The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Show Notes: Episode 079 Today on the First 40 Miles, many of us go hiking and backpacking so we can unplug, but what if you can’t? When it comes to electronics—we’re literally surrounded. Then on today’s Top 5 List, you’ll learn to look for the signs that mean it’s time to get outside. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a pillow that will perfectly cradle your cranium. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, what three words are the best response when you hear an SOS call? And, we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend Woody Hesselbarth. Opening * Many of us go out into nature to “get away from it all” * Another term we use is “unplug” * Yet we are increasingly surrounded by electronics * What other electronics have you seen on the trail? * The one that is a must is your flashlight * goTenna: an off grid way to communicate using your phone * Steripen: An electronic water purification thing * Tents with lights built in, like Big Agnes mtnGLO * ThermaCell Rechargeable Heated Insoles—they even have a remote control, they can be recharged using a battery pack or a solar charger (some can even be turned on with the Bluetooth on your phone) * Should we completely unplug? What electronics belong on the trail? * Is the technology we’re using distracting from or enhancing our outdoor experience? Top 5 Signs it’s Time to Get Outside That sloggy feeling * If your weekly recharge includes Red Bull and YouTube, it’s time to get outside * How do you know if you’re “outside deprived?” * Too much cloudy brain, not enough clouds and rain * Too much computer screens, not enough mountain streams * Too much Netflix, not enough dirt and sticks * Nature has such an incredible effect on creativity, productivity, human relationships and personal growth It’s a season change! * A season change means new life! * There is no “backpacking season” * However, typically around the end of May/beginning of June, you’ll see the snow melt and mud dry up at some of the places you’ve been researching It hasn’t been too long since your last trip * Getting outside before you feel that cooped up feeling is like doing preventive maintenance on your car. If you can smell oil burning, there’s a good chance your engine is in rough shape. You have a place you’ve been dying to see/go/experience * If you don’t have a place that you can’t wait to get out to, then here’s your homework: * Go to Google, and type in “hiking trails near me” * Google knows where you live (it also knows that you had ice cream for breakfast) so it can tell you where the local hikes are. It’s a starting point! Time opens up (or you dump your responsibilities) * This is the rarest event of all—especially if you have children * When we were first dating, there were a couple of times where the Seattle sky cleared up, the sun came out and we were like “Let’s ditch everything and get outside” * Actually a really hard thing for boring, responsible people to do. To just call in to work or to ditch school, but you won’t regret it. * As we’ve gotten older, we can’t just take off without a fair bit of planning, but we have gotten out with the family and have taken advantage of some perfect days. SUMMIT Gear Review™: Klymit Pillow X Structure * 30D Polyester Top / 75D Polyester Bottom * Not flocked, so it does feel cold when you lay your face on it—and depending on the time of year, you may love this or not!

Show Notes: Episode 078 Today on The First 40 Kilometers, we discuss the metric lifestyle and how it applies to backpackers and bushwhackers. Then, as promised in episode 68, you’ll learn the top 5 reasons to carry a hydration bladder.   Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a pair of shoes that provide the perfect climate for your feet. Opening * Metric Lifestyle or Metric Movement * “Gram weenies” * Packs used to be measured in cubic inches, and now they’re measured in liters. * Are we destined to live the metric lifestyle? Is it easier, better, more convenient? Are backpackers on the forefront of helping America switch from Imperial to Metric? Top 5 Reasons to Carry a Hydration Bladder High capacity * Great for desert trips or trips where water is uncertain Easy and frequent hydration * The tube is conveniently placed * Most packs now not only have an isolated interior pouch for your hydration pack, but they also have an opening somewhere in the pack for your hose to route through. And on top of that many packs even have some kind of system to secure your hose in place so it won’t just dangle behind you. Works with a gravity filter * Gravity filters are great because they can filter water for large groups * Require no pumping—just gravity and a place to hang the bag of water It’s balanced water * Water is probably the heaviest thing you carry * One liter of water weighs one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds * If you have a full bottle on one side and an empty on the other, you have 4 pounds tipping you sideways While not puncture proof, the repair is simple * You can improvise with duct tape, tenacious tape, or Seam Seal, or you can just buy a patch kit for your specific hydration bladder. Infuze Hydration inline flavoring system SUMMIT Gear Review: LOWA Renegade II GTX® Lo Ws Structure * GTX stands for Gore-Tex, Lo means Lowcut, and WS means Women’s * UPPER: Nubuck Leather (long lasting durability) * Nubuck is top-grain cattle leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a velvet-like surface. It is resistant to wear. * LINING: Waterproof GORE-TEX® * FOOTBED: Climate Control, so your feet can breath and won’t overheat * OUTSOLE: VIBRAM® Renovo (absorbs shock and provides grip) * The womens’ shoes are made on women’s-specific last—not the old shrink it and pink it Utility * These shoes are “trail-ready” right out of the box * These boots don’t roll forward and back * They’re stiff, but in a comfortable way—in a way that makes you feel more sure-footed * Waterproof/breathable * If you happen to live in a dry climate, the Gore-Tex is going to be overkill—check out the LOWA Renegade II LL Lo—LL stands for leather lined Mass * The shoes weigh 2 pounds, 1 pound per shoe. * Some people claim that they’re too narrow, or that they run a 1/2 size too small—and there are some tips for getting just the right fit. * Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet have swollen, wear them with the socks that you’ll be hiking in, lace your boots loosely, and try them on in the store (don’t order online) Maintenance * On the trail: each night when you’re done hiking—especially on wet days—remove the insole, open the boot, and let it dry—especially on multi-day trips * Back home: Use leather waxes or creams to restore the leather’s softness without compromising it’s breathability—never use oil or fat because this will cause the boot to lose it’s waterproof breathability (they call it the “gumboot effect”)

