Show notes
Today on The First 40 Miles, it’s our Women + Backpacking Episode! We’ll share the top 5 questions about Women and Backpacking and what to do to prepare for a successful trip. On the SUMMIT™ Gear Review, we’ll teach you the Mayan name for Bonefish and why it matters! On The Backpack Hack of the Week™ we’ll share a $1 solution to the most common female complaint on the trail. Then we’ll answer a question that applies to folks with long hair.
Show Notes: Episode 025
Opening
* Data about women on the trail
* Advantages women have
* Trail is a great equalizer
* My first backpacking trip
Top 5 Questions about Women and Backpacking
Is it safe for women to backpack alone?
* Should any backpacker travel alone?
* Weapon: false sense of security
* Trekking Poles (provide extra support, extension of arms, some protection if an animal encounter occurs)
* Safe option for women who want to backpack “alone”: Tandem Solo Hikes
* There is value and safety in travelling together
Is backpacking gear for women really different or is it just purple?
* Notice difference: packs, sleeping bags, clothing (cut is different)
* Heather’s experience with a women’s pack
Girls can’t just find a tree…so what options are out there that can help?
* Female Urination Device or STP
* pStyle
* Try in shower before you try on the trail
* Overcoming bathroom anxiety (the more you go, the more you know)
What is the best solution for feminine hygiene products on the trail?
* Pads and tampons are still an option, however they must be packed out
* MaskIt for packing out feminine hygiene
* Some women prefer to use shots or pills to modify their monthly cycle
* Menstrual Cups: No waste involved, lightweight, not associated with toxic shock syndrome
* Use with a backup washable menstrual pad
Where can I find like-minded women backpackers who can share stories and give advice?
SnowqueenandScout.com
SUMMIT Gear Review™: Macabi Skirt
Structure
* Supplex Nylon (Cottony-soft, breathable)
* Pant Clip (fully adjustable length): Lets you adapt to changes in weather, activity or mood
* Wading Snaps: Lets you go amphibious without changing your clothes
* Fabric (SPF 25+) resists wrinkles, dries fast and wicks away moisture
* Oversized, self-draining pockets
* Zippered security pocket. Cell phone pocket. Tiny pocket within one of the main pockets
* Elastic waistband, drawstring and belt loops
* D-ring on side
* Available in multiple lengths, colors and sizes
* Inspector Gadget Skirt
Utility
* Skirt, Pants, Shorts
* Dries in 2 hours
* You can stuff the whole skirt into the zippered security pocket
Mass
* Hiking pants 13.8 ounces
* Macabi Skirt Small/Regular Length weighs in at just 10.5 ounces
Maintenance
* Machine wash or hand wash
* Dry
* No special maintenance
Investment
* $77
Trial
* This skirt is convertible in every sense of the word. It changes easily from skirt, to pants to shorts. And goes from survival mode to dressy mode.
* Women have the culturally acceptable option of wearing clothing on the trail that allows them to be a little more versatile
* Regular length was perfect hiking length
* Feminine, functional, comfortable, durable, versatile–a skirt when I want a skirt, and pants or shorts when I want pants or shorts
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Dollar Store STP Device
Show Notes: Episode 025
Opening
* Data about women on the trail
* Advantages women have
* Trail is a great equalizer
* My first backpacking trip
Top 5 Questions about Women and Backpacking
Is it safe for women to backpack alone?
* Should any backpacker travel alone?
* Weapon: false sense of security
* Trekking Poles (provide extra support, extension of arms, some protection if an animal encounter occurs)
* Safe option for women who want to backpack “alone”: Tandem Solo Hikes
* There is value and safety in travelling together
Is backpacking gear for women really different or is it just purple?
* Notice difference: packs, sleeping bags, clothing (cut is different)
* Heather’s experience with a women’s pack
Girls can’t just find a tree…so what options are out there that can help?
* Female Urination Device or STP
* pStyle
* Try in shower before you try on the trail
* Overcoming bathroom anxiety (the more you go, the more you know)
What is the best solution for feminine hygiene products on the trail?
* Pads and tampons are still an option, however they must be packed out
* MaskIt for packing out feminine hygiene
* Some women prefer to use shots or pills to modify their monthly cycle
* Menstrual Cups: No waste involved, lightweight, not associated with toxic shock syndrome
* Use with a backup washable menstrual pad
Where can I find like-minded women backpackers who can share stories and give advice?
SnowqueenandScout.com
SUMMIT Gear Review™: Macabi Skirt
Structure
* Supplex Nylon (Cottony-soft, breathable)
* Pant Clip (fully adjustable length): Lets you adapt to changes in weather, activity or mood
* Wading Snaps: Lets you go amphibious without changing your clothes
* Fabric (SPF 25+) resists wrinkles, dries fast and wicks away moisture
* Oversized, self-draining pockets
* Zippered security pocket. Cell phone pocket. Tiny pocket within one of the main pockets
* Elastic waistband, drawstring and belt loops
* D-ring on side
* Available in multiple lengths, colors and sizes
* Inspector Gadget Skirt
Utility
* Skirt, Pants, Shorts
* Dries in 2 hours
* You can stuff the whole skirt into the zippered security pocket
Mass
* Hiking pants 13.8 ounces
* Macabi Skirt Small/Regular Length weighs in at just 10.5 ounces
Maintenance
* Machine wash or hand wash
* Dry
* No special maintenance
Investment
* $77
Trial
* This skirt is convertible in every sense of the word. It changes easily from skirt, to pants to shorts. And goes from survival mode to dressy mode.
* Women have the culturally acceptable option of wearing clothing on the trail that allows them to be a little more versatile
* Regular length was perfect hiking length
* Feminine, functional, comfortable, durable, versatile–a skirt when I want a skirt, and pants or shorts when I want pants or shorts
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Dollar Store STP Device