The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

When was your last hiking or backpacking adventure?  We’ll talk about how to close the gap between your last adventure and your next one.  Next, learn the secrets to avoid losing your backpacking gear on the trail.  We’ll review a low cost, lightweight piece of truly breathable rain gear.  And you’ll learn how to make a high calorie Mediterranean favorite on the trail that will go perfectly with that smashed pita bread in your pack. Show Notes: Episode 004 Opening * When was your last BP or hiking adventure? * When is your next adventure? * How do you close the gap? * Causes of the gap * Time off/injury/family responsibilities/weather * Start small * Practice “Planned Spontaneity” * Make it a monthly ritual with your family * Know your purpose * Start closing the gap between your last adventure and your next adventure The Top 5 Ways to Avoid Losing Your Gear Shaker method * “A Place for Everything, And Everything in its Place” * Designated pocket, predetermined pouch, specific stuff sack * Put everything away in the same place every time. Put it away NOW * An item can get lost in the dark * Items can also blow away * WHEN you put it away is just as important as WHERE you put it away Site Check * Every time you leave a site do a thorough walk through or visual scan of the area * Found items: Trail Magic vs. Trail Tragic No Loose Gear * If you have things hanging off pack, a tree branch can snag your stuff * Sitting down can knock things off or loosen them * Zippered pouch * Attach gear with carabineers Document Your Gear Loans * Take a picture of friend with loaned gear * It’s amazing how many times we loan something out and can even remember if the person returned it or not. Let technology help you… SUMMIT Gear Review™: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Gear Structure * Ultra-light, nonwoven polypropylene material * Patented bi-laminate technology * welded seams for complete waterproof protection * sweat-free breathability * Closures: Drawstring hood, front zipper (covered to prevent leakage) * Cuffs are elasticized Utility * Comes in adult and youth sizes * No pockets which I don’t feel detracted from its utility * Comes with stuff sack Mass * Packaging says under 12 oz. * Youth large 8 oz with stuff sack and the adult is 10.4 ounces * Sizing chart is on the back, accurate Maintenance * Can be repaired with duct tape or Gorilla tape * Washing: can be hand washed * Let air dry when done using Investment * Under $20 for youth and adult sizes * A few bucks for a roll of duct tape or Gorilla Tape Trial * Seems large, but that’s because you’re fitting over clothing * Easy to wipe down * 12 y.o. wore on scout camp out, pants seam ripped, but easily repaired * He reported that it was comfortable, easy to put on, stayed dry and didn’t get hot/sweaty Backpack Hack of the Week™: DIY Instant Pesto * Peanut butter alternative * Pesto: spread or dip that is made with basil, parmesan and garlic (sometimes nuts) * Backpack version of pesto * Lightweight and easy to make on the trail. * 1 Tbs dried basil, 1 Tbs parmesan from the green shaker can, 1/4 tsp garlic powder * Pairs perfectly with some squished pita bread from the bottom of your pack and some pepper-crusted salami * 156 Calories per serving!! * When ready: add a teeny bit of water to rehydrate basil,

Get ready to lose some excess pack weight–and then add it back a few grams at a time.  We’ll also review a budget sleeping pad and find out how it actually worked on a recent camp out.  If you’re planning on making your next backpacking trip a creative retreat, then stay tuned to learn how to make an ultralight DIY Plein Air Watercolor Kit to toss into your pack for when creativity strikes on the trail! Show Notes: Episode 003  Opening * Shave the ounces and the pounds will follow * Digital kitchen scale * Weighs up to 12 pounds * Inaccuracies in package information/online information * Grams vs. ounces * Recommend: Use frequently to weigh and reweigh all your items. The Top 5 Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Things You Need to Add to Your 10 Essentials Diaper Pin * Safety Pin vs. Diaper Pin * Gear Repair (sleeping bag pull, temporary hole repair) * Securing tarp, poncho, etc. * First aid (splinters, blisters) Essential Oils * Lavender and peppermint * Lavender for burns, relaxation, sleep * Peppermint: to prevent nausea, as toothpaste, to soothe sore muscles Pencil * Small, simple golf pencil * No eraser necessary * Pencil vs. pen (even if pencil is broken, you can still use it) Razor Blade * Ultralight knife * Basic, simple tool * Pencil sharpener Rubber Band * Eraser * Gear Repair * Hair tie * Secure bandage * Mark levels on water bottle to monitor fluid intake * Bundle things together in pack SUMMIT Gear Review™: Ozark Trail Egg Crate Camp Pad Structure * Closed cell foam pad * Somewhat bumpy, “egg cartony” * Indestructable, even with scratches it will still perform at 100% capacity Utility * Waterproof * Trimmed 6 inches off edge (72”x6”) * Use excess as sitting pad Mass * Size: 72”x24”1/2” * Weight: 13 ounces (without straps that it comes with) Maintenance * Clean: wipe or brush off with dap rag * Roll opposite way each time, prevents it curling under your sleeping bag Investment: * Under $15 Trial: * I slept on it for one night * Bruised hips…worse than pack bruising (of which there was none) * Traded with husband for his Therm-a-rest Z Lite * Next camping trip, I used it with no problem because I brought a pillow for my hip Backpack Hack of the Week™: DIY Plein Air Watercolor Kit *  “Plein Air” means “painting outdoors” * Instead of heavy gear, easel, box of brushes…go lightweight * Perfect for creative retreat * Make: Plein Air Watercolor Kit * Cost: $1 gum in blister pack, $4 liquid water color pack of 6 * Take gum out of blister pack * Squirt a small amount of liquid watercolor into each hole and let dry * Also pack: palette for blending colors, brush, water cup, paper * Put everything in zip top plastic bag Trail Wisdom “I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority.” -E. B. White  