Show Notes: Episode 077 Today on The First 40 Miles, CLICK: The Photography Gear Episode. We can’t provide you with stunning scenery, but we can help you incorporate photography in your backpacking adventures.  Then, find out what camera Josh is taking with him on the trail. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn how to add a little stability to your next shot.  And we’ll wrap up the show with some words from Ansel Adams. Opening * Cameras we have known… * Our motivation to buy a new camera (graininess, edges out of focus, bad battery) * Features: Great image quality (not just about megapixels—it’s about sensor size), manual controls * Weight/size: Small, “pocketable”, flat front * Price: Had to be flexible on price, picked base model, and shopped for best price Top 5 Supporting Gear Needs of Every Photographer Stability * ZipShot Mini Tripod (we’ll be reviewing on our Click 2.0 The Photography Technique Episode next month) * Micro Flex Tripod ($2 on Amazon) Storage * Ziploc bags work * For serious photographers, Mindshift creates full feature backpacks * Rotation180 Professional 36L * Has a rotating belt pack, so you don’t have to take off your pack to access your camera and lenses. It’s just barely large enough to handle a summer backpacking trip of 2-3 days. * Peak Designs makes a holster for DSLRs. So you can wear it on your shoulder strap, and it’s secure, convenient and ready to use. Charging * Solar vs. bringing a charging pack * Rule of thumb: if you can’t see your shadow, nothing is charging on your solar charger * We’ve been using the EnerPlex Solar IV Charger along with the EnerPlex Jumpr Stack 6 battery pack. We got 0.25 amps (barely sunny) to 0.6 amps (direct sun); it’s rated for up to 1.2 amps * http://www.goenerplex.com/products/portable-batteries/jumpr-stack-6 * Another option: Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Recharging Kit Photo Editing * Software or websites * GIMP * Photoshop Photo Storage/SD card * Setting we have it on: 266 pictures on a 4G card @ 20 megapixel at fine jpeg quality * 136 shots with raw instead of jpeg * 458 shots with standard jpeg * 729 shots 10 megapixels * Varies based on quality of photo * 22 minutes of video at medium-high quality SUMMIT Gear Review: Sony RX100 Sony calls it “The Professional’s Compact Camera” Structure * Ultra-slim, aluminum body * 3″ LCD screen with 1.2M dots * 3-Inch Xtra Fine LCD display with bright whites & true blacks * Rear control dial and customizable front control ring Utility * 9 MP 1″-type Exmor CMOS sensor * 28-100mm equivalent F/1.8-4.9 lens * Up to 10 FPS * ISO 125-6400 expandable ISO 80, 100, and 25,600 * 1080p video * Steady-Shot image stabilization * Memory Recall feature can store up to three groups of custom settings * 2 MP Exmor”CMOS sensor – extreme low-light shots * Bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 3.6x zoom * Full HD 1080/60p video with manual control and dual record, 101.6 mm x 58.

Show Notes: Episode 076 Today on The First 40 Miles, our family heads out on a spring adventure, being careful to dodge areas of dense population and rascally weather—and we’ll let the kids share the highlights on today’s Top 5 List. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a technical throw quilt that looks a lot like your favorite puffy jacket, but without the annoying arm holes and hood. Next, on today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll hook you up with the master list we use before every backpacking trip. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a precocious 6 year old boy and his tiger. Opening * Criteria for our Spring Break trip: * Below 2500 feet so no snow * ~2 hours from home * Out of bear country since it was a 4 day trip and we didn’t want to bring bear bins with 4 days’ and 6 peoples worth of food * Coast Range + Deschutes River * Our two options one got rained out one got winded out * We wanted to get back to the Rogue Top 5 Things the Kids Loved About This Trip “I really liked throwing huge rocks off the bridge” -8 y.o. boy “I really enjoyed skipping rocks and the rock shaped like a toilet” -11 y.o. boy “I really like the valuable substance (flecks of gold) we found” -13 y.o. boy “My favorite part was being able to set up my own tent” – 15 y.o. girl Combined favorites: the river, going to bed, throwing rocks, not going to school. SUMMIT Gear Review: Rumpl Puffy Quilt Structure * Performance fabric, 20 Denier Ripstop Nylon * Repels water, stains and odor (which it actually does) * Gave it the sniff test when we got home, and it smelled nothing like our camping clothes Utility * Supplement for existing bedding * Great for shoulder season family camping * Not waterproof, but it will repel water spitting from the sky. Mass * Weighs 2.1 pounds * Throw is 50×70 * In its stuff sack, it measures 6.5” x 14” * Other traditional sizes King, Queen, Twin, Throw, Baby Maintenance * Machine washable * Something you don’t feel bad about throwing on the ground * It’s really tough to stuff into its stuff sack, and it has to be folded, not stuffed in order for it to fit. Investment * $99 * One year warranty Trial * Brought it on our Rogue River trip * Also brought it because we wanted some insurance…backpacking with kids, anything can happen. * It weighs 2 pounds, which is like adding a lightweight sleeping bag that’s more versatile than a sleeping bag. * We used it outside as a picnic blanket * We used it over our sleeping bags as a second layer of warmth * The throw size was large enough to fit over two sleeping adults * Cozy * Rumpl does make a down version of this quilt: Rumpl Down Puffy. * The Rumpl Puffy is a technical, versatile, great little item for shoulder season family backpacking. * It’s the kind of gear where if you bring it, you’ll definitely use it, and if you don’t, you’ll wish you had. Backpack Hack of the Week™: REI Packing List * Before each family trip, we go to REI’s website and print off a packing list for each child. We write their name at the top and have them gather the gear they need and find their backpacking clothes (which are always scattered throughout their bedrooms) * This list is pretty comprehensive—and sometimes it’s hard to know what you can leave behind. This is a good opportunity to talk to a friend and ask “Do I really need measuring cups on my trip?” After this episode aired,

