Green Garden 124: Anatomy of an Overnight Backpacking Trip – GWC Mag gwcmagNovember 2, 2023032 views Podcast: Download (Duration: 34:53 — 32.8MB) Show Notes: Episode 124 Today on the First 40 Miles, If you’re planning your first overnight backpacking trip, we’ll talk about a few things that might surprise you. Next on our SUMMIT Gear Review an all-American pair of socks from a company who set out to create the best sock ever. Then, this week’s hack will get you outside, then inside, then back outside again! And we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from Mr. Frost. Opening What happens on an overnighter: Pick a backpacking trail close by…about 90 minutes or less from home Choose a short trip: 2-3 miles Fresh food (not as much emphasis on food weight) Don’t’ get sloppy with your 10 essentials—always bring what you will need if things go south Note: Things will take longer, things will go awry, be prepared to be flexible Top 5 Things That Might Surprise You About Your First Overnight Backpacking Trip Nature’s noises Nocturnal Animals Dropping leaves Wind You’ll notice these all a lot more at night The amount of trash you produce Because you’re holding on to every piece of trash, it starts to accumulate faster than you imagined How long a mile is And you may wonder why you carried something all the way into the woods that you never used How rejuvitating/thrilling/peaceful/cleansing/it all is It’s like hitting the reset button on life. And it’s so different from car camping… How long it takes to recover afterward And by recover, I mean unpack, clean up, put away, sleep… Also the physical…you might be a little bit sore. Backpacking is interesting because you drain and recharge at the same time Structure 65% Merino Wool 27% Nylon 6% Polyester 2% Lycra The blend helps preserve the shape and durability of the sock Cushioned footbed Extra cushioning in the heel, toe and the arch. Reinforced in the heel and toe Utility The patented Full Contact Fit perfectly molds to the shape of your foot The Fits Light Hiker Crew socks have flat seams, no itch wool, they’re flame resistant, breathable, moisture wicking and quick drying, They’re also odor resistant + antimicrobial Unisex socks (they do have some women’s patterns, but the sizing in unisex) Small to XXL Mass Weighs: 10.1 ounces Crew height rises just below the calf Sizing: unisex Maintenance Investment $21 Because it’s wool, think of it as three socks in one. Three days of wear before washing–really Trial This sock is their most popular hiking sock style The Light Hiker, is cushioned under foot to take the pounding of an all day hike while managing all the moisture you can throw at it. Reinforced, so more durable in the places you need it to be durable Stays snug even when it has been worn for several days, maintains it’s shape Stink-free merino wool Fits around your foot: This is probably the closest thing you can get to a custom sock. Backpack Hack of the Week: Backpacker Magazine Get out More Tour http://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/get-out-more-tour-2017-retail-tour-schedule 75-minute seminar full of trail tested tips, regional trip advice and outdoor gear. Randy Propster travels across the country, presents at 45 outdoor retailers, hosts 5 on-the-trail adventures and attends 5 outdoor festivals April through October! Looks like it’s kicking off in Austin, TX, then headed to Arizona, California, back to Arizona, then Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Washington State and on! They will be in Rhode Island on July 19th They will not be in Delaware or Oregon… Trail Wisdom “Nature is always hinting at us. It hints over and over again. And suddenly we take the hint.” –Robert Frost Share the post “124: Anatomy of an Overnight Backpacking Trip”