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 8x8 pan. * 150-170 calories per ounce * Can use sunflower, chia, flax, almonds, pepitas, almonds, 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