Show Notes: Episode 075 What Ever Happened to GoLite? Today on The First 40 Miles, what ever happened to GoLite, the well-loved backpacking gear company? We have some great news! Then we’ll share the top 5 benefits that a thin wall of nylon can provide. Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share what happens when you mash up two pieces of trail equipment. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn about a free resource for folks who like to get lost…in a good book. Opening * GoLite was a company that specialized in lightweight backpacking gear and clothing * MyTrailCo.com * They’ve approached their new adventure with optimism, tons of support, and lots of wisdom from lessons learned the hard way * They know there were things they did really well * com is bringing back the best of GoLite and they are excited to be doing what they know and love! * https://dpo.mytrailco.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/MyTrailCo/ * https://twitter.com/mytrailco Top 5 Benefits of Using a Tent Privacy * Tents provide solitude and separateness * Place to change your clothes and clean your toes * No sound protection * If you are going to be camping with snorers or if you’re easily spooked by falling pine cones, then bring earplugs Protection * While some of this is admittedly psychological, you can reliably depend on your tent to protect you from flies and mosquitoes, probably snakes. * Don’t expect it to protect you from anything with gnawing teeth or sharp anything. * And don’t expect your tent to protect your food stash—the walls of your tent are no match for rodents. * If you’re planning on using your tent for protection from the cold (or to trap heat)…it’s a better idea to add more insulation to your body than to try to heat your tent space * You want to heat the air between you and your sleeping bag, not necessarily the air between you and the tent fabric—that’s a lot of air to heat! Adjustable Climate Control * Protection from rain * Of course if you camp without a tent at all, you have 100% ventilation, but it’s not adjustable. * It only offers 5-10 degrees in thermal insulation No Trees Needed * Tents do have an advantage over hammocks, in that they are stand alone structures * No trees needed—important if you’re above the tree line It’s Home * If you’re doing some exploring, it’s nice to have a tent to come back to. * It can act as somewhat of a landmark * Home base for your side trips * No matter what your home looks like, it always feels good to come back to it * If you’re in an exposed area, move it or put it away so it won’t be destroyed by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. SUMMIT Gear Review: Vargo Titanium Bot Structure * 100% Titanium pot with a lid that screws on so that it also functions as a water bottle * The lid comes with a silicone ring around lid to prevent leaks Utility * The Vargo Bot is designed to be used as a waterbottle and a cooking vessel * It has a similar diameter to the 32 ounce wide mouth Nalgene bottle, so it can fit in your water bottle pouch * Graduated marks 300, 600, and 900 mL * Main part of the Vargo Bot holds 1 Liter of water, and if you unscrew the lid, it holds over a cup of water * Lid can be unscrewed and flipped upside down and used as a nested lid for the Bot for when you use it to boil water Mass * Titanium version weighs 4.

Show Notes: Episode 074 Today on The First 40 Miles, a hiker, a horse and a cyclist walk into a bar…is there a punchline or is there trail protocol? On the Top 5 List you’ll learn why Titanium isn’t just for aircraft. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll review a water bottle that has all the right features. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple compostable cutting board and food prep area. And we’ll wrap up the show with a guy who cannot stop talking about how beautiful the wilderness is. Opening * Right of way story about horses * Who gets the right of way on the trail? * Yield to uphill hikers or those passing you from behind * We typically yield to groups…it’s a lot easier to step to the side than to expect each person to move out of the way. * When you encounter Cyclists or Mountain Bikers: Hikers technically have the right of way, but imagine if you were a cyclist and you had to slow down or dismount each time you passed a hiker. If I can, I like to let the cyclist go by. * When you encounter Horses: Everyone yields to horses. * If you see a horse and rider approaching, ask “Where would you like me to stand?” * treadlightly.org says “Often, a hiker’s instinct is to step to the high side of the trail to let horses pass but a horse is less likely to spook at hikers who are not looming above him. In any event, if you encounter multiple hikers encourage them to stay on the same side of the trail.” * Now, just because there are rules of etiquette set up, doesn’t mean that all people will follow. And it also doesn’t give anyone the right to enforce these rules. The rules are meant to promote peace, safety and order on the trail. Top 5 Benefits of Titanium Won’t leach like stainless steel * Sometimes stainless steel can flavor water because of other metals that are in it. Excellent corrosion resistance * Titanium is more resistant than any other metal to salt water and acid rain environments. Safe * Inert in the human body * Titanium is used: surgical implants and dental plates attesting to the * Non-toxic to humans and animals. Lightweight * Titanium is 45% lighter than steel and stronger than aluminum. * And for backpacking purposes, it’s typically even thinner than what you may use in a similar application for home use. Great for Boiling Water * Titanium pots are ideal for boiling water because they can be made with very thin walls, and transfer heat efficiently. * Not great for dry baking—the pan may warp. It’s Easy to Find * It’s the seventh most common element on earth * You can find chopsticks, potty trowels, pots, knives, caribiners, pot grabbers– * Evernew America: Titanium Cookwear * Vargo: innovative Titanium backpacking gear SUMMIT Gear Review: AVEX Freeflow Autoseal Water Bottle Structure * Plastic water bottle that is 100% BPA-free * Impact-resistant and meant to last * Lifetime warranty * It has some great features that make it a go to water bottle Utility * AUTOSEAL® button operated lid automatically seals between sips to eliminate spills and leaks, so to drink just hold the button, and when you release it seals automatically * Cross-bolt lock prevents the AUTOSEAL® button from accidentally being pushed for safe transport * High flow rate spout * Spout cover * Also has a handle for easy transport or securing to pack * Easy to maneuver when drinking (button is in right spot, hand grip is in right spot with a rubberized lid that prevents slipping while drinkin...

