We had been planning a trip to Kauai and wanted it to be a little different than a typical tropical vacation. We wanted to stay in each region of Kauai and do as many day hikes as we could interspersed with snorkeling and swimming at the beach. I thought that if ultralight backpacking works for people hiking long distances, similar principles ought to work for general travel as well. Bringing minimal gear and luggage would allow us to have a different travel experience and be more spontaneous.
Diane “Piper” Soini on the Kalalau Trail
It was nice to use a small utility style backpack for my carry on item on the plane and the Riksak for the small item limit as both would be used for a backpacking trip and day trips during our vacation. Because we had food items and trekking poles we brought a large suitcase to check those items in.
At the Honolulu Airport with my Type 2 Utility Backpack and Riksack
Gear I brought for the entire trip included the following:
| Category | Gear Selection | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Carried on plane | Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility Backpack | |
| Gossamer Gear Riksak | ||
| Plastic Bag | pack cover | |
| Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad- 1/8" | ||
| Pocket shower | used as a stuff sack | |
| Jacks-R-Better Quilt | 45 degree F rating | |
| Equinox bivy sack | ||
| Two bathing suits | board shorts and bikini tops | |
| Three cotton/poly ladies t-shirts | very light shirts | |
| “Desert” shirt | ||
| One pair of hiking pants | ||
| One pair of hiking shorts | ||
| Two pair underwear | ||
| Fleece sleeves and hat | Used for mosquitoes! | |
| Chaco sandals | ||
| 3 pairs of socks | for chafing with the sandals, one pair unused | |
| Zpacks cuben fiber rain jacket | went unused | |
| Rain skirt | went unused | |
| Cookless kitchen | screw-top jar, bowl/cup and spoon | |
| Sawyer Mini | ||
| Platypus bottle | ||
| Classic Swiss army knife | ||
| Safety pins | for drying socks on back of pack | |
| Ditty Bag | UL first aid and hygiene kit in bag | |
| Hugh Tracy Kalimba | Musical Instrument | |
| Checked in luggage | Homemade dehydrated backpacking food | |
| Chrome Umbrella | for sun at the beach | |
| Gossamer Gear LT4 Poles | ||
| Two person shelter | ||
| Ground Cloth | ||
| Tent Stakes | ||
| Purchased in Kauai | Beach towel | |
| Snorkel gear |
I was able to bring what I needed for the backpacking portion of our trip along with other essentials for travel in the two small packs.
We started our trip in the Wiamea area. We did a number of great day hikes in Koke’e State Park. Our first hike was a nice loop with the local Sierra Club to a lookout in Wiamea Canyon.
Wiamea Canyon from a side trail off the Ditch Trail
Thanks for the share. It looks like a great trip. I always have a soft spot waterfalls and looks like some good ones on your adventure.
Thanks for a great story and photos.
What are your stove, pot, and tent?
On Hawaii’s Big Island we use micro fleece blankets. I also have a liner made out of a sheet.I use a Golite Hex tent, AKA the Shangri-la for base camping. I use Gossamer Gear’s cuben tarp for backpacking.
We did not cook. Whenever we go together, I carry the poles and ground sheet and Tony carries the tent.
Thanks, great post. I’ve always wanted to go to Kauai and do some hiking. I look forward to reading more about your hiking adventures. Thanks for the follow.
Whats a pocket shower?
Hopefully for your sake they didn’t have drum circles. They really do defeat the purpose of hiking so far to get away from it all. First time I hiked there, I was the only person in the valley. A trip to The Big Island requires anything from a sheet to a zero degree bag for adventurous backpacking. You picked a great year for that Kauai trip. One of the driest winters ever. Looked fun.
I’m impressed with the 1/8″ foam for the only sleeping pad. Maybe I need to rethink my 3/8″ and shave some ounces.