Diamond Head Crater

What? I hiked Diamond Head after doing Kalalau Trail? What a shame! Nah, I was just being a tour guide for some visiting friends from Jacksonville.

Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast, Kauai, HI

To my surprise, the best part of the trip was the planning process that occurred weeks before. This hike was unlike any other, it was a two-day hike that required a bigger backpack and sufficient supply of food and water to last for the time being spent away from civilization. It was our first and longest hike and there was much preparation and knowledge to gain for our survival. Prior to the hike, I became a frequent visitor of eBay trying to find the best deal for a suitable backpack, trekking poles, water purifiers, head lamps, etc. One of my biggest concerns was 'what am I going to eat? How can I survive the two days without rice?'

Although I did my research, I'd have to say that knowledge is best gained through experience. And through this experience, I learned the importance of packing light. Being first-timers, it was our tendency to be overly excited and packing more than what was necessary. Keep the canned foods at home! It's heavy and who wants to have a cold dinner? You can't go wrong with MREs, it's packed with all the calories and nutrients needed, and above all, you'll get a hot meal without packing a portable stove. But if you demand extra lightness, trail mix, beef jerky, and water purifying tablets are all that you need for sustenance. Do you need a sleeping bag and pad? On that day, it was so warm, none of them were necessary. But the weather can be unpredictable, so it's probably best to be safe and pack, at the least, a light sleeping blanket.


by welikehike