018: Don’t Blow the Budget!

Today on The First 40 Miles we’ll talk about combining backpacking with trail service. Next, the Top 5 ways to blow your backpacking budget. The SUMMIT Gear Review™ we’ll show you how to protect dry stuff from wet stuff. Then for the Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you an easy way to keep grit on the trail and out of your shoes. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Ralph.

Show Notes: Episode 018

Opening

Quiz: How Many States have a section on the Appalachian Trail? Answer (and NEW Appalachian Trail Song!) at the end of our show.



*  Hiking service opportunities

* Colossal Cave Mountain Park

* American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations



Top 5 Ways to Blow Your Backpacking Budget



* Replace all your old gear with all new equipment



* No need to white wash your entire collection and replace everything

* There’s a good chance that much of your gear will still be usable and good.

* It’s time to start researching what improvements have been made, and which improvements matter most to you.





* Buying new gear at the very beginning of backpacking season



* Less likely to find those magical deals

* There will also be limited reviews.





* Believing that all new technology is better than current technology (or even thousand year old technology like down and wool)



* Some new technology is fascinating, and it may be better than what’s out there.

* But, buying cutting edge technology will cost you

* It may be better to try the “wait and see” approach to see if the gear eventually comes down in price.





* Buying beyond your skill level or activity type



* Technical gear for climbing or ultralight backpacking will cost more, so know the purpose of the gear you’re buying





* Buying beyond your typical outdoor needs



* 20 degree down bag when you won’t be doing backpacking in 20 degree weather







SUMMIT Gear Review™: Coghlan’s Lightweight Dry Bag – 25L

Structure



* Rip stop nylon, waterproof taped seams, roll top closure

* Fully taped sealed seams



Utility



* Will keep your clothing dry and protected

* However, not intended for submersion or for protecting electronics

* This size will most likely hold all your clothes or your lightweight sleeping bag



Mass



* 10”x20”

* Weight: 1.9 ounces or 55 grams



Maintenance



* Spot clean with plain water

* Do not launder or machine dry



Investment



* Right around $10, so it’s great for the budget minded backpacker



Trial



* Stuff gear, purge air, press top edges together, roll three times, fasten buckle

* Thin, lightweight, easy to use, good bargain



Backpack Hack of the Week™: Duct Tape Ankle Gaiters

Ankle Gaiters: protection around your ankles that keeps sand, scree and gravel from getting into your shoes



* Take a 1 foot piece of duct tape and wrap it around your shoe, where your shoe meets your sock. You can also add a piece of plastic to prevent the duct tape from leaving a residue.

* It’s a temporary fix. Not meant to be kept on very long.



Trail Wisdom

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson