Travel: Packing Camping Gear As Carry-on Luggage

A little too big to carry-on. . .

If air travel wasn’t stressful enough, the thought of losing your checked bag full of gear can cause overwhelming anxiety that won’t subside until you reach your final destination and see your pack coming around the corner of the baggage carousel. The best way to make sure all your gear arrives with you is to carry-on as much as possible. Try to use a backpack that fits the dimensions of carry-on luggage (generally 22" x 14" x 9", but varies according to airline) and pack a duffle that will be checked. If your pack is bigger than carry-on regulations, bring a day-pack or tote you can put your most important gear in. 

Click "Read more" to read the complete list of camping items to help you figure out how much you can squeeze into your carry-on luggage:

Hiking: Kaua'i - Waimea Canyon Hike Review

View of Waimea Canyon from lookout.

Trail	Distance
Kukui Trail	2.5 miles one-way	Trail starts on your right between mile markers 8 and 9 on Kokee Rd (US Route 550). Steep hike to bottom of Waimea Canyon. Trail ends at Wiliwili campsite
Koaie Canyon Trail	3 miles one-way	Koaie Canyon Trail starts approximately .5 mile upstream from the bottom of the Kukui Trail. The Hipalau and Lonomea campsites are along this trail.
Waimea Canyon Trail	11.5 miles one-way	Starts  at the end of Kukui Trail and leads to the town of Waimea. The trail crosses the Waimea River at least 10 times. Some claim locals tube down the river back to town; I don't know if this is possible due to the number of rocks/shallows in the river, but would be interesting in finding out if it is possible to do.

---

Suggestions:

• Bring flip flops or other water shoes for all the river crossings on Waimea Canyon Trail. I hiked the entire WCT in my Vibram Five Finger shoes.
• Some campsites are better than others: Wiliwili was trashed and had a lot of garbage scattered around. Hipalau's drop toilet made the entire campsite smell.
• Bring heavy duty bug spray or prepare to be attacked by some of the most vicious mosquitoes ever encountered.
• Don't be surprised to find goat skulls and bones around the campsites; wild boar and goats are hunted in this area. 
• Be mindful of stepping on the Cane Toads. They're an invasive species but I'm sure you don't want to have to scrape one off of the bottom of your shoe. 

Cane Toad I found in-between my feet

Click "Read More" to read about hiking in Waimea Canyon.

Book Review: Let My People Go Surfing By Yvon Chouinard

Let My People Go Surfing

By Yvon Chouinard

Photo via Patagonia.com

Click "Read More" to read the book review