If you're new to backpacking, or if you’re hopelessly in love with someone who wants you to love backpacking, then this podcast is for you. We’ll talk about the essentials, how to lighten your load, and how to make the most of your time on the trail.
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026: Backpacking Gifts for Grads and Newlyweds
Today on The First 40 Miles, we discover how a simple glitch submarined a recent Kickstarter campaign we shared with you. Then, school graduation is coming up and we have the perfect gear guide for your backpacking grad! On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we offer a simple solution to warmth, comfort and light on the trail. The Backpack Hack of the Week may save you some extra cash to put toward a new gear purchase. And the Backpackers Q + A will make sense of the piles of gear, stuff sacks and mayo packets. All this, and that’s about it…today on The First 40 Miles.
Show Notes: Episode 026
Opening
FOGO All-in One Adventure Gadget (a.k.a. Digital Swiss Army Knife)
They’re relaunching their campaign on Kickstarter
Top 5 Graduation Gifts for Grads and Newlyweds!
Backpacker Magazine
Talk about how my dad gave us a subscription, a few years ago, we loved it so we renewed it!
Book of Local Trails (Plus a map!)
Find local trail books through a local bookstore
Manasha Ridge Press
If you want to spend more, you can purchase a Kindle
The low-cost Kindles have batteries that last for weeks and are a lightweight piece of gear
Annual Pass
State Parks or National Forest Areas
Bucket of Freeze Dried Meals
These come in a bucket with a handle, so easy to transport in a move
Lots of different flavors, brands, price points
Last 30 years, light weight, can be used in emergencies
Cash or Gift Card (+ Lifetime REI Membership)
Cash is always nice, especially if you do a little bit of homework and make a gear recommendation
REI lifetime membership
SUMMIT Gear Review™: UCO Micro Candle Lantern
Structure
* Aluminum and glass
* Comes with two tealight candles
* Red, blue, green, purple, orange, yellow
Utility
* Collapsible, which PROTECTS the glass
* One candle can burn while the other is smartly stowed underneath
* Tealights burn 4-6 hours, and as much as 8 hours depending on the brand of candle
* Windproof, but remember that it’s filled with melted wax, so be careful
* Has a chain with a hook
Mass
* 4.2 oz
* 2.5 x 2.5 in. collapsed size
Maintenance
* Wee little accident with ours. After burning for about 20 minutes, lantern was bumped and wax spilled
* To remove spilled wax from UCO Micro Lantern, just boil it in water
* Replace candles with any brand of tealights
Investment
* Around $13
Trial
* Loved it
* Clever design
* Loved the Micro over the other sizes. Get the Micro, not the mini. The mini doesn’t have a way to collapse down to protect the glass.
* Glass is protected in transport
* Fills that need for fire on the trail without the campfire smell or having to gather twigs.
* Warms the tent, comfort, lightweight, durable, simple to use, enough light to feel like you can still see. Easy to use.
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Discounted Outdoor Magazines
MagazinePriceSearch.com (searches discount magazine sites, then shows lowest price on magazines)
Backpacker Magazine $3.16/yr
Outdoor Photographer $3.16/yr
Outside $16/yr
Field + Stream $5/yr
Boys Life $7.16/ 2-yr
Discover Magazine $13.89/yr
NOTE: If you’re signed up to be a volunteer for BSA, Scouting Magazine is free, and always has great info for teaching leaderships skills to youth while on the trail. FREE.
Backpackers Q + A: You mentioned working on organizing your gear in a closet. Do you keep everything in your pack or do you take everything out after a trip? What tips can you offer for organizing the stuff I’m starting to accumulate?