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