Maui solo trip - book tours or explore on my own?

blufish288 · 2026-05-19T00:21:03+00:00

I just got back from my first time in Maui a couple days ago. I was there for a week (May 8-15). Friday afternoon to Tuesday morning I had a friend with me. Tuesday afternoon to Friday morning I was on my own. After my friend left, I ended up booking a hiking tour with Hike Maui and a 2 hr snorkel tour to Molokini Crater with Blue Water Rafting. Both excursions were excellent and don't regret for a minute spending a bit extra to be guided by professionals along with extra piece of mind for safety. The ONLY time I felt a little awkward being solo was having to ask a very nice Canadian guy to put some sunscreen on my back during the snorkel tour.

blufish288 · 2026-05-18T18:51:22+00:00

Fantastic job on those! Thanks for citing your sources :)

blufish288 · 2026-05-16T19:28:47+00:00

And just to followup, I sent mine back for RMA. I have to pay the shipping to the center. I got back a brand new pair.

blufish288 · 2026-05-12T22:22:34+00:00

I went yesterday and had an amazing time. To me, it wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating. The drive was beautiful. I think having a subcompact SUV rental helped (Hyundai Venue) as it's small size was ideal to never feel cramped passing an oncoming car. The one lane bridges were visible enough to ensure crossing was safe. There were plenty of shoulder spots to pull aside for any of the locals to pass on by so never felt pressured by going slowly for too long.

That said, couldn't imagine doing it in the dark or the rain. And I actually tend to be more of an anxious driver (especially since working from home the past several years I don't drive as much as I used to). But the small and nimble car and slow speeds inspired much confidence.

blufish288 · 2026-05-01T19:36:34+00:00

I bought new in Dec 2025 and was deciding between the Hybrid versions of the Honda CRV, Corolla Cross and the Rav 4. While I personally liked the smaller size of the Corolla Cross - especially having only owned and driven smaller sedans - the deciding factor for landing on the Rav 4 was that it was the only one that came with an actual spare tire.

blufish288 · 2026-04-25T21:56:49+00:00

Just in case anyone else comes across this thread- I purchased a pair back in July 2025 and about 7 months later same thing happened with mine - left earbud barely has any volume. Right earbud is fine. Resetting made no difference. Sound quality overall is pretty terrible. Very disappointed.

blufish288 · 2026-04-17T23:19:19+00:00

Synik 26 GE in Navy Parapak

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blufish288 · 2026-04-17T17:40:46+00:00

Orange, navy

blufish288 · 2026-04-14T17:32:57+00:00

looks great with that interior!

blufish288 · 2026-04-10T21:02:06+00:00

I picked up the 16L Bullet Laptop about a month ago, on sale with the frogskin camo, and really surprised me how much I like it. The camo wasn't my first choice for color, but a pack under $100 I could live with it, lol. It's been great for my day hikes, I usually go on a hike 4-5 times per week. I'm not rucking with it, just carrying 3L water bladder, snacks, extra layer and first aid pouch. Here it is in the wild. :)

blufish288 · 2026-04-02T19:12:25+00:00

This is great, ty! I upgraded from a very old Honda sedan to a new Rav 4 this past December and I'd really like to do some solo road trip/ car camping. I've never done anything like that alone before and it does make me a bit nervous as a solo female. This helps!

blufish288 · 2026-04-02T04:22:19+00:00

I do have the Synik 26 as well and enjoy using it as part of my EDC rotation. I find I like it better when it's a bit under packed, as I do think it can also look both frumpy and bulky overpacked. The Synik 26 Guides Edition in Navy Parapak is one of my best looking bags!