Show Notes: Episode 073 Today on The First 40 Miles, whether you love cats or not, by the time we’re done today, you’ll be adding cat food to your grocery shopping list. And you might as well add some denatured alcohol to the list, too. For today’s top 5 list we’ll be sharing the benefits of DIY Alcohol Stoves—and a couple of the important risk factors as well. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, baking while backpacking turns out to be a lot easier than you might think. And today’s Backpack Hack of the Week is no surprise—it’s the title of today’s episode. Opening * Number one backpacking hack of all time is probably the DIY Alcohol Stove * It’s number one because it’s a cheap, fun, effective hack that uses an empty aluminum cat food can and a hole punch to create a stove that works * It boils 2 cups of room temperature water in about 5-7 minutes * Making this stove is a rite of passage for all backpackers * Jim Wood, the Godfather of The Modern American Cat Food Can Alcohol Stove, AKA the SuperCat. * He said, “one can’t just… punch a few holes in any old can and expect to turn it into a working pressurized stove.” Turns out that the properties (volume, aluminum body, thin walls, etc.) of most 3oz pet food cans are uniquely suited for use as alcohol stoves. Top 5 Benefits of Using an Alcohol Stove Cheap * If you can afford a can of cat food and a hole punch, you can have yourself a stove that boils water in under seven minutes * Even if you decide that this type of stove isn’t for you, you’re only out $2 Lightweight, Nay, Ultralightweight * 6 grams…just let that sink in!! 0.2 ounces!! * A US Quarter or 12 blueberries or 384 grains of rice * That’s insanely light! * This is normally great, but it does pose a problem if you’re using your SuperCat Alcohol stove in high winds. You don’t want your stove to blow away with fuel in it while it’s lit! Easy to Find Fuel * Denatured Alcohol (ethanol) * One ounce of fuel (2 Tbs.) will probably give you enough fuel to boil 2 cups of water * Yellow HEET (methyl alcohol or methanol), easy to find in car stores, big box stores, Gas line antifreeze and water remover * Everclear (grain alcohol, or ethanol) 95% (190 proof) bottles. This fuel works well but is an expensive option. It is also non-toxic and can double for medicinal uses. Over 21 to buy. * Isopropyl 90%, it will burn sooty, cheap though not as effective * Hexamine tablets… although not a great option. It was smoky at first and burned out the plastic liner inside the can, but then with 4 tablets it boiled water. * Tealights: use the cat food stove as a pot stand and put the tealights around the can. With four tealights you can cook on low for 3-4 hours (although wind affects tealight’s ability to stay lit) It’s Simple to Use * No repairs, no fuel lines, no faulty starters * It also doesn’t need a pot stand—just a windscreen * Lights with a spark or a match * Once lit, you need to wait for it to “bloom” or “prime” so you don’t snuff out the flame when you put the pot on top. This takes about 20-30 seconds. Lends itself to infinite tinkering * If you love charts, graphs and data, then the world of alcohol stovism will be a ton of fun. * You can play around with hole placement, hole size, material type, wicking material, ground insulation, additional features like a simmer ring—all depending on your desired final result. * It’s a stove you can nerd out on!            Disadvantages: No Simmer, Just Boil * One of this stove’s drawbacks is that you can’t regulate the flame * Some designs include a “simmer ring” No On/Off Switch * Especially when there is fire danger or it’s been a particu...

