Summary: Show Notes: Episode 199<br> Today on the First 40 Miles, we get a little nostalgic whenever September rolls around. This week marks the 4 year anniversary of our first 40 miles—the trip Josh and Heather took together with friends around Mt. Hood. And even though we’ve been backpacking for a few years, there are still things that take us by surprise. Next, for today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a headlamp that doubles as a flashlight and triples as a stand up torch. Then we’ll share a hack that will make your next trip to the bathroom rock. And we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom that will help you understand your human connection with nature.<br> Opening<br> <br> * Reflecting on first backpacking trip together that starting this podcast<br> * Trip around Mt Hood<br> * Risks with first trip<br> * Josh “Is this her last trip?”<br> * We keep taking trips, even though they are tough<br> <br> Top 5 Things That Continue to Surprise Us About Backpacking<br> We learn something every single time<br> <br> * No matter the length, no matter the miles, being outside opens doors in your mind<br> * Not distracted as you are at home<br> * You may be concentrating or focused, but it’s the kind of focus that allows you to learn and create connections<br> * Personal discovery, working out problems in your mind…<br> <br> We still can’t gauge a mile<br> <br> * Our best way to gauge a mile is with the clock<br> * 2 MPH=30 minute mile<br> * Thru hikers can do much more than 2 miles an hour<br> * Hard sections of trail will take much longer than 2 miles an hour<br> <br> Pain and suffering is kind of fun…<br> <br> * I can do hard things<br> * Maybe it’s not fun in the moment, but afterward it’s empowering to look back<br> <br> A 15 miles isn’t 5 mile x3<br> <br> * First 5… physical<br> * Second 5… mental<br> * Third 5… everything else<br> <br> We have reserve even when we feel depleted<br> <br> * Even when I feel like I can’t take one more step, I can always take one more step<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review: <a href="https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-hl10-led-flashlight-2016/">Fenix HL10 Headlamp</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * Stretchy headband about 3/4 inch wide<br> * Aluminum body flashlight attached to a holder, so you can use the light independently from the headband<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * To turn on/off hold for half a second<br> * Low: 24 hours—Visibility 6 meters<br> * Med: 2 hours 30 min— Visibility 19 meters<br> * High: 1 hour— Visibility 30 meters<br> * Stays on setting you left it at<br> * Can be used as a headlamp, a hand held flashlight, or a stand up torch<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * Weighs 1.2 ounces without battery<br> * Weighs 1.6 ounces with battery<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Uses one AAA battery<br> * IPX6<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * $26.95<br> <br> Trial<br> <br> * Even at lowest setting, it’s bright<br> * Headlamp holder curves to the shape of your head<br> * Elastic, but also adjustable<br> * Light weight and super bright<br> <br> Backpack Hack of the Week™: No Dig Cathole<br> <br> * Lift up a rock that’s 6-8 inches, and it’ll leave a hole that’s the perfect size for all your bathroom needs.<br> * The nice thing, no digging<br> * Just don’t forget to put the “seat” down when you’re finished<br> * And when you put the rock back exactly where you found it, it’s practically “leave no trace” because the rock fits right back in like a puzzle piece<br> <br> Trail Wisdom<br> “When we understand that man is the only animal who must create meaning, who must open a wedge into neutral nature, we already understand the essence of love. Love is the problem of an animal who must find life, create a dialogue with nature in order to experience his own being.”<br> —Ernest Becker<br> If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch,
