Green Garden 211: Gear That Lasts the Miles – GWC Mag gwcmagSeptember 24, 2023060 views Podcast: Download (Duration: 22:26 — 21.4MB) Show Notes: Episode 211 Today on the First 40 Miles, we love our listeners! And we love hearing their stories! Then, even if you never plan to do a thru hike, you can still scam some of their best gear hacks and incorporate them into your next overnighter. Next, a gear review that will outfit you in the toughest clothes on the planet. And a hack that as easy as sticking a piece of tape to a tent pole. Opening Matt’s Story Top 5 Thru Hiker Staples Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Lightweight, cheap, easy to use, easy to maintain Many thru hikers prefer the Sawyer Squeeze to the Sawyer Mini Smart Water Bottles Cheap, ubiquitous, versatile Sawyer squeeze screws on top Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Easy to set up, lightweight, indestructible, can be cut down, under $40 2.6 R value Can’t be compressed Top Ramen Fast, easy, cheap, never disappoints (because it’s such a basic food) The Uniform Shorts + trucker hats + minimalist running shoes (Altras, Merrels, or other zero drop ultralight, minimalist shoes) A uniform tells others that you’re on the same team. Structure Nylon Gusseted crotch Reinforced Some are treated with insect shield Permethrin treatment Utility Hiking pants, easy to move in, easy to care for, tough, lightweight, Deep pockets, reinforced everything Zippered pockets Doubled up in knees and crotch Mass Maintenance Wash and dry (on or off trail) Investment Trial Pants aren’t excessively baggy, but loose enough that they give you room to move/hike/climb Super tough in all the right places Lots of variety Lots of color choices Mens and Womens (no kids) Known as the “Toughest Clothes on the Planet” Backpack Hack of the Week™: Reflective Tape When it gets dark, it’s easy to get disoriented and lose track of where your camp site is Reflective tape stuck to your gear can help you find your site Stick to tent poles or other gear, so you can find your way back to camp after it gets dark Then, simply shine a flashlight and the things you’ve marked will light up! Gear Aid makes super durable reflective tape Trail Wisdom “When you walk, you know the distance you’ve covered in your tired bones, and it’s impossible to go so far that you lose the thread of continuity between ‘there’ and ‘here.’”—Kelly Winters If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop. Share the post “211: Gear That Lasts the Miles”