Show Notes: Episode 072 Today on The First 40 Miles, pranking your trail buddies is fun, but it’s even more fun if your trail buddies are barely tall enough to ride a roller coaster. Then, we’ll share a wild Carolina swamp adventure that’s even too much for the British Empire. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn how to make a biscuit, quickly. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a Supreme Court justice on the trail, William O. Douglas. Opening * Funny moments on the trail Top 5 Backpacking Pranks for Kids Eat Dirt! * This is a classic! * Simply crush a handful of Oreos in a sandwich bag * Offer to kids to eat, eat it yourself, or sprinkle on dinner or dessert Peas and Carrots * Get a bag of the fruit flavored Tootsie Rolls * Pull out the orange and lime flavors * If you cut the lime into small pieces and roll them into balls, the look exactly like peas! * Do the same with the orange Tootsie rolls, but make them square. * Put the two vegetables together and they look like peas and carrots * Can be made on the trail or before your trip Backpacking Hitchhikers * Favorite stuffed animal along with a bandana * Instead of a prank it might be a welcome surprise to kids who may be a little nervous Sound effect app on phone * This might be more appropriate for older kids who won’t stay quiet in their tent * Just play a sound effect and see if they notice Fish in water bottle * Add a plastic fish to your child’s water bottle * Works equally well with little plastic snake or lizard Ready for Adventure: The Swamp Fox Passage The Swamp Fox Passage is 47 mile trail which commemorates and preserves the swampy area of South Carolina that Francis Marion used to outsmart the redcoats during the Revolutionary War. You’re just hiking the first 9 in an out and back adventure. What’s the pull of this backpacking trip?  How do you feel about the idea of pounding out 9 miles in a day, then backtracking the next day? Typically 9 miles would be a pretty strenuous day for a typical backpacker with a full load. Not too hard for a dayhike, but everything changes when you have the extra load. This trail, however, is flat and fast. Not much elevation gain, and nothing too strenuous other than tree roots and possibly some muddy sections. These are the Carolina swamps—which were too much for the British Redcoats. What are you doing to prep for this trip? Swamps are filled with life…that means mosquitoes, ticks, water moccasins, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and poison ivy. Even though it’s spring, I’m still coming prepared with insect repellent, possibly a mosquito head net. For the snakes, I’m planning on steering clear—and I’ll talk to some people to find out if a snake bite kit is a wise thing to pack. And it sounds like I’ll be ending the evening by pulling out my mirror and flashlight and checking for ticks and chiggers. Water source at Halfway Creek, which is at mile 6, has been removed. You need to decide if you’re going to carry water for the entire 18 mile round trip or try to filter the swamp water and creeks. Looking at the map it looks like there is limited water or unpleasant water. I’m not really familiar with the area. Harleston Dam Creek is at mile 10, so I’m going to hike as if I need to pack all my water. Technically I could use the swamp water as a water source, but the forest service warned me that the swamp water is not something you can just drink. It needs to be treated as contaminated water. They recommended using a pre filter it then boiling it for 3-5 minutes. I’m also planning on bringing some Tang or Nuun tablets to fla...

Show Notes: Episode 071 Today on The First 40 Miles, micromanaging is a terrible strategy for bosses, and nanomanaging is even worse—but does it have merit on the trail? Then, 5 ways that you can nanomanage your little domain. Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a lightweight solution to cooking for a family. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, learn when to bring shallots, prime rib and crusty bread. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, author Donald Miller. Opening * The Art of Nanomanaging: Anticipating, predicting, outsmarting and responding to external and internal conditions while on the trail * External conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, altitude, light, terrain, wildlife) Sometimes we lose ourselves in the rhythm of the trail and forget that we’re out in mother nature’s territory. Nanomanaging means being cognizant of your surroundings. * Internal conditions (thirst, hunger, body temp, fatigue, mental state, attitude, comfort) Sometimes we believe that we need to soldier on, when in fact, pain is the language our body uses to talk to us. * Not about control, it’s about anticipating, predicting, outsmarting and responding to what’s going on outside of you and inside of you. * Nanomanaging is about being present, responsive, and adaptable Top 5 Things You Can Nanomanage on the Trail Your balance * How your pack is fitting? * Four different adjustment straps on an internal frame pack: shoulder straps, sternum strap, hip belt, load adjuster straps * Side to side load balancing * Heavy vs. light item placement (heavy close to back) Your energy level * Stop for lunch, but not too long * If you stop too long, you could cool down * Food helps! Constant food so you don’t crash Your water level * Don’t think, just drink * Drinking when it’s raining * Check your perspiration Your pace * Nanomanage your pace based on terrain, weather, load, traveling companions * 2 miles per hour is a pretty average pace—not your normal 4 mph on paved paths * If you’re going uphill, slow it down and keep your steps small * Picking up your pace on long flat stretches can make you feel great! Your thoughts * Don’t be too hard on yourself * You’re doing great! SUMMIT Gear Review™: Evernew Ti Nonstick Pot Structure * Titanium * Silicon-ceramic non-stick coating * Silicone is not as durable with metal utensils, so be gentle—might be a good idea to switch to plastic utensils if you use nonstick cookware * Rolled edges Utility * Titanium is famous for being rugged and ultralight * However, that doesn’t give you permission to abuse your titanium gear or even expect the same performance that you get from your pans at home * The pans you use at home have thin sides, and a thick bottom. This helps hold and disperse heat. With the titanium pan, it’s extremely thin and light, and it does not have a way to disperse the heat. Where the heat hits, that’s where it stays. * Better to use this pot with a wide flame than a direct hot flame—especially when cooking instead of just boiling water. * The Evernew Ti Nonstick1.9 Liter Pot, has graduated marks at 500, 1000 and 1500 mL Mass * Weighs 7.4 ounces (without stuff sack) * Measures 6.5 x 3.5 Maintenance * No direct high heat * No “dry baking” (Cooking at high temperatures with no liquid in pot) * Even our frying experiment using the JetBoil on simmer didn’t provide the dispersed flame needed to get even browning on all our doughnuts. * Blackening on interior of pan

