Summary: Show Notes: Episode 056<br> Today on The First 40 Miles, ’tis the season for Christmas parodies! Then on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll share some fun ways to present your gifts. Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of gear that will leave you feeling as fresh as a snowdrift. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, a one dollar solution that will help you feel a whole lot smarter and lighter! And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from one of the most quotable men in history.<br> Opening<br> <a href="http://www.thefirst40miles.com/st-nick-on-the-trail/">Read St. Nick on the Trail</a><br> Top 5 Creative Ways to Give Backpacking Gifts!<br> GPS Coordinates that lead to a trail head or an in town hike<br> <br> * Typically on Christmas, we spend all day inside.<br> * What better gift for an outdoor person, than to receive their gift outside!<br> * Hide it ahead of time, and map the GPS coordinates<br> <br> Wrap With Gear!<br> <br> * Instead of curling ribbon, use paracord, or another type of cordage<br> * <a href="http://www.loopalien.com/">LoopAlien</a>, or <a href="https://www.niteize.com/product/KnotBone-Stretch-Laces.asp">NiteIze Gear knot bone laces</a><br> * Tag with an inspirational quote (pick any Trail Wisdom Quote!)<br> * Stuff sack<br> * Something Small? Use a bandana. Place your small gift item in the center. Then, tie the opposite corners, then with the corners that are left, tie those.<br> <br> Set up the Hammock or Tent inside and stow presents in there!<br> <br> * Be sure to light a fire in the fireplace to give your Christmas scene that outdoor feel…kind of.<br> <br> Ask Mother Nature for Some Help<br> <br> * Wrap in brown kraft paper, with a small fir bough or pinecone cluster attached to outside, or bright beautiful winter berries<br> <br> Steal a French Tradition<br> <br> * In France, the children leave out their shoes filled with carrots and goodies for Father Christmas’s donkey.<br> * Maybe we need to start a new tradition here where we leave out our hiking shoes, and they get filled with granola bars, new wool socks, a watch, some Band-Aids and first aid ointment.<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: <a href="http://www.goldbond.com/blog/product/medicated-original-strength-body-powder/">Gold Bond Medicated Body Powder</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * 1 ounce net weight plastic bottle<br> * Perforated top that twists shut<br> * Made with zinc oxide and menthol<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * Powder your feet (friction prevention, blister prevention)<br> * Powder your armpits<br> * Powder your undies<br> * Powder your scalp (use as a dry shampoo–although it turns your hair whitish)<br> * Uses: temporarily relieves the pain and itch associated with: minor cuts, sunburn, insect bites, scrapes, prickly heat, minor burns rashes, minor skin irritations.<br> <br> Mass <br> <br> * 1 ounce net weight<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Top can pop off so you can refill with more powder<br> * Most stores have a house brand that is a little more economical<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * $1-2 at your local drugstore in the travel section<br> <br> Trial<br> <br> * Solves so many problems<br> * It’s consumable, lightweight, multipurpose, cheap and it feels great.<br> * Baby powder also works, but it’s not as “refreshing”<br> <br> Backpack Hack of the Week™:1 liter Ultralight Waterbottle<br> <br> * <a href="http://www.drinksmartwater.com/">SmartWater</a> water bottle (comes with FREE water inside!)<br> * Clear (so you can see your water level)<br> * Skinny and tall so fits in any waterbottle pouch<br> * Recyclable and reusable<br> * Squeezable<br> * Cheap (about a $1)<br> * Works with Sawyer water filters<br> * Only downside is the Steripen won’t fit into it<br> * Workaround: bring a widemouth waterbottle or a Gatorade bottle and transfer<br> <br>
