009: Backpacking with a Blind Chicken

Would you give a six year old child a box of matches and some stove fuel? The Leglers talk about how they decided what went into each of their children’s packs. Then, you’ll learn five recipes that will get you fueled up without unpacking your stove. We’ll review a multitasking piece of clothing that will change the way you keep your head protected! Then, we’ll share a no-cook breakfast recipe that comes in at 1,058 calories!

Show Notes: Episode 009

Opening

  • Prepping kids for their first backpacking trip
  • What goes in their packs? Matches, knives, ibuprofen, DEET, stove fuel?
  • How we decided what to pack for kids
  • Each child needed to be self-sufficient
  • Kids needed: clothing, rain gear, bedding, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and water (the tent was divided up between them all)
  • Age-appropriate 10 essentials

The Top 5 No-Cook Breakfasts

Fig Newton with Almond Butter

  • 4 cookies= 220 calories
  • Packet of almond butter=190 calories
  • Without much work, you have a 410 calorie breakfast

Greek Breakfast Wrap

  • Pita=170 calories
  • Cheese (2 oz.) =140 calories
  • Salami (2 oz.)=140 calories
  • Sundried tomatoes, negligible
  • 450 calories
  • If you substitute bacon for salami you can bump up calories even more!

Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese and Walnuts

  • Bagels are practically indestructible. Perfect for packing
  • Cinnamon raisin bagel=270 calories
  • Cream cheese=70 calories
  • 1 oz walnuts=185 calories
  • 525 calories!!

Bacon Wrapped Dates

  • Classic party appetizer: Date, stuff it with an almond, wrap it with bacon. Can do on the trail or before you leave.

Overnight Oats

  • This week’s Backpack Hack of the Week™
  • Stay tuned to find out how to pack this insanely easy and incredibly healthy breakfast

SUMMIT Gear Review™: The 100% Merino Wool Buff

Structure

  • 100% Merino Wool from Australia
  • The Wool Buff has a two-way lateral stretch
  • The Wool Buff itself is seamless
  • Quick-drying because it’s thin, but can be doubled over for extra warmth
  • Breathable and wicking
  • Merino Wool has natural qualities: water repellent, odor resistant, flameproof, durable, UV protection and natural stretch and elasticity
  • One size fits all adults

Utility

  • 12+ uses including: balaclava, cap, facemask, hairband, hair tie, hat liner, neck gaiter, hood, headband, sun guard, scarf, wristband
  • Finally—an improvement on the basic hat

Mass

  • 7 ounces, or 46 grams
  • 5 inches long by 9.5 inches wide
  • The Wool Buff is 5 and a half inches longer than their Original Buff (made of polyester)

Maintenance

  • Hand wash and lay flat to dry
  • Don’t bleach, iron or use fabric softeners

Investment

  • $29
  • They donate 1% to the planet

Trial

  • Purchased at local outdoor retailer
  • Tried on two, the second one fit a little more snug
  • Comes in 16 colors
  • Even though the Buff has 12 ways to wear, I can see myself wearing it in these five ways:
    • Scarf
    • Hat
    • Balaclava
    • Facemask
    • Headband
  • It’s functional, beautiful and perfect for backpacking or everyday use
  • Buy a second one for cold trips

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Overnight Oats

4 Tbs. chia seeds

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup NIDO

1 cup freeze dried raspberries

2 Tbs. brown sugar

Put all dry ingredients into a quart freezer zip top bag. If you want to save a bag, then add the ingredients to a cleaned out plastic peanut butter jar. The night before or twenty minutes before, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups cold water. Salt if desired. 1,058 calories.

Trail Wisdom

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”

-Rachel Carson