One of World's Most Dangerous Trails: Backpacking Kauai's Napali Coast
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Our backpacking gear:
Couple's Sleeping Bed: bit.ly/3TRwFKL
Sleeping Mattresses: bit.ly/3QyMmo8
Kristi's Pack: bit.ly/3H9X8eR
Eric's Pack: bit.ly/49RnD64
Water Filter: bit.ly/3YtySfH
Tent: bit.ly/48JH5jL
Stove: bit.ly/44ECxZV
Backpacker Meals: bit.ly/4914fTT
Camp mugs: bit.ly/3G3cMby
Food Organizer: bit.ly/3tHLPYq
Eric's Footwear: bit.ly/3YtWyAH
Kristi's Footwear: bit.ly/3tSUqY6
Camera Pouch: bit.ly/3QCa3MF
Kauai's Napali Coast is infamous for its rugged beauty and. seclusion. The only way to access this coastline is on the Kalalau Trail, one of the most dangerous trails in the world. I just got married. So when we picked Kauai for our honeymoon, I thought it would be a great idea to take my wife backpacking on this truly wild trail. I'm not sure if this was such a good idea.
Kristi is a super talented artist and she shot a lot of the beautiful scenes included here. Check out her new channel: / @kristirauckis
My buddy Kyle Miller has composed some of the music included here. Check out more of his work here: www.towrsmusic...
My Other Most Commonly Used Backpacking Gear:
My Other Most Used Backpacking Gear
Backpack: bit.ly/49RnD64
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3QYMq0t
Sleeping Mattress: bit.ly/47hVFP1 (new version comes out in 2024)
Tent: bit.ly/3qmuR06
Cookpot: bit.ly/3OnddkO
Stove: bit.ly/3QPLfPM
Folding Knife: bit.ly/45nnAvG
Water Filter: bit.ly/3OQXMmj
First Aid Kit: bit.ly/455arrv
Hiking Shoes: bit.ly/3YtWyAH
Headlamp: bit.ly/46iEsE1
Trowel: bit.ly/3Kyr7zu
Hiking Belt: bit.ly/3KBHFXf
Hiking Underwear: bit.ly/3s7bett
Hiking Gloves: www.hestraglov....
Fleece Hoody: bit.ly/3QjbKgb
Down Jacket: bit.ly/3KCG2Zt
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/45t77X1
The gear links in this video are mostly affiliate links, which means I'll earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. It's a great, easy way to support this channel.
I absolutely loved this trip, filming with you, and all of the growth and connection that happened. I think I’ll have this one on loop myself 🤣 it’s just so beautiful!!
How lucky am I that my wife actually wants to do something like this on her honeymoon?! Love you babe!
Awww, y’all were so sweet & great together. I just subscribed to you but he does filming. I’ll see😂
Always remember life’s not guaranteed & it’s short. Never quit on a bad day. May you stay in love & respect each other as long as you both shall live.❤
@@eric_hanson My wife of 41 years watched this with me and told me (since she has issues with heights, even though we both spent our adult lives working in the mountains of the Pac NW) that if I had suggested such a trip for our honeymoon, it might have all ended 40.99 years ago 🤣.
My husband and I do a section of the PCT for our anniversary every year. We definitely have differences of opinion on the trail but I think it’s so great to go through that together. You should have seen all the stuff he took out of my pack at the trail head on our first section for our honeymoon! 😂 there were tears…haha.
How did you both like your Zenbivy duo sleep system? Actually, I know you that you like it in general, but how was it on *this* particular trip? Was it cool enough at night that you could actually sleep under it, or did you find yourself having to vent it, stick your legs out, or sleep on top of it? I have read reviews of backpacking that trail and people not needing sleeping bags or bringing them and ending up sleeping on top of them.
Hiked it barfeoot 5 times since 19 years old. Best trail on earth. Now a days I use shoes but surprisingly easy barefoot hiking aside from Hanakapiai-Space Rock (spikeys are everywhere). Bring extra food/water in case you need to stay longer. I got stuck with over 140 people december 21, 2014, and made it across Hanakapiai with a rope right before it was iverflowed. 121 people were flown out days later. Those rivers flood like a flash flood!!!
Great cinematography and story telling. And thanks for taking me on a trail I probably won’t go on. You guys look so happy. Congrats
Congratulations!!! My husband and I would have loved this for our honeymoon. Backpacking together strengthened our relationship (over40 years and still helping each other through the hard spots and sharing the joy and beauty of our lives.)
I love to hear that!
Amazing 👏 ❤😊
Years ago on vaca to Kauai, I left EARLY one morning and hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back. Crossed paths with folks returning from that beach and they were all so happy.
