Chapstick

☐ Bug Repellant (optional if you have preferred brand; we provide all-natural repellant)

☐ Comb/brush

☐ Toothbrush and Travel Size Toothpaste

☐ Face Wash (optional if you have a preferred brand; we provide biodegradable soap)

☐ Deodorant (natural, preferably unscented)

☐ Feminine Hygiene Products 

DO NOT BRING!

These items will be provided by Wild Kids:

☐ Soap  

☐ Shampoo/Conditioner  

☐ Matches

☐ Tent  

☐ First Aid Kit

Important Note: Personal electronics are not allowed once you arrive to Big Island. You are welcome to bring them for the plane ride. We will collect them upon arrival and return them on departure. Cell phones will be kept in a group bag and used only for set parent communication days.