Summary: Show Notes: Episode 086<br> Today on the First 40 Miles, BUDGET: The Spending Episode. Does a budget truly limit us, or does it save us from stupid purchases we would make if we had unlimited resources? Today you’ll hear how Josh and Heather work through budgeting decisions when it comes to backpacking gear. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, if you want easy access to 7 liters of M&Ms, we’ve got the perfect pack for you. Then on today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, seventeen cents doesn’t go very far in today’s world, but on the trail it gets you through another day. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Horace Kephart.<br> Opening<br> <br> * Budgeting has a bad reputation<br> * The word brings up feelings of restraint, loss of freedom and no fun<br> * Most everyone, has to deal with the very real limitations of a budget–and can cause some discomfort, dissatisfaction and frustration.<br> * How much does it cost to go backpacking?<br> * Prioritizing spending<br> * Making do with what you’ve got: day pack, heavy tent, bulky sleeping bag, cotton clothes. no budget for freeze dried food<br> * On a budget? Go in the summertime.<br> <br> Top 5 Ways We’ve Worked Through Budget Decisions<br> Set a budget<br> <br> * A budget is awesome because it gives you permission to spend.<br> * Most of us view budgets as spending limits<br> * Money can roll over to the next month, but not be taken from a future month<br> <br> Be realistic about what features you need <br> <br> * It’s easy to be dazzled by fancy new gadgets that have all the latest features<br> * It’s so easy, as new technologies emerge, to forget that backpackers from long ago, were out in the woods with a waxed canvas pack, a loaf of crusty bread, and a canteen.<br> * There is nothing wrong with geeking out on features, but if you’re working through budget decisions, then get real about what features are most important<br> <br> If you’re trying to be persuasive, try the long game<br> <br> * If you’re the partner who wants to purchase gear (and your true love is either ambivalent about the purchase or against the purchase) try the long game—patience.<br> * Money can be tricky especially when just one spouse wants to move forward on the purchase.<br> * Josh took the patient approach on our camera purchase<br> * If you’re the one who is wanting to make an important purchase, waiting helps you reassess your true desires. If you wait a month and you’re still determined to make the purchase, then you’re ready to move on to the last two items on today’s top 5 list.<br> <br> Research a boat load<br> <br> * Understand the technology behind it, not just the marketing babble<br> * Time spent researching vs. what your time is worth—know when to stop researching your purchase<br> <br> Start price searching<br> <br> * Find prices for new, discount, refurbished, used, past models<br> * Find prices at local retailers, and discount online sellers<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: <a href="http://www.ribzwear.com/">Ribz Front Pack</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * Cordura Nylon<br> * There are two main pouches, one on the left and one on the right.<br> * The main pouch is big enough to fit the Merck Manual of Medical Information (second Home Edition) or a box of Triscuits.<br> * Inside of each of those main pouches are 2 mesh pockets<br> * On the front of each of the main pouches, are smaller zippered pouches—the perfect size for a point and shoot camera<br> * Wide padded shoulder straps that help transfer weight and give the Ribz a comfortable carry<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * Put it on like a life jacket, and it zips in the front<br> * Camera, map, sunglasses, snacks, notebook and pencil, medications, batteries, etc.<br> * All those items are now easily accessible<br> * The Ribz Front Pack doesn’t attach to a pack—it’s a stand-alone ...