If i ever get back to that island, this area is a must backpacking destination! WOW and what a fantastic honeymoon.
Congratulations on getting married! The best backpacking video I’ve seen. Beyond the cliffs, mountains, ocean views, rainbows, waterfalls the most impressive part of the trip for me was Kristi’s perseverance and overcoming her fear. I would like to know how the trek back to the car went - easier or harder? I appreciate you sharing God’s creation, your adventures and knowledge on your channel. I like Dan Becker’s channel, too. 😀 - Dan
I deeply enjoyed this video and it lowered my blood pressure for sure! I appreciate the effort in setting up those walk-by shots. The LOTR discussion was a nice touch. :)
Crawler's Ledge lowered your blood pressure? Not mine! I think yours would rise if you had to hike it. So do all who live to see such times.
Ha, indeed! Crawlers ledge made me feel quite anxious watching it, but the landscape and beach B-Roll was definitely serene.
favorite video yet visually stunning. her in the helinox just drawing beautiful
By far, this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! The surf, lush greenery and RAINFOREST/RAINBOW’S were beyond and beyond! TY!
It's as good as it gets! Thank you!
Omg thanks for make this to realistic and thanks to your wife for her honesty with the fear it’s looks amazing but it’s true it’s wild it’s nature and sometimes we have to accept that we are nothing compared with the mother of nature! Amazing video enjoy every second!!! I’m a new subscriber ❤
It’s helpful to me to see others struggle with vertigo and a fear of heights but also have the urge to keep pushing through. You give me confidence. Thank you for sharing ❤
Beautifully photographed Eric. Also congratulations to the 2 of you. Best of luck. 🎉
You should do a video about how to fly with backpacking and/or camping gear?
What a great adventure to start off your new life together.
One of my favorite videos in a long time. I really hope more people watch this video (and channel). You always have great videos, but this is the new gold standard. This put me on the edge, but that ending was so sweet. Wish you and your wife the best!
Well ain't this one of my favorite comments. Thank you!
Magnificent journey! As a photographer and Cinematographer here my home Haena Kauai ' what an awesome job you folks did puting this together to share of the magnificence of this island and the Kalalau ' Napali! Congratulations 🎊 Aloha Nui Loa 🌴
I hiked this trail in 1981, right out of high school. Our backpacking club leader organized the trip and we had a group of about 10 people. Your video provided instant recall of my own experience and fright with some of the sections of the trail. I am very doubtful that I would consider doing the trail again. Thanks for sharing!
Did it 1983.
Bro! Killed it! Another epic adventure with awesome edits and angles. Love it man! Watched every second- excited for you and Kristi on the journey of marriage! This is definitely an amazing and beautiful start. 👏👏🙌🙌
Thank Mike! That means a lot to me! I appreciate it.
This video is my happy place, a reset button for the mind and soul. Amazing job!
Great video. I can't believe I was just there. Feels like a dream
You did a wonderful video of this trail! Photography was excellent. Was able to do some hiking to the beach a few years ago. Thanks so much for sharing your honeymoon with us and congratulations!
I've not even watched it yet i know this is gonna be a banger
Thanks! I hope it lives up to your expectations. I think you'll like it.
The waterfall perch is definitely one of the better camping spots at Kalalau.
What a great video... thanks for sharing! Now I know what to if anyone ever drags me to Hawaii. :)
And congratulations, you two!!
Thank you! And it's a great way to spend some time if you're ever forced to go!
Congratulations and continued blessings!
Thank you so much!
42 minutes and I've enjoyed every one of them. Truly beautiful video. May I ask what time of year did you go? I am going early October and wondering if the weather could be as beautiful as in your case :)
Beautiful video and so well edited--I'm wondering what camera are you using?
All the while I backpacked the Napali Coast, all I could think of was "I wish I had worn my baseball cleats."
Great video Eric! When did you do the hike? My wife and I did it January 17-20 this year and it looked really similar to your video.
What an amazing trip! I've hiked a part of that trail but didn't get far as I was just day-hiking it. I've heard so many stories of the crazy things that have happened to people on that trail. After watching this video, I'm more interested in doing it. I have a tent question for you if you don't mind sharing your thoughts. I am looking for a lightweight backpacking tent that can sleep 3 people with 25" sleeping pads. I am not finding much in that category. I'm looking instead at getting a 4-man tent to ensure I have enough room. I wish MSR made a Hubba Hubba that was just a bit wider. I'm currently looking at the Copper Spur 4-man. Do you have any thoughts that could help guide my choice?
Impressive footage. Nice work!
Thank you!
Awesome Honeymoon experience. Thank you for sharing!
