Summary: In this episode we talk about trail magic and surprising places to find hiking and backpacking stuff. We’ll also review a waterproof hiking shoe that won’t give you “squeaky toes”. The show wraps up with a super fast recipe that will keep you fueled up on the trail.<br> Show Notes: Episode 002<br> Opening<br> <br> * Trail Magic<br> * Milo McIver State Park hike with family<br> * Tired kids and fresh blackberries<br> <br> The Top 5 Surprising Places to Find Backpacking and Hiking Stuff<br> Craft Store/Fabric Store<br> <br> * Small containers<br> * Waterproof fabrics<br> * Unscented melt and pour soup<br> <br> Dollar Store<br> <br> * Car drying towel<br> * Small containers<br> * Travel section<br> <br> AliExpress.com<br> <br> * Nylon poncho, sleeping bags, packs, stuff sacks<br> * Prices range from competitive to absurd<br> * Long ship time<br> * Read reviews and check stars<br> <br> Grocery Store<br> <br> * Bulk Section<br> * Discount Grocery Store<br> * Deli<br> * Asian market or other ethnic markets<br> <br> Recycle Bin<br> <br> * Milk jug, cat food can (for stove), peanut butter containers, etc.<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: Women’s KEEN Koven WP Shoe<br> Structure<br> <br> * Waterproof leather and mesh upper<br> * Dry waterproof, breathable membrane<br> * Sturdy feel<br> * EVA Midsole. EVA is a polymer that is soft and flexible, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * Waterproof shoes that don’t make you feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag<br> * Love the non-tie bungee laces<br> * Brilliantly designed to let out moisture from your feet, but not let in moisture from<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * Mine are youth size six, weigh 1 lb 8 oz (site says 13oz.)<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Care for Leather: Gently brush the shoe with a soft bristle brush or hand towel to remove loose dirt and debris. Stains can be treated by lightly rubbing a gum eraser in a circular motion over the location and lightly brushing afterwards.<br> * Realistic hiking shoe care? Smack your shoes together after the mud has dried…<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * $110 for adult size, $65 for youth (youth 6 is a women’s adult 8 1/2)<br> <br> Trial<br> <br> * Tested on a 5 1/2 mile hike in Oregon<br> * Hiked thru rain, wet grass, mud, rocky river shore<br> * No squeaky toes<br> * Feet perfectly dry<br> * Lots of vertical toe room<br> * May eventually add padding inside the shoe<br> <br> Backpack Hack of the Week™: Nut Bars<br> Nut Bars<br> 2 Tbs butter<br> 2 cups mini marshmallows<br> 2 1/2 cups nuts and seeds<br> In a medium pot, heat butter/marshmallows, remove from heat. Then stir in nuts and seeds. Press mixture into parchment lined 8×8 pan.<br> <br> * 150-170 calories per ounce<br> * Can use sunflower, chia, flax, almonds, pepitas, peanuts, cashews<br> * Infinitely adaptable<br> * Not overly sweet!<br> * Flavor variations (cinnamon, vanilla, dried fruit like cherries or cranberries)<br> * Bars are 1/2 inch thick. Double for larger bars.<br> <br> Trail Wisdom<br> “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”<br> -Nathaniel Hawthorne<br> <br>
