Packing for a private island trip inspires a very specific internal monologue: "I want to pack light... but what if I forget something important... and now I am on an island?"
Take a breath. Then read this once. Then pack lighter than you think.
At 1 Big Sustainable Island, island life is about practical simplicity, not hauling your living room across the lake. You are on vacation. Your only real job is to bring comfy clothes, favorite foods, beverages of choice, and a decent sense of humor.
We will take care of the rest.
Below is our tried-and-true, guest-approved packing list, inspired by years of island stays and several proud recipients of our unofficial Light Packer of the Day award.
Quick Answers
What matters most to pack?
Food, layers, and a headlamp. Most comfort gear is already here.
What do people forget most often?
A warm layer, water shoes, and a reusable bottle.
What should I skip bringing?
Bulky duplicates — the island already has beds, cookware, firewood, and boats.
The Island Adventurer Mindset
Pack right = pack light.
Island life rewards people who do not overthink it. Everything you bring has to travel by boat. Your arms will notice. Our boats will notice. The lake will quietly watch you struggle if you ignore this advice.
Light packing is not minimalism. It is strategy.
What to Pack for Your Island Adventure
Food & Drink (Don't Be Shy Here)
- Plenty of food in a cooler - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Do not scrimp.
- Lots of non-water beverages, if that is your thing (we provide unlimited drinking water).
- A cooler with long-lasting ice blocks. Pro tip: freeze water-filled bottles at home for slow-melting ice.
- No cooler? No problem - ask us for a loaner.
- Butter or cooking oil of your choice.
- Any fancy spices you love (we provide salt, pepper, and sugar).
Light, Power & Staying Oriented
- Headlamp or flashlight + batteries. Indoors is covered. Outside after dark is BYO enlightenment.
- A charging cord for your phone or laptop. We have battery stations with standard, USB, and USB-C ports.
Clothes & Lake Life Reality
- Sun protection. Yes, it can be sunny here.
- Rain gear. Yes, it can be rainy here.
- Lots of clothes that can be layered or unlayered. This is New England. Do not blink.
- Water shoes for wading and swimming. The lake floor is sometimes rocky.
- A hat for paddling. Again: sun happens.
- Swimsuit (we supply bath towels).
Thoughtful Extras (Optional, but You'll Thank Yourself)
- A journal. Turns out your 9th grade English teacher was right.
- Binoculars for spotting eagles (unless you have an eagle's eye).
- A Maine fishing permit (if 16+ and planning to fish).
- Fishing bait - best picked up locally before arrival.
- Insect repellent. Island skeeters are polite, but still from Maine.
- Natural curiosity and a good sense of humor. Mandatory.
Mid-Page Invitation: If this kind of lake life sounds like your speed, there are a few different ways to stay out here - each with its own rhythm, views, and level of "how did this become my morning?"
What Not to Pack (Because It's Already Here)
Please do not bring the following items. Your arms - and our boats - will thank you. Everything below is already waiting for you on-island, free of charge:
- Camp chairs
- Comfy bed, sheets, blankets, pillows
- Lanterns (plural... we have noticed this pattern)
- Firewood (we have unlimited supplies)
- Cooking utensils, pots, pans, cutting boards
- Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, silverware
- Salt, pepper, sugar, coffee
- French press (most important tool on the island)
- Canoes, kayaks, paddles, life vests
- Hammocks
- Propane grill + propane
- Propane stove for heating pots or kettles
- Can opener, wine bottle opener
- Paper towels, toilet paper
- Bath towels
- Battery-powered fan
- Phone charger (battery-powered)
- Ice packs for when your ice melts (we replenish them)
- Umbrellas
- Dad jokes (we already have too many)
- Endless exclamation points!!!!
If you are currently considering bringing anything on this list, you have officially pre-qualified for the prestigious "I'M WORKING TOO HARD" T-shirt, which may be issued as punishment during your stay.
Remember: you are on vacation. Shame, shame.
A Final Reassurance Before You Zip the Bag
People worry about packing because they do not want to get it wrong. But island life is forgiving.
If you bring comfortable clothes, food you are excited to eat, layers for unpredictable weather, and the willingness to slow down, you are already winning.
Some of this you can pack anywhere. Some of it only makes sense once you step onto the dock and realize: oh - this is what they meant.
Already packed mentally? Here is where people usually land. (Links to private island stays.)
Questions? Truly anything at all - just ask. We love answering questions, and we hope you can stand our answers.
See you at the dock.
On Annabessacook Lake in Monmouth, Maine — near Winthrop.
Ready to plan your overnight island stay?
Bookings go fast in peak season. We'll help you pick the right spot.
