Show Notes: Episode 214
 
Dear First 40 Milers,
It has been a delight to share our wilderness backpacking journey with you!  You’ve learned and discovered right along with us.  We’re deeply touched by all the kind words and the stories that you’ve shared with us over the past four years.  We hope we get a chance to cross paths again.
Love,
Heather and Josh Legler
 
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re wrapping up production of The First 40 Miles with today’s final episode.  We’ll share some of our ideas for podcasts we’d love to see started, talk a little about what it’s been like to share our backpacking adventures with ya’ll, then wrap up with a little trail wisdom that brings it all full circle.
Opening
This week marks the 4 year anniversary of The First 40 Miles, and today is also our final episode.  We have loved producing this show for you each week.
Thoughts…?
Top 5 new outdoor podcasts I’d like to see in the next year (that can replace The First 40 Miles)
An outdoor, on site, story-telling show

* Stories from people getting out there, done NPR style, but less studio, more outdoors
* We love the idea of it being on site, because then you get the ambient noise
* It dances on the border of technology and nature.

A niche topic

* Like trail food, book reviews about outdoor related books, even an outdoors + politics podcast
* Gear focused podcast (because many people expressed how much they enjoyed the SUMMIT Gear Review)

A revival of the S’more Outdoor Podcast

* It’s great to hear people’s personal experiences in the outdoors and how it affects their indoor time, their work, their focus, their creativity

A family focused outdoor podcast

* All outdoor things: SUP, slackline, hikes, neighborhood walks, exercise, organized sports, gardening, farming, rc cars/planes, surfing, etc.
* It would answer the question: “How does YOUR family stay active?”
* Families are so important and families can help produce the next generation of healthy, robust, outdoor enthusiasts

A child-produced show

* Cascade Hiker, one of our podcasting friends, has a show for his daughters. I love it!
* Children need to have a voice—lets encourage them to share their voices and their stories!

Podcasting behind the scenes…
Our gear:

* Samson GoMIC 
* Audacity (free)
* Laptop computer
* Headphones for editing audio

Time required to produce one episode: 

* 2–4 hours to create and research for show notes
* 1 hour to record
* 4 hours to edit audio

Trail Wisdom
“God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
—Anne Frank
That’s it for today, thank you, thank you, thank you for listening.  We have loved producing this show for you.  Thank you for all your kind, encouraging words.  We feel the love!  You can access all our episodes at TheFirst40Miles.com or on iTunes, Google Play, or Stitcher.  That’s it for today.  Signing off,
—Heather and Josh Legler.

Show Notes: Episode 213
Today on the First 40 Miles, if you haven’t figured it out by experience, then we’ll give you one more huge reason to begin backpacking…the health benefits!  The list of health benefits is huge!  Then our SUMMIT Gear Review today is a 22 pound piece of gear… but hear us out… it’s 100% backpackable and incredibly fun!
Opening

* Forest Bathing: http://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
* http://www.shinrin-yoku.org/shinrin-yoku.html
* The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku include:
* Boosted immune system functioning
* Reduced blood pressure
* Reduced stress
* Improved mood
* Increased energy level
* Improved sleep
* Deepening of friendships

Top 5 Health Benefits of Backpacking that We’ve Experienced

* Heather and Josh share health benefits they’ve personally experienced from backpacking
* https://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7
* https://thetrek.co/scientifically-supported-reasons-get-outside/

SUMMIT Gear Review:  Jimmy Styks Puffer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Structure

* Comes with pack, inflatable stand up paddle board, paddle, repair kit, loop for your foot, fin
* Adjustable Carbon Fiber Travel Paddle
* Dual Action High-Pressure Pump
* 10′ Coil Leash
* Click N’ Go Standard Fin
* Premium iSUP Board Bag
* Repair Kit

Utility

* To use, pack it in, puff it up
* Pack doesn’t have room for other gear, so have another one of your hiking buddies pack the rest of the gear.
* Attach pump and pump it up on site
* Handles for easy carrying to the water
* Stretch band in the front so you can stow other gear like wind breaker, lunch, etc.

Mass

* 22 lbs—and that includes everything except the life vest…which you don’t have to use if you use the ankle tether
* Length 11’6” (350.5 cm)
* Width 31” (78.7 cm)
* Thickness 5.9” (15 cm)
* Board Avg. Weight 20 lbs (9 kg)
* Weight Limit 260 lbs. (117 kg)
* Inflate to 18 PSI

Maintenance

* Repair kit comes with ISUP

Investment

* $699

Trial

* The Jimmy Styks Puffer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a piece of outdoor gear that comes in its own pack, can be hiked in, adds to the experience of the trip, and can be a feature activity, instead of the miles.
* Worth the weight for a day trip or overnighter
* Can fish from it
* Fun, low impact, LNT activity, so quiet, so peaceful, so calm
* We didn’t inflate ours all the way, just until it felt firm

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  “The Absorber” Super Absorbent Towel

* Found in automotive section
* Can be cut down
* Excellent for rainy hikes (December is rainy here), tent rain gear, etc.
* $12
* They can be used as camp-towels, to dry off gear, clean off condensation inside your tent
* Heather added a grommet to hers

Trail Wisdom (VOTE on the one you like best)
“The sun shines not on us but in us.”
—John Muir
“The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask.”
—Nancy Newhall
“It is solved by walking.”
—Latin Proverb
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 212
Today on the First 40 Miles,  who says you can’t have type one fun and type two fun on a backpacking trip?  Today’s episode explores games on the trail and how to make memories without bringing Monopoly.  You’ll learn 5 super fast, super fun games that you can play on  your next wilderness backpacking adventure or use to break the ice at your next board meeting.  Then, we’ll review a love it or hate it nano game that, for mere grams, will earn its spot in your pack.
Opening

* Why games?
* Diversion, make memories, pass the time, springboard for conversation and connection.
* If you’re thinking, I’d never bring Monopoly or Risk with me on the trail, then it’s time to think outside the box.
* Lots of games are UL, nano games, micro games, card games, dice games, physical games, mind games, pencil and paper games, feats of strength games, balance games, conversation games.

