Summary: Today on The First 40 Miles we’ll talk about combining backpacking with trail service. Next, the Top 5 ways to blow your backpacking budget. The SUMMIT Gear Review™ we’ll show you how to protect dry stuff from wet stuff. Then for the Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you an easy way to keep grit on the trail and out of your shoes. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Ralph.<br> Show Notes: Episode 018<br> Opening<br> Quiz: How Many States have a section on the Appalachian Trail? Answer (and NEW Appalachian Trail Song!) at the end of our show.<br> <br> * Hiking service opportunities<br> * <a href="http://www.colossalcave.com/welcome.html">Colossal Cave Mountain Park</a><br> * <a href="http://www.americanhiking.org/em-volunteer-vacations/">American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations</a><br> <br> Top 5 Ways to Blow Your Backpacking Budget<br> <br> * Replace all your old gear with all new equipment<br> <br> * No need to white wash your entire collection and replace everything<br> * There’s a good chance that much of your gear will still be usable and good.<br> * It’s time to start researching what improvements have been made, and which improvements matter most to you.<br> <br> <br> * Buying new gear at the very beginning of backpacking season<br> <br> * Less likely to find those magical deals<br> * There will also be limited reviews.<br> <br> <br> * Believing that all new technology is better than current technology (or even thousand year old technology like down and wool)<br> <br> * Some new technology is fascinating, and it may be better than what’s out there.<br> * But, buying cutting edge technology will cost you<br> * It may be better to try the “wait and see” approach to see if the gear eventually comes down in price.<br> <br> <br> * Buying beyond your skill level or activity type<br> <br> * Technical gear for climbing or ultralight backpacking will cost more, so know the purpose of the gear you’re buying<br> <br> <br> * Buying beyond your typical outdoor needs<br> <br> * 20 degree down bag when you won’t be doing backpacking in 20 degree weather<br> <br> <br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: <a href="https://www.coghlans.com/products/25l-lightweight-dry-bag-1110">Coghlan’s Lightweight Dry Bag – 25L</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * Rip stop nylon, waterproof taped seams, roll top closure<br> * Fully taped sealed seams<br> <br> Utility <br> <br> * Will keep your clothing dry and protected<br> * However, not intended for submersion or for protecting electronics<br> * This size will most likely hold all your clothes or your lightweight sleeping bag<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * 10”x20”<br> * Weight: 1.9 ounces or 55 grams<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Spot clean with plain water<br> * Do not launder or machine dry<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * Right around $10, so it’s great for the budget minded backpacker<br> <br> Trial<br> <br> * Stuff gear, purge air, press top edges together, roll three times, fasten buckle<br> * Thin, lightweight, easy to use, good bargain<br> <br> Backpack Hack of the Week™: Duct Tape Ankle Gaiters<br> Ankle Gaiters: protection around your ankles that keeps sand, scree and gravel from getting into your shoes<br> <br> * Take a 1 foot piece of duct tape and wrap it around your shoe, where your shoe meets your sock. You can also add a piece of plastic to prevent the duct tape from leaving a residue.<br> * It’s a temporary fix. Not meant to be kept on very long.<br> <br> Trail Wisdom<br> “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”<br> -Ralph Waldo Emerson<br>