Wonderful, just wonderful and also congratulations 🙂👍
thank you!
Amazing place 😍 !! … now you’re ready for the Alps 😊 (start with the prealps 😉)
And very cute honeymoon trip !
Have you ever seen something so beautiful that you can't speak? I just did.
I swear, every bend we came around stopped me in my tracks.
When I met my wife and when I hiked Kalalau.
If you ever go, try to stay for at least 3-4 days and find time to explore up the valley. There's a magic in that place, the locals call it mana.
If you get lucky, or find someone that knows where it is, you may even find the Garden.
Congratulations on getting hitched, awesome video stunning views and you guys are sole mates wish you both eternal happiness awesome couple 👊👍👌❤️
Oh this is gonna be LIT, I already know 😂
thanks! I'm a fan of this one.
What are those flip flops?
I think I would need to use grippy approach shoes for the ledge.
Good grippy rubber is wonderful for this trail. Although I think approach shoes wouldn't really love how wet and muddy this is.
WTB a ultralight subwoofer
No drones
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really wanted to enjoy this video but I watch your videos mostly for you, Eric - your personality and the way you interact with your viewers. The trail views were stunning but it didn’t hold my attention. Hope some of your next trail videos will be a bit more chatty.
Welp, sorry to hear that. But that's okay! I will have a variety of styles as I get to experiment with story telling. Some styles might not be everybody's thing. Maybe next week!
@@eric_hanson Absolutely! I can see a lot of people enjoyed this video so I’m clearly the exception 😆
Looks like a death trail.
After this are you still married
Just kidding. She is so special.
haha yup! Happily!
Not sure if I mentioned...loved video.
Did the trail 1983. I here trail is more treacherous with rain.
What were you thinking with that thumbnail? Are you aiming for 12 year olds? For me personally, it makes me want to skip the video.
Wow, maybe lighten up a bit. It's just some good hearted fun.
(Not the same Kristi as in the video)
12-14 year olds is my target audience. Next generation of hikers! Sorry that thumbnail isn't for you!
Also for your viewers thinking about this trail, Hawaii has the highest instance of Leptospirosis. Most filters have a filter of 0.3 microns. You need a filter of 0.1 microns to remove lepto from your water. I noticed you were using the Grayl, that’s perfect. Also I believe the UV lamp will work and chemicals like aquatabs.
interesting, I wasn't aware of that. But the Grayl is my filter of choice when traveling off mainland US.
@@eric_hansontry survivor filter. Most of them are made in the usa, . 02 microns.
Thinking about Eric having to backtrack his step through the precarious trails to grab his camera on top of the backpack shuttling he did makes this so much more impressive than it looks
A tax deductible honeymoon! Brilliant!
My first backpack into Kaulalau was 1976 (yes, I’m an old dude), before it was designated a state park, in 1978, I believe. There were a lot of marijuana growing squatters back there. Theft was not uncommon if you were taking a day hike up the valley leaving your gear behind in camp. Probably main reason to require permits. Rangers ran most of the squatters out. That said, it was as beautiful then as it is now. Maybe more so since it’s better cared for as a state park. My now wife and I spent 8 days there in 1979. She “fondly” remembers Crawlers Ledge! 😂 She did it in tennis court shoes! In summer the ocean is flat and calm, swimmable. It can be rainy, but trail is generally drier. Thanks for the memories! ❤
Beautiful story! I’m flying into Kauai today and I wanna hike this soooo bad but it’s gunna be muddy as hell. Any tips or suggestions?
Just be one with the mud. Do it! Take a bath later.
Beautifully shot, great video. Kristi, my anxiety soared just seeing that trail (and thats just from the video), great job conquering it!
My wife and I were married on Lumaha'i Beach, so Kauai has a special place in my heart but I've never done that hike! Great job you two, you're an awesome team!
Thank you! And yeah just about everybody has a lot of anxiety with Crawler's Ledge. Kristi is a champ! Kauai would be a wonderful place to get married!
Nice video! I am just very disappointed that you not even one time mentioned that this is a very secret place for locals and permits are required even for day hikes or trail runners.
It would be nice to add that at least in the deception instead of just putting money making links there. Mahalo for your understanding.
Highly recommend people bring a tarp on this trip. Sleeping with the rainfly on traps humidity and heat. Sleeping with it off runs the risk of getting rained on (it rains a lot there). If I ever do it again, I'll have a tarp over my tent so I can remove the fly at night without worrying much about rain.
Wow, just Wow!! best video I have ever seen of the Kalalau trail! Also, I want to congratulate you and Kristi on your marriage. I live on the Big Island and have this on my bucket list to complete. Keep the awesome content coming, love your channel!!!!
