Summary: Show Notes: Episode 105<br> Today on the First 40 Miles, if your mother in law tells you there is one right way to set the table for Thanksgiving dinner, you may or may not believe her. But believe us when we say there is not one right and proper way to backpack. However there are some key elements that will ensure that your trip is safe, fun and memorable! Then, on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, accessible storage for your pack that keeps your essentials within reach. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’re going to #OptOutside this black Friday, but later we may do a wee bit of browsing for deals online.<br> Opening<br> <br> * No “right” or “proper” way to backpack<br> * Everything on a trip is your own choice… the person next to you may do it completely differently, but you do it the way you want<br> * In fact you may be wondering, “Can I just go out in the wilderness with a jury-rigged pack, the gear that I’ve cobbled together and still have a great time?” YES!<br> * We hope this idea that there is no right and proper way to backpack, gives encouragement to new backpackers, who may have seen movies or heard stories from other backpackers and wonder – is there a right way and a wrong way?<br> * There’s no expectation that your gear needs to be from this decade—or even this millennium! There’s no expectation that your set up needs to be anything like a catalog image!<br> * Don’t let your “image” of a perfect backpacking trip, get in the way of getting out there.<br> <br> Top 5 Things You Have to Get Right While Backpacking<br> Core Body Temp<br> <br> * Adequate clothing (that allows for moisture to escape and not be trapped)<br> * Synthetic wicking fabrics or natural wool or bamboo fibers.<br> * Cotton holds on to a lot of water, which will affect your body’s ability to regulate its core body temperature<br> * Sleeping bag, bedroll, blankets<br> * Sleeping pad will insulate your body from the ground—important to have even in summer<br> <br> Hydration + Calories<br> <br> * These two are together because hydration without calories means that your body isn’t getting the electrolytes it needs to balance the water.<br> * Drinking too little can lead to dehydration<br> * Calories are important<br> * Whether they come from fats, carbs, or protein, make sure you have enough calories to match your exertion level and outside temperature. (colder weather requires more calories)<br> * Roughly 3,000 calories a day<br> <br> First Aid Skills and Knowledge<br> <br> * Many of the items that are typically in a first aid kit can be improvised…but what’s even more essential than a simple first aid kit, is first aid skills and knowledge.<br> * It’s the skills and knowledge that will save lives<br> * Know the signs of hypothermia<br> * Know the signs of shock<br> * Know how to treat bleeding<br> * Know what an infection looks like<br> * Know how altitude sickness manifests itself<br> * Know that washing your hands before touching food can prevent the spread of germs<br> * Simply knowing how to prevent blisters in the first place is worth much more than pounds of moleskin<br> * The basic skills and knowledge is going to give you confidence and peace of mind on the trail<br> <br> Know How to Get Back<br> <br> * Whether it’s getting back to your site after a quick bathroom stop, getting back to the main trail after exploring a spur, or getting back to your car after a multi-day trip, the ability to find your way back is essential.<br> * There are lots of options for navigation…physical maps, GPS, blazes (which are small rectangles that have been painted on trees to let hikers know where the main trail is.), using a tracking app, or going with a friend who is familiar with the area.<br> * And when getting back isn’t an option—if you’ve lost your way—then stay where you are. The chances that you’ll be found increase and you will eventually get back to where...