In this episode we talk about trail magic and surprising places to find hiking and backpacking stuff.  We’ll also review a waterproof hiking shoe that won’t give you “squeaky toes”.  The show wraps up with a super fast recipe that will keep you fueled up on the trail. Show Notes: Episode 002 Opening * Trail Magic * Milo McIver State Park hike with family * Tired kids and fresh blackberries The Top 5 Surprising Places to Find Backpacking and Hiking Stuff Craft Store/Fabric Store * Small containers * Waterproof fabrics * Unscented melt and pour soup Dollar Store * Car drying towel * Small containers * Travel section AliExpress.com * Nylon poncho, sleeping bags, packs, stuff sacks * Prices range from competitive to absurd * Long ship time * Read reviews and check stars Grocery Store * Bulk Section * Discount Grocery Store * Deli * Asian market or other ethnic markets Recycle Bin * Milk jug, cat food can (for stove), peanut butter containers, etc. SUMMIT Gear Review™: Women’s KEEN Koven WP Shoe Structure * Waterproof leather and mesh upper * Dry waterproof, breathable membrane * Sturdy feel * EVA Midsole. EVA is a polymer that is soft and flexible, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation Utility * Waterproof shoes that don’t make you feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag * Love the non-tie bungee laces * Brilliantly designed to let out moisture from your feet, but not let in moisture from Mass * Mine are youth size six, weigh 1 lb 8 oz (site says 13oz.) Maintenance * Care for Leather: Gently brush the shoe with a soft bristle brush or hand towel to remove loose dirt and debris. Stains can be treated by lightly rubbing a gum eraser in a circular motion over the location and lightly brushing afterwards. * Realistic hiking shoe care? Smack your shoes together after the mud has dried… Investment * $110 for adult size, $65 for youth (youth 6 is a women’s adult 8 1/2) Trial * Tested on a 5 1/2 mile hike in Oregon * Hiked thru rain, wet grass, mud, rocky river shore * No squeaky toes * Feet perfectly dry * Lots of vertical toe room * May eventually add padding inside the shoe Backpack Hack of the Week™: Nut Bars Nut Bars 2 Tbs butter 2 cups mini marshmallows 2 1/2 cups nuts and seeds In a medium pot, heat butter/marshmallows, remove from heat. Then stir in nuts and seeds. Press mixture into parchment lined 8×8 pan. * 150-170 calories per ounce * Can use sunflower, chia, flax, almonds, pepitas, peanuts, cashews * Infinitely adaptable * Not overly sweet! * Flavor variations (cinnamon, vanilla, dried fruit like cherries or cranberries) * Bars are 1/2 inch thick. Double for larger bars. Trail Wisdom “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” -Nathaniel Hawthorne  

If you’re new to hiking and backpacking then this podcast is for you.  We’ll talk about the essentials, how to lighten your load and how to make the most of your time on the trail.  This episode features the top 5 things you can leave home on your next backpacking trip, we’ll review a piece of survival gear that should go with you on every outdoor adventure, and you’ll learn how to make a trail essential out of something from your recycle bin.  Welcome to The First 40 Miles! SHOW NOTES: Episode 001 Opening * Opening monologue * Heather’s first 40 mile vs. Josh’s first 40 miles * Not experts… but we have a simple love for backpacking The Top 5 Things You Can Live Without While Backpacking Smartphone * Often no service where backpacking * No place to recharge * Solar and battery recharging units are heavy and take a long time to charge Extra Toiletries * Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste * Take up space and weight, often highly scented * Hygiene still important * Multi-use alternatives: soap, baking soda, isopropyl alcohol Vitamins * Go on the trail in good shape * Won’t get a vitamin deficiency on the trail * Best way to get vitamins is to eat healthy before/after a hike Multitool * They look cool—but heavy * Often has extra useless functions (screwdriver, nail file, etc) * Bring a single blade knife or razor blade instead Coffee * Luxury * Additional weight to prepare the coffee (grinder, press, filters, etc) * Addiction SUMMIT Gear Review™: Survive Outdoors Longer® Emergency Bivvy Structure * Heat-reflective polyethylene * Seams are sealed * Difference between polyethylene and the mylar is that the polyethylene is a much more durable material (good for multiple uses) and when rips do occur, they will not run like a rip in a traditional mylar blanket Utility * Reflects 90% of your body heat * Protects against water, wind, snow * Polyethylene is also recyclable. Mass * 8 oz/108 grams * 84”x36” Maintenance * Wipe dry before folding * If the bivvy gets dirty, clean with diluted soap and water and a soft sponge * To put in stuff sack: fold lengthwise in half, half again, half again, then roll tightly from the bottom to push all the air out Investment * Under $20 Trial * Held up well * This is not a one-time use bivvy. * It’s extremely durable and unlike most Mylar bivvies, can be used over and over again. Rips can easily be repaired with duct tape. Backpack Hack of the Week™: DIY Collapsible Kitchen Sink * Sink for laundry, dishes, collecting water, fire water, hard-sided container, protect electronics * Quick, free project * Weighs 1 ounce/28 grams * Save you $25 * Tools needed: scissors or x-acto knife * Cut off the bottom half of the gallon milk jug * Fold in the sides * If it cracks, can be repaired with duct tape * Unlike the expensive version, doesn’t need liquid to stand up  Trail Wisdom “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.” -Anne Frank