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 (http://www.colossalcave.com/welcome.html) * American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations (http://www.americanhiking.org/em-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 25 Liters 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