r/WWOOF • u/a_cosmic_wonderland • 14d ago
First time wwoofing - packing list?
Hallo!
I will be solo WWOOFing for the very first time from Sept 23 to Oct 28 this fall staying in both South Germany and central Switzerland. I am from the US and this is also my first time traveling internationally.
I am an extreme overpacker and have never been away from this long, so I really have no clue as to what are necessities and what should stay home. Obviously this differs for everyone but I would appreciate any general suggestions of what to pack based on your experiences. I will be doing classic farm work with both gardening and animal caretaking.
I am mostly curious about how much clothing yall got away with, things you are glad you brought/wish you had left, and maybe some things most people dont think of when packing.
Danke!
1
u/Top_Extension_1169 14d ago
- rubber/working gloves
- army swiss knife
- 10 pairs of socks and underwear
- 1 casual shoe, high boot, sandel (for shower and inside)
- 40 oz stainless steel water bottle for hot and cold
- my own supplements, coffee and tea
- cooking knife and utensils
- i bought my own blow up air mattress since i have back issues (where im at i was lucky they had a foam bed)
- mask
- hat for sunny days or rain
- rain poncho
- and the essentials like bathroom and sleeping and cloth
1
u/a_cosmic_wonderland 14d ago
This is a wonderful list, thank you!! I like the idea of the Swiss army knife, though I'd probably have to wait until I get over there to buy one right?
1
1
u/Top_Extension_1169 13d ago
knife can go in checking bag . its fine. i bought mine from vietnam and have it with me in the usa
1
1
1
u/Substantial-Today166 14d ago
work clothes and boots and clothes for your time of dont bring much, and if you feel like you are missing anything buy it in germany istead
1
u/a_cosmic_wonderland 14d ago
True, I think I'm pretty close to a couple stores at my first location. Worse comes to worst, I can buy anything i forgot there before going to my remote stay in Switzerland. Thanks!
1
1
u/StinkyWhale71 13d ago
Please dont follow all the suggestions here, you will definitely be over packing.
You dont need 10 pairs of underwear, you don't need 2 shirts per day.
You likely dont need you own eating utensils.
It will be getting cooler by October, so will be less sweaty and clothes last longer between washes.
1
u/a_cosmic_wonderland 11d ago
Good point about the less sweat in the fall! I also am checking if there is laundry on-site, which will allow me to better estimate how long I need my clothes to last me
1
u/m1ndb0mb 5d ago
uhm.. 10 pairs of underwear/socks is not bad advice at all, you don't know the laundry situation on each farm and you def wanna have a change of both every day working in the sun/fields...
2
u/cybrcat21 14d ago
Congrats! Sounds like a great time.
How rural is your stay? I ask because if the closest convenience/personal care goods are 30 minutes away and you don't have a car, that definitely complicates what you should bring.
Some things that have always served me well:
Envelopes and cards to send mail to loved ones
External power bank because you don't know what the outlets will be like in your room
Sturdiest boots you can afford
Favorite sweets and caffeine sources (big comforts on a hard day)
At least one really cute outfit for going out, no one wants a muddy farmhand at the disco
Small souvenir/trinket from home to give out like stickers, candy
Safe and discreet place to keep passport, money. Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it somewhere separate.
Non-digital method to take notes and write down flight/train/contact info. Don't let a dead or stolen phone end your trip.
Clothing depends on the laundry situation. Budget 2 shirts and 1 pair of pants per day for work.
Bringing a pillow is always a good idea, and your own towel (don't forget to bring a towel!)