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