Podcast: Download (Duration: 34:17 — 32.3MB)
Show Notes: Episode 146
Today on the First 40 Miles, what’s new in the world of backpacking gear? We’re back from the Outdoor Retailer Show to share gear that’s relevant to backpackers. Then, we’ll share a listener story that may inspire you to rethink your freeze dried chicken a la “whatever”. And we’ll share a backpack hack that will turn your hand held flashlight into a hands-free flashlight.
Opening
Heather and Josh share what they saw at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City
- Alpaca- more options for backpackers, but not a lot
- Infuze: Flavored Hydration System
- European Companies : Jack Wolfskin + Lorpen + Fjallraven
- Osana mosquito repellent soap
- Bambo trend: eating utensils, fabrics…but it’s just a matter of time before we start seeing it in packs and tents
- Less chemicals more natural foods—Natti Bars (so good!)
- All Good body care products
- Yukon Outfitters will soon be doing technical hammocks
- Fjallraven trekking tights are going to be available Fall 2017
- Hilleberg Mesh Tent 1
- Pull Start Fire: Pull cord, pop, burns long time 30 minutes
- Leatherman watch
- WISE Company (food, organic line, gf line, shakes, simple kitchen, fast, easy to find
- Renogy—mystery solved!
- More minimalist shoes: Xero with a hugely expanded lne, Merrell, Topo, Skinners, Vivo Barefoot
- Yumbutter: Nute butters in relealable pouches
- BlueFreedom: Backpackable hydroelectric power generator
- Osprey: New UL pack Levity and Lumina $275,
- Ice Age Trail in WI and Oregon Desert Trail
- Dig Dig tool by Vargo
- Primaloft’s new Gold Insulation Crosscore (14% warmer for weight) uses aerogel.
- Rom Outdoors: blanket, pack, poncho,
- Pro Shot: Case for phone that turns it into a goPro-type camera
Listener story: Kevin at Primus
Kevin at Primus: Story of backpacking with kids…and having a truly memorable backcountry feast
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Flashlight Task Lighting in Your Tent
Use a dollar store flashlight with a little string loop attached to the end. Slip the loop into the zipper pull of the inside front door of your tent, and pull the flashlight through that loop so it hangs from the zipper pull. Then zip the tent door closed so the zipper and flashlight are at the top.
Trail Wisdom
What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing. –Aristotle