Amazing beauty!!!! May you be blessed with many more of life's adventures together!!!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for stirring up old memories. My wife and I did this trail thirty years ago for our honeymoon. It was amazing.
Hiking, along with riding is a lot of the time a mental game.
Most people favor a side of their body that like when up against a slope can make for an uncomfortable time in a particular direction. Most people when riding favor turning in a particular direction also. Not sure if its an inner ear thing or a RH, LH thing. Normally coming back is more familiar then initally going into or up a trail which can make it more comfortable, except climbing up rocks and difficult paths is usually easier but coming back down feels more trecherous. Hiking in and getting very tired doesnt feel as bad and coming home and feeling very tired. Same person ,same trail, its all head games, Kudos to Kristi for taking on the challenge.
Yes!! I had hardly any issues with the heights on the way back. I noticed any time my right side was exposed I was instantly more cautious and insecure with my movements. So wild!
Your wife is absolutely adorable! And what a trooper! She stuck it out and overcame her fears!
This video has inspired me and my wife of 35 years to go hiking this weekend! Thank you Eric for making these excellent videos!
Great video! Where did Kristi get her hat? I love it.
This has got to be the best video I have seen on the Kalalau Trail. You have done well in the way you navigated your trail challenges, the beauty, your camp quiet time, the beach, valley and Napali’s ruggedness. Congratulations, well done! When you do Kalalau Traill, you will know. ❤😊😅
Well thank you! It's such a grand landscape that it'll never fully be captured in a camera. But we can try!
Wauw!!! what een epic film. Congrats with your mariage and big thx for sharing your romantic and honeymoon adventure🎉
Eric, thank you for this video! I only wish one day I can film and edit my videos half as good as you! Keep it up man!
Just came here to say that Pippin is the fool of a Took (Peregrin Took), but he and Gandalf are adorable together, so it fits. :P
oh no. I have ashamed myself. haha thanks!
Don't worry, @@eric_hanson, I won't send the nerd police to take away your membership card...this time.
Thank you for no music and just the sound of nature.
The ambient sounds here on the coast are particularly enjoyable. Glad you like that.
This was so peaceful to watch! What a beautiful couple you guys are. Refreshing to see the strength you gave each other through this journey. Such a great way to connect on a honeymoon!
If you didn't watch this in full screen, go back and watch it again!
this video is best savored on a wrist watch.
Hello, when did you guys do hike and whats the best time to go? Can you camp at the beach or it’s not recommendable?
Thank you for the video and congrats on the wedding and the awesome honeymoon you two did! :)
Wow mate, it must have been really satisfying to make that, especially after that silly legal affair in the snow a few months ago. She's a real keeper dude, DON'T stuff it up ok! 😂👌Really wanted to do this myself last year but after severe storms and torrential rain (and arriving at the trail head a little late) only covered about a third of the trail. The conditions were trecherous and slippery so i reluctantly gave the full trail a miss. I wouldn't recommend for anyone doing it alone in such conditions but i hope to get back there and do it all next time.
You guys seem liked an adorable couple. Thanks for the amazing video.
But seriously, you don’t use Alpine hiking poles?!?!
You guys probably did twice the distance going back for the camera and tripod. 😂 Great shots though and great video!!
Freaking awesome trail - just wow.... And it looks like you two had tons of fun. I'd say romance for sure. I can see why se picked you.
There is nothing wrong with a profound respect for the mountain, only your actions decide the outcome.
And those rainbows, dayum.
Congrats btw!!
Also, the like to Kristis page isn't working. Would love to see what se was doing at 12:35, it looked nice!
Yes we had loads of fun! I think we're a pretty good fit for each other. Thanks! And I've updated the link, not sure what happened there. But here it is too: www.youtube.com/@kristirauckis
The natural world is such a wonderful experience, sometimes, going gung-ho isnt necessary. I was so uncomfortable with those drop offs knowing how wet it is there. But I guess I will complete the video now- it has to have a happy ending right? Best wishes to the two of you
The dropoffs are intense but the rewards are unlike any place I've ever been to. And you'll have to watch to find out if there's a happy ending!
A ja myślałem że 3 peaks challenge to zrobienie tych trzech szczytów w Yorkshire😅 co mi się udało w 5h i też było zwieńczone fish and chips 😅
So did you pack your own backpacking gear to your honeymoon? Or did you and your wife rented gear in Hawaii?
Pure romance, my friend! So happy for you. You said Ohio's cooler hilarious I just moved to AZ from Ohio. Way to face your fears!! That was so very inspiring!
Thanks Scott! Kauai's got nothing on Hocking Hills! haha.
