Podcast: Download (Duration: 25:00 — 25.7MB)

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