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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024: Shoulder Season Backpacking
Today on The First 40 Miles, we’ll take a peak at the magical time between peak season and off peak season. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, you’ll meet the short, powerful cousin of the JetBoil Flash. Next, if you’ve always wanted to try Canadian cuisine, but were afraid to ask, we’ll give you the perfect recipe on the Backpack Hack of the Week. On the Backpackers Q+A, Mike from Utah has some questions about packs for all ages. Then we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, writer and outspoken man with a beard: Edward Abbey.
Show Notes: Episode 024
Opening
* Backpacker Magazine Gear Issue
* Thoughts from Josh on Price/Weight/Performance
* Tent comparison
Top 5 Shoulder Season Must Haves
Plan B
First night of our Redwoods trip poured and poured, with high winds…
Our Plan B (kids in car, parents in a tent) turned into a Plan C (motel)
Wool Baselayer
Woolpower Survival Kit
Has same weight as my base layer I left at home, but has a special weave with loops to trap heat. Loved it.)
This baselayer survival kit from Woolpower also includes a short tube which can be used as a neck gaiter or hat
Fire Redundancy
It’s not going to be enough to bring a book of matches. If it gets cold fast or if all the tinder and kindling around you is wet, you’re going to want to have a sure fire way to get warm.
Wetfire
Lightning Strike (with tinder)
Extra, Easy-to-Eat Food
Everything takes longer when it’s wet and windy. It’s just so comforting to have a bag of food you can consume without having to get out other gear. Just open a package, cram a bar, and drink some water.
Also, lower temperatures also mean you’re burning more calories. Bring some easy to cram bars, pop tarts, chewy cookies with chunks of chocolate.
Camera
You are guaranteed to see things no one else will see.
Be prepared with a camera.
CamKix: Great for getting extraordinary shots with your phone
SUMMIT Gear Review™: JetBoil MiniMo
Structure
Very similar to JetBoil Flash, just squattier
Utility
Simmer feature, great for actually cooking on the trail
Doesn’t have the same boil indicator strip that the Flash has
Because it used for more than just boiling
The lid has a pour spout, that we used for pouring boiling water into our dried meals.
Also, we learned that you don’t need to unscrew the fuel right after you boil the water
If you want to use another pan with this stove, you need to purchase the JetBoil Pot Support $10 (I bought at Cabela’s for $12 but REI’s site has it for $9.)
Mass
5×6 inches
14.6 ounces
Full fuel canister weighs 7 ounces
21.6 ounces total
Maintenance
Keep igniter protected
Store fuel and stove sideways in pot
Investment
$130
Trial
This has the freakishly fast boiling power that is standard for all JetBoil stoves.
Handles never get hot
One thing I didn’t like was that there was no extra room to store the extra pot stand.
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Canadian Bannock
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbs NIDO
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup coconut oil
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until powdery. Store in a zip top sandwich sized bag. When ready to make, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water.
Mix with 1/4-1/2 cup water in a plastic bag with a spoon or by squeezing the plastic bag. Divide into 2-4 pieces so it’s easier to flip.