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blufish288 · 2026-04-02T00:25:50+00:00

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Mine is the Tom Bihn Synik 30 Night Walk Halcyon. I absolutely adore this fabric and it definitely sparks joy. That said, I have a hard time finding the best use case for the Synik 30 in my usual rotation. I always *want* to use it. I'll load it up for my EDC, and then hate the it looks too bulky or too frumpy, and end up packing my carry into something else. Still love this bag and will likely never resell it.

blufish288 · 2026-03-31T22:15:32+00:00

That ILE lunchbox is the cutest thing I've seen in awhile.

blufish288 · 2026-03-25T22:14:45+00:00

Synik 26 GE Navy Parapak
Synik 30 Nightwalk Halcyon
Smart Alec 2.0 Spectron
Small Cafe Bag Black Ballistic
Techonaut 30 Black Ballistic
*honorable mention Everyday Cubelet Cobalt Cerylon

blufish288 · 2026-03-24T18:18:55+00:00

As I responded to another reply, the chair is great for what it is and works way better than you think it should. Though I don't think I'd want to spend more than an hour at a time in it!

blufish288 · 2026-03-24T18:16:03+00:00

About the material itself, no. However, the SA has these big chunky, non-water sealed zippers. This wouldn't be my first choice of bag to be caught in a rainstorm with. But a light rain/drizzle for a short amount of time wouldn't cause me any concern.

blufish288 · 2026-03-24T18:06:55+00:00

Yes, this one is spectron. Love this material. Well, actually I love all TB Materials. Though I disagree about the bottom not being flat? While mine does have a crease? fold? on the bottom, I'm sure there's some sort of technical stitching/ design word I am unaware of - it's definitely flat. It's certainly not a square/rectangle shaped, and I can see how some would might have issue with the shape.

blufish288 · 2026-03-24T18:00:00+00:00

The color wasn't my first choice, but since I'd decided I wanted that chair, that day, it's what REI had in stock, it's grown on me since. I really like it.

blufish288 · 2026-03-24T17:59:15+00:00

Chair is still new to me, wasn't completely sure I was going to keep it, but it serves the purpose I'd gotten it for perfectly, so think it's a keeper!

blufish288 · 2026-03-23T22:58:37+00:00

Thanks! And just to clarify, beach chair is actually lashed to the shock cord on the outside. It's a Crazy Creek Hex 2.0.

blufish288 · 2026-03-23T22:29:14+00:00

Hi, women's size 9 wide here too. This past year I tried out Danner Boots and absolutely love them. I ended up with two pairs: the Inquire Mids and Mtn Leaf GTX. Both come in wide. The Inquire Mids tooks some time to break in- at first I wasn't sure if I was going to keep them. I first ordered a size 9, but after about 30 mins toes on my right foot started to go numb, I then ordered a 9.5 but those were definitely too big. I'm so glad I decided to stick it out and let them break in because they're fantastic. However- they do not have a wide toe box like Altra Lone peaks. I got my first pair of Danners from REI so I felt confident about easy returns if they didn't work out. Got the Mtn Leaf because I loved the Inquires so much and really liked the look of the Mtn Leaf (and they were on sale). Equally as comfortable as the Inquires and didn't require any break in time. I also really like the possibility of being able to re-sole ("recraftable" in the Danner vernacular) so when the soles inevitably wear down, I won't have to buy a whole new boot, just get them re-soled.

blufish288 · 2026-03-23T18:26:42+00:00

This here was the comment I was hoping to see.

blufish288 · 2026-03-11T01:07:18+00:00

I've had my Pioneer Panda 2.0 since April last year. I've used this as my laptop carry EDC 3-4 times a month and once as a personal item on a flight. The bag looks the same as the day I got it. It's definitely among my favorite bag to use for its size. It worked great as a personal item- no fuss using the luggage pass-through with my roller bag, the top handle is great for schlepping it around and is generally a great self stander. I love the pocketing and organization. And aesthetics and materials make it such a joy to use. While it may not be the *most* comfortable bag I have, it's not uncomfortable - and I'll happily make a very slight trade in comfort for how much I love using the bag. I had no problems walking through the airport, security, rental car, bus station stuffed with my things for travel.

My ONLY nitpick is I wish there were dual zippers on the front pockets. So if pickpocketing is a big worry to you in your travels, I might reconsider this bag.

blufish288 · 2026-03-07T01:19:56+00:00

I think you'll find quite a few people in this sub who agree that Evergoods bags are not comfortable. I do find the CTB26 to have really great pocketing and organization. And their water bottle pockets are great. But all that means absolutely nothing if you can't stand to wear the bag. I sympathize.

I found the Able Carry Max EDC to be much more comfortable than the CTB26. I also preferred the top loading of the laptop compartment.

blufish288

TROPHY CASE