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.
https://www.thefirst40miles.com
186: TRAILS: A Little Light Trail Maintenance
Show Notes: Episode 186
Today on the First 40 Miles, I used to believe that trails just existed and that they were just the well-worn footpaths created by thousands of people walking those same miles over and over. Nope. Trails are made and maintained. Today we’ll talk about some things you can do to help. Then, if you’ve always wanted to pack a chainsaw for clearing fallen trees on the trail, but just didn’t have enough room in your pack…we have a solution. And we’ll share a hack that will upcycle your favorite old cotton t-shirt and give it some trail time.
Opening
* Trails don’t just exist. They are created, cared for, maintained, and.
* We typically think of trail maintenance as something that a crew comes in to do. They have two-man cross cut saws, wheelbarrows, and maybe a Pulaski or two.
* But what if you have a little bit of that good Samaritan in you. Is it possible to do some vigilante trail maintenance while backpacking?
Top 5 Small and Simple Things You Can Do to Maintain the Trail
Stash the Trash
* Including in fire pits…
Flick the Stick
* Flick the stick off the trail
* Doesn’t take any time and it makes the trail a better place
Knock the Rock
* Just the “trippable” rocks
* Some rocks are placed along the side of the trail to divert water or to hold a section of trail in place
Drain the Rain
* Cut a little spot in the trail (with your trekking pole or shoe) where water has pooled up.
* Let it drain…
Trim the Limb
* You may want to bring clippers or use your pocket knife for this
* You can also trim those high overhanging branches also known as “pack grabbers”
* Cut branches off of a fallen tree that’s obscuring the trail
#6 Report problems…
* Contact trail person at ranger office report or local ranger district office…report to one agency…any problems
* Rangers have stewardship over 100 miles of trail. They rely on the help and knowledge of others to help them maintain that trail.
* Don’t rebuild the trail—just maintain it
* FYI: You can sign a volunteer agreement through your ranger district office
CAUTION: do not rebuild trail…they have strict parameters and specifications for trail.
Do not make structural, architectural or permanent trail changes or redirections. Just make the existing trail a smoother path for those who follow.
Glossary of Trail Work Terms:
https://www.wta.org/get-involved/volunteer/about-trail-work-1/trail-work-guide/trail-work-glossary
Video about trail Crew Maintenance
SUMMIT Gear Review: Sportsman Industries Pocket Chainsaw
Structure
* Made of chainsaw blade with a handle attached at each end
Utility
* Use it by wrapping it around a limb or fallen tree that you want to saw and pull your hands back and forth
Mass
* Weighs: 5.8 ounces (166 grams)
* Compare this to 8-15 pound traditional chainsaw
Maintenance
* Oil in for long term storage
* We had it dangling from our refrigerator for storage…
Investment
* $20
* 100% lifetime guarantee
Trial
* Using a pocket chainsaw is pure fun and can be a little competitive if you use it with a trail mate
* We went out to our BLM spot and wanted to clear some fallen trees off the trail. We brought: hatchet, two wire saws, bow saws, a folding Sierra saw and the Sportsman Industries pocket chain saw.