Green Garden 045: First, Second and Third Time’s a Charm – GWC Mag gwcmagDecember 14, 2023045 views Podcast: Download (Duration: 31:01 — 31.2MB) Today on The First 40 Miles, what are those last minute things you need right before a trip? Believe or not, there are five pre-trip incidentals that will help with pre-trip prep! Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we review a tent that we purchased not, once, not twice, but three times. The Backpack Hack of the Week is a simple way to mark maps without leaving a mess. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a man with a van. Opening Anniversary of my first 40 Miles Purpose of the meeting Firm up schedule Go over route Talk about risks: Risk of nearby forest fire Do we reschedule the trip? Comfort level with risks The Top 5 Pre-Trip Incidentals Sharpie permanent marker Write on gear, plastic bags, food Quart Ziploc Bags Great for separating out food Can be reused Cash Ones and fives–not twenties Coins in the car may help for showers or vending machines off the trail Reports Trail Reports Weather reports For our upcoming trip, we’ve also been checking fire reports Baking Soda Can help with stinky gear Structure Floor fabric: Coated nylon taffeta Rainfly fabric: Coated polyester taffeta Mesh Double walled tent, which helps reduce condensation Aluminum poles (if you haven’t purchased a new tent recently…poles go toether smoother when they’re new!) Adjustable ceiling vents Utility Rectangular floor Mesh pockets; hang loops; included gear loft Fast Pitch: Save weight and create a minimalist shelter by using just the rainfly, footprint (sold separately), poles and stakes Dual entry tent (benefits of having two doors) Vestibules Has a handy pocket in all 4 corners for small gear like glasses Over head removeable gear loft (for throwing a headlamp into) Gear loops inside tent Sets up quickly Mass 5 lb. 5 oz. Josh and Heather split it up…so 2lbs 10 oz each Packed size 5 x 22 inches Floor dimensions 90 x 54 inches Floor area 75 square feet Vestibule area 75 square feet Maintenance Sprayed it with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® to help it last longer Keep dirty shoes out “Tent over your head” trick for cleaning it out Put it up to dry out when you return home Investment Trial Bought one for our Mt Hood trip last year Then took the family out…while on that trip, the kids tent broke… We liked our tent so much that we bought two more. Backpack Hack of the Week™: Washi Tape for Map Marking Washi Tape for map marking (mentioned this in episode 8) Write on it with permanent marker or pencil. Take notes, mark trails, plan route It’s 100% removable, repositionable September 26National Public Lands Day Trail Wisdom “Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.” ― Vincent van Gogh Share the post “045: First, Second and Third Time’s a Charm”