Show Notes: Episode 070 Today on The First 40 Miles, are you stuck in a rut, or do you believe that ruts aren’t even a thing on the trail? Then we’ll share the top 5 pieces of important backpacking equipment that will probably never make it out on the trail. If you’re in the mood for a game night, we have a fun game that will have you dreaming of your next adventure. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, if you’re pack didn’t come with an integrated pack cover, we’ve got you covered. And we’ll wrap up the show with a secret…kind of. Opening * Are you in a rut? * Are there benefits to being in a rut? * Rut or groove? * Is there ever really a true rut in backpacking? * Every element of every trip so different that no matter where you go, it’s always a new experience Top 5 Pieces of Backpacking Gear That Stay Home Food Dehydrator * Great piece of gear to have * You can bring your own meals * Experiment Knife Sharpener * The chances of your knife needing sharping on the trail is very low Sleeping Bag Storage Bags * These are special bags that are large, and highly ventilated, so your sleeping bags can be protected and fully lofted while in storage at home Irrelevant Gear * An ice axe is on the REI packing list. If you’re not going to be ice axing it on your trip, then leave it home… * Same if you do all summer backpacking–those wool pants for winter hiking and backpacking, don’t bring those along just in case. * Too much gear gets brought along “just in case” Backpacking Books * Photocopy the relevant pages and stuff them in your pack * Only exception, bring books in the car on your trip not on the trail! SUMMIT Gear Review™: Appalachian Trail Game Structure * Board made out of similar material to waterproof, tear-proof maps * Two boxes of cards * Everyone chooses trail names Utility * Help with outdoor skills * Trail familiarization Mass * Measures 5.5 x 4 x 1.5 * Weighs 13 ounces Maintenance * 2-4 people (more than 4 people prolongs game play) * 30-45 minutes * You’ll just need a few stones or coins to use as playing pieces * No batteries Investment * $19.95 * Gift pack: 3 copies of the game for $55 * $70 you can buy a deluxe backpacking edition. The deluxe backpacking edition comes in a beautiful laser-engraved cedar wooden box. It’s the perfect game for game collectors and lovers of the A.T, alike. Trial * Audio of family playing game * We tweaked the rules a little toward the end to allow trading * This game has a similar feel to the Oregon Trail game we played when we were in elementary school Backpack Hack of the Week™: Poncho Pack Cover If you want complete protection and a piece of multi-use gear, wear a poncho instead of a using a pack cover…it’s multi-use, and you won’t have water dripping down your back or have wet straps. You’d still wear your rain jacket and rain pants, and wear your pack over your rain gear, then toss the poncho on over that. Trail Wisdom “Is the spring coming? What is it like?” “It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…” -Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Show Notes: Episode 069 Today on the First 40 Miles, we get to dump out our ten essentials and spill what’s really inside. Then on today’s Top 5 list, we’ll take our First 40 Milers with us to the Salmon River. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, see what Lifestraw did to keep your knees clean. Next, we’ll show you how to make a primitive chair out of stuff from the hardware store. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Charles de Lint. Opening * Josh’s Ten Essentials + Extras * Heather’s Ten Essentials + Extras Top 5 Things We Loved About Our Recent Trip * The canyon view * Slower pace * Anniversary trip (with doilies and cheese!) * 1950s-style division of labor * We got out–even in the winter SUMMIT Gear Review™: Lifestraw GO Structure * 22 ounce hard-sided water bottle with a replaceable filter * Uses a microfiltration membrane * Removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.9 percent of protozoan cysts * Filters down to .2 microns * It has a flip-top bite valve and carabiner for attaching to your backpack * BPA Free and contains no chemicals * Meets US EPA drinking water standards Utility * Lifestraw GO: another excellent option for idiot-proof water treatment * No pumping, wand waving, or waiting. Just instant water * Fill bottle at a good water source, and then screw the lid back on Mass * Right out of the package, the Lifestraw GO weighs 7.1 ounces (not 5.9 ounces as they claim) * You can reduce weight be removing the carry strap with carabiner and d-ring. Now it weighs 6.6 oz. * The lid and filter alone weigh 3.1 ounces, the bottle alone weighs 3.4 ounces * The bottle it comes with measures 9.25” (235 mm) long and 3.14” (80 mm) in diameter * Holds 22 ounces or .65 liters * Lid has the same threading as a quart Nalgene, so you can easily transfer the lid and get even great water carrying capacity Maintenance * After using the Lifestraw GO (like before each new refill of water) blow into the mouthpiece to remove dirty water. Do this before putting away after your trip. * Requires no electrical power, batteries * Filter lasts for ~1000 liters * Can’t be frozen or it will possibly crack the membrane Investment * $30 * Follow the Liters program, for every LifeStraw water filter sold, a child in Africa receives an entire year of clean drinking water at school. Trial * Don’t drink the first few sips the very first time you use the LifeStraw GO. Spit out the very first few sips, then you’re good to go after that. * This water bottle is strictly for drinking, it will not purify or filter your water for cooking. because the only way to access the water in the bottle is by sucking it out. There’s no way to pump it out or pour it out * Once the spigot is closed and the cap is sealed this is a leak-proof water bottle. * LifeStraw water filters and purifiers are manufactured by Vestergaard, a Switzerland-based company specializing in disease control products for developing countries. * Simple to use, simple to maintain, won’t be the end all solution for all your water needs on the trail, but certainly for hydration, it’s an awesome option. Backpack Hack of the Week™: Seatless Strap Chair * 6-7 feet of webbing * 5 inch wide to avoid having the webbing dig into your back * Simple version: 6-7 feet of webbing, two ends sewn or tied in a knot * Advanced option (to make chair adjustable): Use a Cam buckle * Around $5 chair (if you include the hardware) * The idea is that it’s not your bum that’s tired,

