Summary: Recent research by a Kansas State physicist proves that petite folks have the advantage on the trail. Next, be sure to pack an umbrella (is this a joke?) on your next backpacking trip. On the SUMMIT™ Gear Review, we review a basic hat that left Heather’s ears out cold. And you’ll learn how to make a simple breakfast that will take you back to your idyllic childhood in the Swiss Alps.<br> Show Notes: Episode 007<br> Opening<br> <br> * When backpacking, it pays to be small<br> * <a href="http://scitation.aip.org/content/aapt/journal/tpt/52/8/10.1119/1.4897584">Research from Michael O’Shea, a physicist at Kansas State University</a><br> * Smaller animals and people can carry a greater percentage of their body weight<br> * Heather has a hard time figuring out the metric system…<br> * We don’t recommend packing more just because you can, but it’s nice to know that petite folks may have an advantage on the trail<br> <br> The Top 5 Ways to Use an Umbrella While Backpacking<br> Rain Protection<br> <br> * Benefits: instant rain protection for all-of-a sudden downpours<br> * Don’t take it as your only rain protection.<br> * Intermittent rain vs. sideways rain<br> <br> Sunshade/Parasol<br> <br> * The weight of the umbrella is less than the extra weight of the water you’d have to carry<br> <br> Windscreen<br> <br> * Starting fire/cooking<br> * Preparing meals<br> <br> Temporary Micro Shelter<br> <br> * Rain gear covers your body, but an umbrella can cover a map, a match, injury<br> <br> Privacy Screen<br> <br> * Perfect for potty breaks<br> * Just remember to take your umbrella with you when you’re done<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: <a href="https://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-the-lid-sw0sc143">SmartWool “The Lid” Hat</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * Classic winter hat<br> * 50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic<br> * Hat is sewn together at the top to form a six pointed star (makes for nice rounded top)<br> * Has very little stretch, so don’t expect to be able to pull this one down around your ears<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * It’s a hat<br> * Has a built in 2 1/2” headband liner that doubles the warmth around the ears and head<br> * Didn’t quite cover ears…<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * 2 ounces<br> * Fits head size 21.6 – 23.6 inches<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Machine wash cold<br> * Tumble cool<br> * “Cool iron when needed”<br> * Hand wash/flat or line dry<br> <br> Investment:<br> <br> * $30<br> * I thought I was paying for a 100% Merino wool hat (actually 50% acrylic)<br> * Read tags before you buy—regardless of the brand’s reputation<br> * Part of investment is value<br> * $30 is too much cost, not enough value…<br> <br> Trial:<br> <br> * If it were 100% merino wool it may have repelled water better and would have been even warmer when wet than a 50/50 blend<br> * Pleased with other Smart Wool products<br> * Excellent customer service from SmartWool<br> <br> Backpack Hack of the Week™: Swiss Muesli<br> 1/2 cup regular oats<br> 2 Tbs NIDO<br> 2 Tbs chia seeds<br> 1 Tbs. brown sugar<br> 1/4 cup chopped cashews<br> Mix and store in plastic bag. When ready to make, add water. Eat your Swiss Muesli from plastic bag or empty peanut butter jar.<br> <br> * 642 calories, 5.6 ounces = 115 calories/oz<br> * Full of fiber, long lasting carbs, protein<br> * This breakfast requires no cooking<br> <br> Trail Wisdom<br> “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”<br> -Ranulph Fiennes<br> <br> <br>
