Green Garden 007: When It Rains, You’re Covered – GWC Mag gwcmagDecember 31, 2023061 views Podcast: Download (Duration: 20:57 — 22.0MB) 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. Opening When backpacking, it pays to be small Research from Michael O’Shea, a physicist at Kansas State University Smaller animals and people can carry a greater percentage of their body weight Heather has a hard time figuring out the metric system… 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 The Top 5 Ways to Use an Umbrella While Backpacking Rain Protection Benefits: instant rain protection for all-of-a sudden downpours Don’t take it as your only rain protection. Intermittent rain vs. sideways rain Sunshade/Parasol The weight of the umbrella is less than the extra weight of the water you’d have to carry Windscreen Starting fire/cooking Preparing meals Temporary Micro Shelter Rain gear covers your body, but an umbrella can cover a map, a match, injury Privacy Screen Perfect for potty breaks Just remember to take your umbrella with you when you’re done Structure Classic winter hat 50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic Hat is sewn together at the top to form a six pointed star (makes for nice rounded top) Has very little stretch, so don’t expect to be able to pull this one down around your ears Utility It’s a hat Has a built in 2 1/2” headband liner that doubles the warmth around the ears and head Didn’t quite cover ears… Mass 2 ounces Fits head size 21.6 – 23.6 inches Maintenance Machine wash cold Tumble cool “Cool iron when needed” Hand wash/flat or line dry Investment: $30 I thought I was paying for a 100% Merino wool hat (actually 50% acrylic) Read tags before you buy—regardless of the brand’s reputation Part of investment is value $30 is too much cost, not enough value… Trial: 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 Pleased with other Smart Wool products Excellent customer service from SmartWool Backpack Hack of the Week™: Swiss Muesli 1/2 cup regular oats 2 Tbs NIDO 2 Tbs chia seeds 1 Tbs. brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped cashews Mix and store in plastic bag. When ready to make, add water. Eat your Swiss Muesli from plastic bag or empty peanut butter jar. 642 calories, 5.6 ounces = 115 calories/oz Full of fiber, long lasting carbs, protein This breakfast requires no cooking Trail Wisdom “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” -Ranulph Fiennes Share the post “007: When It Rains, You’re Covered”