045: First, Second and Third Time’s a Charm

Today on The First 40 Miles, what are those last minute things you need right before a trip? Believe or not, there are five pre-trip incidentals that will help with pre-trip prep! Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we review a tent that we purchased not, once, not twice, but three times. The Backpack Hack of the Week is a simple way to mark maps without leaving a mess. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a man with a van.

Show Notes: Episode 045

Opening



* Anniversary of my first 40 Miles

* Purpose of the meeting

* Firm up schedule

* Go over route

* Talk about risks:



* Risk of nearby forest fire

* Do we reschedule the trip?

* Comfort level with risks







The Top 5 Pre-Trip Incidentals

Sharpie permanent marker



* Write on gear, plastic bags, food



Quart Ziploc Bags



* Great for separating out food

* Can be reused



Cash



* Ones and fives–not twenties

* Coins in the car may help for showers or vending machines off the trail



Reports



* Trail Reports

* Weather reports

* For our upcoming trip, we’ve also been checking fire reports



Baking Soda



* Can help with stinky gear



SUMMIT Gear Review™: REI Passage 2 Tent

Structure



* Floor fabric: Coated nylon taffeta

* Rainfly fabric: Coated polyester taffeta

* Mesh

* Double walled tent, which helps reduce condensation

* Aluminum poles (if you haven’t purchased a new tent recently…poles go toether smoother when they’re new!)

* Adjustable ceiling vents



Utility



* Rectangular floor

* Mesh pockets; hang loops; included gear loft

* Fast Pitch: Save weight and create a minimalist shelter by using just the rainfly, footprint (sold separately), poles and stakes

* Dual entry tent (benefits of having two doors)

* Vestibules

* Has a handy pocket in all 4 corners for small gear like glasses

* Over head removeable gear loft (for throwing a headlamp into)

* Gear loops inside tent

* Sets up quickly



Mass



* 5 lb. 5 oz.

* Josh and Heather split it up…so 2lbs 10 oz each

* Packed size 5 x 22 inches

* Floor dimensions 90 x 54 inches

* Floor area 75 square feet

* Vestibule area 75 square feet



Maintenance



* Sprayed it with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® to help it last longer

* Keep dirty shoes out

* “Tent over your head” trick for cleaning it out

* Put it up to dry out when you return home



Investment



* $150



Trial



* Bought one for our Mt Hood trip last year

* Then took the family out…while on that trip, the kids tent broke…

* We liked our tent so much that we bought two more.



Backpack Hack of the Week™: Washi Tape for Map Marking



* Washi Tape for map marking (mentioned this in episode 8)

* Write on it with permanent marker or pencil.

* Take notes, mark trails, plan route

* It’s 100% removable, repositionable



September 26

National Public Lands Day

Trail Wisdom

“Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.”

― Vincent van Gogh