Show Notes: Episode 068 Today on The First 40 Miles, FLOW: The Water Episode. If you like H2O, we’ve got some great info for you today! We’ll highlight the most common forms of water treatment on the trail. For today’s top 5 list, if you’ve been on the fence about how to store your water, we’ll give you some good reasons why you might want to skip the bladder. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, you’ll learn how thousands of thru hikers have treated millions of liters to stay hydrated on the trail. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll sing a little ditty to help you remember a simple water treatment formula. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from the American Government. Opening Types of water treatment Old methods, new methods Which have you used? Top 5 Reasons Not to Use a Hydration Bladder Can’t see water level * Water is hidden in your pack * May cause you to consume more than you were planning Not puncture proof * Soft-bodied pouches * Trails have “pokey things” that put your hydration bladder at risk for punctures Leak-prone * Orifices for adding water and drinking make hydration bladders more “leaky” than just a plain water bottle Just drink—no pour * It’s mainly used for drinking * Not for pouring—no spout Hard to clean * Tablets and bottle brush for cleaning * Prone to slimy insides * Option for those who want on demand water: JetFlow * JetFlow attaches onto a water bottle which then fits into your outside water bottle pocket. Are there benefits to using a bladder? Are we overlooking something extremely obvious? SUMMIT Gear Review™: Aquamira Water Treatment Structure * Two part water treatment * Comes with 2-1 ounce bottles * First part 2% Chlorine Dioxide * Second part: 5% Phosphoric Acid Activator * Does not take the particulates or “tasty bits” out of the water Utility * How to use: 7 of the A drops, 7 of the B drops in a tiny mixing cup, wait 5 minutes, pour it into your liter water bottle, in 15 minutes drink it up…unless it very cold or murky, then wait 30 minutes. * Bacteria, protozoa, viruses * Won’t discolor your water * Kills the stuff that makes water taste bad Mass * Weighs 3 ounces total Maintenance * Long shelf life (4 years) * Treats 30 gallons of water * If you have a smaller container, you can transfer the drops. Investment * $15 for two one-ounce bottles Trial * If slight “pool” odor bothers you, add some Tang or True Lemon powder before drinking * Easy to use * Aquamira also sells tablets which are easier to use, but much more expensive: $11 for 20 tablets that treat 20 liters and weigh 0.7 oz. * Many Thru hikers go with Aquamira drops because it’s reliable, easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and lasts a long time. Backpack Hack of the Week™: Aquamira Song AQUAMIRA SONG by Heather Legler (To the tune of “Darling Clementine”) Seven A drops, seven B drops in a tiny mixing cup, Wait five minutes, pour it in, in 15 minutes drink it up! Aquamira kills the microbes but it doesn’t filter junk. If there’s swamp green in your Nalgene, then you’ll need to use a pump. Aquamira, aquamira makes your water legendary, If you don’t use Aquamira, you’ll come home with dysentery. Aquamira, Aquamira, doesn’t stink like iodine If you still don’t want to use it,

Show Notes: Episode 067 Today on The First 40 Miles, a three letter abbreviation that may make all the difference on your next adventure. Then, get your feet ready with five simple steps. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a luxury that will keep you toasty warm for hours and hours. And we’ll come full circle with a hack that includes today’s mysterious three letter abbreviation. Opening * What in the heck is VBL? * Vapor barrier liner * Best used in specific situations * When the temperature is at freezing or below * Skurka resource Top 5 Ways to Prep Your Feet for a Backpacking Trip Introduce your feet to your shoes * Modern hiking shoes don’t need to be “broken in” * Your feet do need to get used to them Strengthen your feet with varied terrain * Josh’s experience with Xero Shoes * Importance of varied terrain in strengthening feet and ankles Trim nails * Straight across * Gnarly nails will wear a hole in your nice wool socks * Bruised toes from when toenails bumped up against shoes * Especially if you’ve got a lot of downhill Take care of any foot health issues * Plantar warts * Ingrown toenails Baby Your Tough Feet * This means if you have dry, cracked heels, it’s time to soften them up * Pumice stone for exfoliating thick or cracked skin * Soak your feet, exfoliate with the pumice stone, then use a foot balm. * Badger Foot Balm is a natural, effective foot balm SUMMIT Gear Review™: Zippo 12 Hour Hand Warmer Structure * Catalytic Hand Warmer * Sleek, shiny, chrome, curved edges * Fits perfectly in a little black velvet drawstring pouch * Chrome version is engraveable Utility * Low and slow heat that grows the longer it burns * Long burn 6-12 hours * Faint lighter fluid smell * Can be used in a sleeping bag, pants pocket, jacket pocket * Keep the chrome handwarmer in the velvet bag during use to prevent injury Mass * 2.7 ounces * Bring 5 fluid ounce bottle of lighter fluid Maintenance * Fill with lighter fluid * Comes with a little teeny pitcher to refill the handwarmer * To ignite, gently move a flame around the cap—don’t hold it in place * You’re trying to coax the fumes to burn * Takes a little practice Investment * Under $20 at local hardware store * Don’t forget to buy Ronsonol or Zippo Lighter Fluid Trial * Carbon Monoxide concern * Fuel didn’t spill * Burned long and warm Backpack Hack of the Week™: VBL Gloves * If you’d like to test out the VBL principle for your winter outdoor recreation activities, simply grab a pair of latex or nitrile gloves to wear under your wool gloves. * Remember that you’ll sweat and need to ventilate. * If it works for you and keeps your hands warm, then you can begin experimenting with other VBLs and see if you want to incorporate the principle into other pieces of gear, like headwear, clothing, socks and sleep system. Trail Wisdom “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” -Gary Snyder  

