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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002: Surprising Places to Find Backpacking Stuff
In this episode we talk about trail magic and surprising places to find hiking and backpacking stuff. We’ll also review a waterproof hiking shoe that won’t give you “squeaky toes”. The show wraps up with a super fast recipe that will keep you fueled up on the trail.
Show Notes: Episode 002
Opening
* Trail Magic
* Milo McIver State Park hike with family
* Tired kids and fresh blackberries
The Top 5 Surprising Places to Find Backpacking and Hiking Stuff
Craft Store/Fabric Store
* Small containers
* Waterproof fabrics
* Unscented melt and pour soup
Dollar Store
* Car drying towel
* Small containers
* Travel section
AliExpress.com
* Nylon poncho, sleeping bags, packs, stuff sacks
* Prices range from competitive to absurd
* Long ship time
* Read reviews and check stars
Grocery Store
* Bulk Section
* Discount Grocery Store
* Deli
* Asian market or other ethnic markets
Recycle Bin
* Milk jug, cat food can (for stove), peanut butter containers, etc.
SUMMIT Gear Review™: Women’s KEEN Koven WP Shoe
Structure
* Waterproof leather and mesh upper
* Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
* Sturdy feel
* EVA Midsole. EVA is a polymer that is soft and flexible, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation
Utility
* Waterproof shoes that don’t make you feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag
* Love the non-tie bungee laces
* Brilliantly designed to let out moisture from your feet, but not let in moisture from
Mass
* Mine are youth size six, weigh 1 lb 8 oz (site says 13oz.)
Maintenance
* Care for Leather: Gently brush the shoe with a soft bristle brush or hand towel to remove loose dirt and debris. Stains can be treated by lightly rubbing a gum eraser in a circular motion over the location and lightly brushing afterwards.
* Realistic hiking shoe care? Smack your shoes together after the mud has dried…
Investment
* $110 for adult size, $65 for youth (youth 6 is a women’s adult 8 1/2)
Trial
* Tested on a 5 1/2 mile hike in Oregon
* Hiked thru rain, wet grass, mud, rocky river shore
* No squeaky toes
* Feet perfectly dry
* Lots of vertical toe room
* May eventually add padding inside the shoe
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Nut Bars
Nut Bars
2 Tbs butter
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 1/2 cups nuts and seeds
In a medium pot, heat butter/marshmallows, remove from heat. Then stir in nuts and seeds. Press mixture into parchment lined 8×8 pan.
* 150-170 calories per ounce
* Can use sunflower, chia, flax, almonds, pepitas, peanuts, cashews
* Infinitely adaptable
* Not overly sweet!
* Flavor variations (cinnamon, vanilla, dried fruit like cherries or cranberries)
* Bars are 1/2 inch thick. Double for larger bars.
Trail Wisdom
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”
-Nathaniel Hawthorne