Podcast: Download (Duration: 23:38 — 24.5MB)
When was your last hiking or backpacking adventure? We’ll talk about how to close the gap between your last adventure and your next one. Next, learn the secrets to avoid losing your backpacking gear on the trail. We’ll review a low cost, lightweight piece of truly breathable rain gear. And you’ll learn how to make a high calorie Mediterranean favorite on the trail that will go perfectly with that smashed pita bread in your pack.
Show Notes: Episode 004
Opening
- When was your last BP or hiking adventure?
- When is your next adventure?
- How do you close the gap?
- Causes of the gap
- Time off/injury/family responsibilities/weather
- Start small
- Practice “Planned Spontaneity”
- Make it a monthly ritual with your family
- Know your purpose
- Start closing the gap between your last adventure and your next adventure
The Top 5 Ways to Avoid Losing Your Gear
Shaker method
- “A Place for Everything, And Everything in its Place”
- Designated pocket, predetermined pouch, specific stuff sack
- Put everything away in the same place every time.
Put it away NOW
- An item can get lost in the dark
- Items can also blow away
- WHEN you put it away is just as important as WHERE you put it away
Site Check
- Every time you leave a site do a thorough walk through or visual scan of the area
- Found items: Trail Magic vs. Trail Tragic
No Loose Gear
- If you have things hanging off pack, a tree branch can snag your stuff
- Sitting down can knock things off or loosen them
- Zippered pouch
- Attach gear with carabineers
Document Your Gear Loans
- Take a picture of friend with loaned gear
- It’s amazing how many times we loan something out and can even remember if the person returned it or not. Let technology help you…
SUMMIT Gear Review™: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Gear
Structure
- Ultra-light, nonwoven polypropylene material
- Patented bi-laminate technology
- welded seams for complete waterproof protection
- sweat-free breathability
- Closures: Drawstring hood, front zipper (covered to prevent leakage)
- Cuffs are elasticized
Utility
- Comes in adult and youth sizes
- No pockets which I don’t feel detracted from its utility
- Comes with stuff sack
Mass
- Packaging says under 12 oz.
- Youth large 8 oz with stuff sack and the adult is 10.4 ounces
- Sizing chart is on the back, accurate
Maintenance
- Can be repaired with duct tape or Gorilla tape
- Washing: can be hand washed
- Let air dry when done using
Investment
- Under $20 for youth and adult sizes
- A few bucks for a roll of duct tape or Gorilla Tape
Trial
- Seems large, but that’s because you’re fitting over clothing
- Easy to wipe down
- 12 y.o. wore on scout camp out, pants seam ripped, but easily repaired
- He reported that it was comfortable, easy to put on, stayed dry and didn’t get hot/sweaty
Backpack Hack of the Week™: DIY Instant Pesto
- Peanut butter alternative
- Pesto: spread or dip that is made with basil, parmesan and garlic (sometimes nuts)
- Backpack version of pesto
- Lightweight and easy to make on the trail.
- 1 Tbs dried basil, 1 Tbs parmesan from the green shaker can, 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Pairs perfectly with some squished pita bread from the bottom of your pack and some pepper-crusted salami
- 156 Calories per serving!!
- When ready: add a teeny bit of water to rehydrate basil, 1 Tbs olive oil (or 3 Subway oil packets)
Trail Wisdom
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
-Aristotle