Awsome video as usual.
I've started to click "like" even before I watch your videos.
aww shoot, thank you!
How does your guys face look identical on your thumbnail 😂🤣
Beats camping with Dan Becker!
LOL
haha, just by a smidge!
Absolutely breathtaking!
are there group hikes to join for this trail? want to do this but not alone :)
Awesome and congratulations. People go their entire lives living on Kaua’i and never once hike this trail. I’ve watched your hikes for years at this point and always in the back of my head I’m saying, “yeah but I wish you could compare it to Kalalau”.
it was cool how much people on Kauai perked up after hearing we'd done the trail, as I guess yeah, not many people have done it. But it's soo special!
surprised you did this without trekking poles for the most part
Whatever you get that red mud on is stained forever! A badge of honor!
Yup! That white backpack isn't quite so white...
This is just weird. It looks like you married your sister!! lol
Awesome video. I like to hike with my wife so this video relates.
Great trip you guys,loved it, I stay Kauai,aloha
A video masterpiece! Of course you had a lot to work with, but your video/image capture was spectacular. Loved the time-lapse sequence around the 25:00 mark. Rainbows, bananas, coconuts, booming surf, and nature's abundant beauty make for magical memories. Also, your over-narration was a nice addition to the video. You will no doubt make the transition to your own channel business in 2024.
It's a lot of work, but it's what I love doing! I'm glad this one hit the mark for you. I appreciate this!
Painfully slow pacing.
Been in my bucket list for years.
definitely a bucket-list worthy hike!
I need “I want to do it but I’m scared” on a tshirt 😂
Congratulations on your wedding! What time of year did you guys do this hike? Looks like you guys had a great time!
This was in December and oh boy we loved it!
@@eric_hanson Awesome! ❤❤ You guys should try it again during the summer months! The waves are much more calm and the days are longer (but hotter) hope you come to Kauai again ❤❤
Hi Eric, if I were straight, I wouldn’t find any woman other than your wife, Kristi, or similar to her to be my lifetime partner❤️❤️❤️
If you have an identical twin brother, who is gay and single, please introduce us! 🙏
I just want you to know that my spirit is always with you on any backpacking trip you have been on!
I’ve watched them with goosebumps and my jaws dropped!
Thank You! Thank You 🙏❤️🙏
haha quite the compliment! blushing
Kristi, Major respect for you facing your demons and moving forward. I know the film was edited and didn't show a lot of what you were dealing with.. It doesn't matter, you concurred it. You have much to be proud of.
Congrats on your wedding.. You got a good guy there. I wish you both many years of adventures together. i look forward to more videos seeing you both.
Thanks for the comment here, it means a lot!
Thank you so much! It was an incredible experience and gave me a level of healing I didn’t expect. I was a new person on the hike out. The confidence soared.
Love the rainbow waves!! Congrats and best wishes! Epic trip. Thx for sharing. Id never be able to do those cliffs! You guys deserve such an amazing trip. BTW love her hat! Looking good! Beautiful videography!!
Rainbow waves! And more rainbows! Kauai is the land of endless rainbows. And thanks for appreciating Kristi and her hat.
Kristi is great and I enjoyed getting to see her sketch. I have vertigo on exposed spots so I really felt her fear. She is remarkably brave!!! I’m always trying to dial in my art-packing kit for just the right paper pencils and mini watercolor kit. If she’s not too shy about it her creative kit and creations based on your adventures would be great to see. Thx!!
Hi，I'm Briar from Zeawool, where we craft premium merino wool clothing. I've really enjoyed your content! We're interested in a potential collaboration and would be delighted to discuss it further with you.
Hi Briar, feel free to reach out to me at my address listed in the "About" section of my UA-cam channel.
You had the idea for the trip but what about retaking every step for the camera??? lol
And what was that about Ohio? I was so bored by the scenery that I fell asleep here on my Ohio couch...
And are there just dbl rainbows every so often all thoughout the day?!
Great video, my wife and I thank you. There is no way she will be doing that trail now. At least we saw how beautiful the trail is. Thanks for sharing.
haha, glad we could fairly warn you!
Thank you. Amy and I loved the portion of the Kailua trail we did today for our ten anniversary. Hope to see you when you visit your in-laws.
That is NOT a trail!
Amazing video
Yesss man. I’ve yet to do this hike but have been to Kauai multiple times-I even lived on Oahu for a bit. Napali Coast is possibly the most beautiful place on the planet and you captured it perfectly. That ledge walking is NO joke. I may get my ass out there on this trail one day, and this video helps. See ya on the trail!
Not many places that rival the beauty of the Napali Coast!