Summary: Heather and Josh share some innovative backpacking gear from the brilliant inventors on <a title="Kickstarter" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/">Kickstarter.com</a>. Next, you’ll learn about the top 5 pack messes and how to avoid them. Then we’ll review a pair of socks made by some hard-working worms. And the Backpack Hack of the Week™ features an easy way to keep a lid on leftovers.<br> Show Notes: Episode 012<br> Opening<br> Backpacking gear on Kickstarter.com<br> <br> * Trekkayak Inflatable Kayak<br> * Microstove<br> * Indus Walking Stick<br> * Snowxu (foldable snow shoes)<br> * Qlipter<br> * Made in the USA Fleece<br> * Documentaries<br> <br> To find more, use the search feature on Kickstarter.com for the words: hiking, outdoor, backpacking, trail, or camping.<br> Top 5 Pack Messes and How to Avoid Them!<br> Melted Chocolate<br> <br> * But good chocolate melts at body temperature.<br> * An afternoon of a bag of chocolates next to your back could mean a huge mess in your pack<br> * Solution: M&Ms or Sunspire SunDrops<br> <br> Leaky Peanut Butter<br> <br> * Calorie-dense, so it’s a natural favorite among backpackers<br> * Solution: Justin’s Peanut Butter or Almond Butter packets<br> <br> Punctured Water Bladder<br> <br> * Even the best water bladder systems are subject to punctures<br> * Water isn’t the worst thing to get all over your pack…unless you planned on staying dry<br> * Solution: Water bottles—esp. the lightweight disposable ones<br> <br> Drippy Olive Oil<br> <br> * We pack our olive oil in a plastic screw top container, but it makes me nervous<br> * Solution: Subway packets of olive oil and canola oil mix (ask to purchase or ask for them with a purchase)<br> <br> Weeping Cheese and High Fat Meat<br> <br> * As cheese and meat warm up, the fats in them melt<br> * Solution: powdered cheese from the green shaker can and dry meats (like beef jerky or cured dry salami), or wrap your meat and cheesecloth to absorb some of the excess oil<br> <br> “Anything that can leak, will”<br> If you must bring leaky stuff, follow these 4 steps:<br> <br> * Wrap it in paper towel<br> * Double bag it or store it in a leak proof container like a tested PB jar or Nalgene bottle<br> * Store it upright<br> * Make sure it doesn’t get crushed in your pack<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/627663/rei-co-op-silk-one-liner-socks">REI Silk One Liner Socks</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * 54% spun silk/43% nylon/2% polyester/4% spandex<br> * Super buttery soft<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * Prevent blisters if worn with a pair of hiking socks<br> * Silk has good tensile strength<br> * Wicking<br> * Cool in summer, warm in winter<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * .8 ounces/22 grams<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Hand wash or machine wash<br> * No bleach<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * $9.50<br> * They are thin and dry fairly quickly<br> * Purchase two pairs: a pair to wear, a pair to wash<br> <br> Trial<br> <br> * The only thing I would change is the color<br> * White is a silly color for backpacking gear<br> * They never got clean looking on or off the trail<br> <br> Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week™: Leak-resistant Cup<br> <br> * Backpackers do everything they can to simplify their gear and make sure that everything that goes into their pack is a multi-use item.<br> * Need: small plastic Nutella jar or a small plastic Peanut Butter jar and use it up, peel off the label, wash the container and the lid in the dishwasher, so there’s no scent left<br> * Reusable<br> * Portion control for times when you want a smaller meal<br> * It’s shallow enough to reach your spoon into<br> * Limits food waste<br> * Food can be prepared and stored for later<br> * Easy to wash, just add a little water, swish and scatter or swish and swallow<br>