Show Notes: Episode 066 Today on The First 40 Miles, is backpacking just a fad, a trend or is it more—and why didn’t the Beach Boys ever sing about it? Then on today’s top 5 list, we’ll share some backpacking realities—and how to adapt. Then, on the Ready for Adventure segment, we plan a trip for two along the beautiful Salmon River. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, everyone loves how their clothes feel when they come straight out of the dryer—we’ll show you how to duplicate that feeling on the trail. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, English poet William Henry Davies. Opening * How Would You Define Backpacking? * Do you do your job so you can get out and do more outdoor exploring? * Do you dream of telling the teacher you’re hiking? * More than just a fad, more than a lifestyle, more than just a genre, more than the clothes you wear… * Sport? Trend? Activity? Passion? Hobby? Lifestyle? Diversion? Recreation? Necessity? The First 40 Miles Book Announcement! Top 5 Backpacking Realities (And How to Adapt) Spider webs in the morning * Tall guy in front to clear the path * Use trekking poles or a handy stick from the forest The New Clean + Tidy * The only mirror outside is stowed away in your 10 essentials—and it’s for signaling * That means, you get to practice what we call a “New Clean” * Hands: Keep them clean with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or Purelle * Soot: Baking soda, nice gentle abrasive * Greasy Hair: Gold Bond Medicated Body Powder The Great Stink * Rubbing alcohol * Soap (use the BPHOTW soap tube) * Baking soda (get pits damp and rub bs under them) * Synthetics are notorious for holding on to stink…wool doesn’t * Campfire smell (sell candles in boutique that is the campfire smell…) * Outdoors, you have maximum ventilation * Synthetic No-Stink Shirt: Vargo Titanium Infused Shirt * Bamboo experiment: TASC 365 SS Crew Shirt Being Big * You stick out, your pack, your poles * Collapsible trekking poles * Take moments to be small * Rethink big pack for next time * Keep more gear inside, and less on outside Food Fatigue * One word solution: Share * Next time pack multi part meals instead of one big dinner (small soup, pita + cheese) Ready for Adventure: A Trip for Two * Anniversary BP Trip * You’re heading out on a two day one night, 8 mile loop hike. No kids. This trail travels through mossy old growth forest next to a wild and scenic river. There are several established campsites along the way for backpackers. * The Forest Service is considering closing the Salmon River to all camping because of the high volume of garbage, human waste, and toilet paper left at the backcountry campsites.  The forest service doesn’t not have the budget to maintain the area with the extra challenges. * This give us a chance to be trail stewards * Rain…100% chance * Bring a large tarp, like Eno Housefly, to prepare meals, have a second room of the “house”, and a place to prep meals and eat. Backpack Hack of the Week™: Toasty Clothes One of the hardest parts of waking up on the trail is changing into the clothes that have been in your pack all night. They’re cold and wrinkly. Solution: Put your clothes in the bottom of your sleeping bag to keep them warm. Trail Wisdom “Now shall I walk or shall I ride? ‘Ride,’ Pleasure said; ‘Walk,

Show Notes: Episode 065 Today on The First 40 Miles, if you’re hopelessly in love with someone, we have a few ideas you can stow away in your pack or use for Valentine’s Day. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a mini blanket that is the perfect size for an outdoor romantic picnic for two. Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll share a relationship saver for the one who refuses to stop to ask for directions. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a husband and wife team who loved to be outdoors and write books about it! Book Announcement!  40 Backpacking Hacks: Tried and True Tricks of the Trail Opening * Valentine’s Day + Anniversary * Romantic gifts for backpackers? * “You don’t stink” * Love notes on the trail * Tree carving, not so cool anymore * You’re welcome to write your name with a stick in the dirt…although not as romantic… Top 5 Romantic Backpacking Gifts Every area has a trail, waterfall or destination with a romantic sounding name * Skip Lake Foulweather or Battle Ax Loop Hike * Niagara Falls * Bridal Veil Falls * Enchanted Valley * Paradise Point Loop Hike * Placid Lake * Or put in an application for a remote area that requires permits Create a playlist to listen to while driving to your next trip * Josh did that four our Redwoods trip * Most trips require a several hour drive Sweet treat on a backpacking trip * Carry it in for them and surprise them! * Dove chocolate or kisses (great for shoulder season backpacking, so it won’t melt) * Dark chocolate less likely to melt in warmer temps Framed shot of the two of you with some pretty scenery in the background * Good off-the-trail gift * Favorite shot use as episode image for this episode Candlelight dinner (so easy to do on a trip) * Bring a couple candles or a UCO Micro Candle Lantern * Fancy paper napkins that you can burn later so you don’t have to carry them out * Paper doilies from Dollar store: cheap, lightweight, fancy and ridiculous * Dollar store even has those fancy plastic fluted glasses that are ultra lightweight, and the bottom pops off so they’re pretty compact. Just take a few Nuun Tablets for a semi-fizzy drink that also has electrolytes! SUMMIT Gear Review™: Matador Mini Pocket Blanket Structure * Hyprlite Ripstop Nylon * This isn’t your classic ripstop–it has tiny squares less than a square millimeter * Attached storage pouch has a carry loop so you can attach onto back of your pack Utility * Water repellent (not water-proof) * Puncture resistant * So it’s the perfect things to lay out on damp grass, beach sand or dirt, so you can sit and relax Mass * Weighs 1.1 ounces (33 grams) * 28 x 44 inches * Perfect size for two people to sit and have a romantic picnic lunch or a lovely candlelight dinner * Extremely compact when stored * It fit perfectly into 1/3 cup measuring cup Maintenance * The stuff sack is attached, really easy to fold up, you just follow the red stitched lines * You can stuff it, too, but it is so much prettier when it’s folded—besides you have those nice stitched lines Investment * $19.95 Trial * When you’re pulling it out of the tiny pouch, you feel sort of like a magician pulling out the endless scarf! * Super convenient, water resistant, durable * Josh’s experiment with testing for water-proofness * There’s a beefier version of the Matador Mini Pocket Blanket, which is weighted in the corners so the blanket wo...