007: When It Rains, You’re Covered

Recent research by a Kansas State physicist proves that petite folks have the advantage on the trail.  Next, be sure to pack an umbrella (is this a joke?) on your next backpacking trip.  On the SUMMIT™ Gear Review, we review a basic hat that left Heather’s ears out cold.  And you’ll learn how to make a simple breakfast that will take you back to your idyllic childhood in the Swiss Alps.

Show Notes: Episode 007

Opening



* When backpacking, it pays to be small

* Research from Michael O’Shea, a physicist at Kansas State University

* Smaller animals and people can carry a greater percentage of their body weight

* Heather has a hard time figuring out the metric system…

* We don’t recommend packing more just because you can, but it’s nice to know that petite folks may have an advantage on the trail



The Top 5 Ways to Use an Umbrella While Backpacking

Rain Protection



* Benefits: instant rain protection for all-of-a sudden downpours

* Don’t take it as your only rain protection.

* Intermittent rain vs. sideways rain



Sunshade/Parasol



* The weight of the umbrella is less than the extra weight of the water you’d have to carry



Windscreen



* Starting fire/cooking

* Preparing meals



Temporary Micro Shelter



* Rain gear covers your body, but an umbrella can cover a map, a match, injury



Privacy Screen



* Perfect for potty breaks

* Just remember to take your umbrella with you when you’re done



SUMMIT Gear Review™: SmartWool “The Lid” Hat

Structure



* Classic winter hat

* 50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic

* Hat is sewn together at the top to form a six pointed star (makes for nice rounded top)

* Has very little stretch, so don’t expect to be able to pull this one down around your ears



Utility



* It’s a hat

* Has a built in 2 1/2” headband liner that doubles the warmth around the ears and head

* Didn’t quite cover ears…



Mass



* 2 ounces

* Fits head size 21.6 – 23.6 inches



Maintenance



* Machine wash cold

* Tumble cool

* “Cool iron when needed”

* Hand wash/flat or line dry



Investment:



* $30

* I thought I was paying for a 100% Merino wool hat (actually 50% acrylic)

* Read tags before you buy—regardless of the brand’s reputation

* Part of investment is value

* $30 is too much cost, not enough value…



Trial:



* If it were 100% merino wool it may have repelled water better and would have been even warmer when wet than a 50/50 blend

* Pleased with other Smart Wool products

* Excellent customer service from SmartWool



 Backpack Hack of the Week™: Swiss Muesli

1/2 cup regular oats

2 Tbs NIDO

2 Tbs chia seeds

1 Tbs. brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped cashews

Mix and store in plastic bag. When ready to make, add water. Eat your Swiss Muesli from plastic bag or empty peanut butter jar.



* 642 calories, 5.6 ounces = 115 calories/oz

* Full of fiber, long lasting carbs, protein

* This breakfast requires no cooking



Trail Wisdom

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

-Ranulph Fiennes