Top 5 Super Quick Games to Play on the Trail
Fortune Cookie

* Two or more players
* Your goal is to build a fortune that you might find in a fortune cookie, one word at a time.
* Sample round
* Winner/loser? You could say person who says last word loses.

Spoken Song Lyrics

* Hello darkness, my old friend
* Like a walk in the rain
* Life is but a dream

Rotten Penny

* Two or more players
* Get a pile of pebbles (or you can even use pinecones)
* Each player may take 1, 2, or 3 pebbles
* The person to take the last pebble loses.

Sync

* Two player
* Each say a word—any word!
* What do those words have in common? Figure it out then you both say another word
* Trying to get to the point where you say the same word at the same time

Walrus

* Two person game
* Walrus
* Walrus blight of 2004
* Scientist who worked feverishly to save the last walrus on the earth
* What’s going to take out the scientist?

SUMMIT Gear Review: Win Lose or Banana
Structure

* 3 cards: win, lose, banana
* Win card must reveal her card, but the other two must try to convince the person with the win card that they are the banana. After much persuasion, the person with the win card makes the call.

Utility

* Win, lose, or banana cards

Mass

* Mere grams…

Maintenance

* If you want to keep the cards clean, get sleeve protectors for them

Investment

* $1

Trial

* We played this with Steve one night on the PCT.
* Quick, ridiculous game.  No brain needed.  Over before it gets obnoxious.
* Similar to an out of print game by ButtonShy Games called Wildcats. (Good cat, bad cat, wild cat)
* NOTE: If you like nanogames, there’s also a one card game called Ninja

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  UL Card Table

* Sometimes you need a surface for playing cards. Just something to keep things clean and from sliding around
* The dollar store has thin plastic cutting boards
* Perfect card table for backpacking
* UL, multi-use, cheap

Trail Wisdom
“Play is the highest form of research.”
—Albert Einstein
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 211
Today on the First 40 Miles, we love our listeners!  And we love hearing their stories!  Then, even if you never plan to do a thru hike, you can still scam some of their best gear hacks and incorporate them into your next overnighter.  Next, a gear review that will outfit you in the toughest clothes on the planet.  And a hack that as easy as sticking a piece of tape to a tent pole.
Opening
Matt’s Story
Top 5 Thru Hiker Staples
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

* Lightweight, cheap, easy to use, easy to maintain
* Many thru hikers prefer the Sawyer Squeeze to the Sawyer Mini

Smart Water Bottles

* Cheap, ubiquitous, versatile
* Sawyer squeeze screws on top

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol

* Easy to set up, lightweight, indestructible, can be cut down, under $40
* 2.6 R value
* Can’t be compressed

Top Ramen

* Fast, easy, cheap, never disappoints (because it’s such a basic food)

The Uniform

* Shorts + trucker hats + minimalist running shoes (Altras, Merrels, or other zero drop ultralight, minimalist shoes)
* A uniform tells others that you’re on the same team.

SUMMIT Gear Review:  Rail Rider Hiking Pants
Structure

* Nylon
* Gusseted crotch
* Reinforced
* Some are treated with insect shield Permethrin treatment

Utility

* Hiking pants, easy to move in, easy to care for, tough, lightweight,
* Deep pockets, reinforced everything
* Zippered pockets
* Doubled up in knees and crotch

Mass

* ~10 ounces

Maintenance

* Wash and dry (on or off trail)

Investment

* $69-110

Trial

* Pants aren’t excessively baggy, but loose enough that they give you room to move/hike/climb
* Super tough in all the right places
* Lots of variety
* Lots of color choices
* Mens and Womens (no kids)
* Known as the “Toughest Clothes on the Planet”

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Reflective Tape

* When it gets dark, it’s easy to get disoriented and lose track of where your camp site is
* Reflective tape stuck to your gear can help you find your site
* Stick to tent poles or other gear, so you can find your way back to camp after it gets dark
* Then, simply shine a flashlight and the things you’ve marked will light up!
* Gear Aid makes super durable reflective tape

Trail Wisdom
“When you walk, you know the distance you’ve covered in your tired bones, and it’s impossible to go so far that you lose the thread of continuity between ‘there’ and ‘here.’”
—Kelly Winters
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 210
Today on the First 40 Miles, maybe you want to eat like royalty on the trail—but you don’t need a 15 piece place setting to make that happen.  What does it take to shovel food from your cook pot to your mouth?  Then we’ll talk about our top 5 favorite post trip meals.  Then, what are our recommendations for backpacking gear that can go seamlessly from trail to off-trail lunchbox?  And we’ll wrap things up with a quote from our favorite Dutch Post-Impressionist painter.
Opening

* Battle of the Utensils: Pros and Cons of each type of utensil
* Fork, knife, spoon
* Spork
* Sponifork
* Long-handled spoon
* Chop sticks
* Plastic/titanium/bamboo
* What works?

Top 5 Favorite Post Trip Meals
Fried rice

* Gem Lake hike when we were dating
* Fast easy, prep before trip
* Rice, frozen mixed veg, an egg, and some ham or bacon… oil and soy sauce.

Taco soup

* Fast, filling, warm
* Can of corn, diced tomatoes, black beans (rinse and drained), taco seasoning or chili powder, chicken bouillon
* Maybe some ground beef
* Tortilla chips
* Shredded cheese

Burger/pizza joint off trail

* Many restaurants off the big trails that cater to thru hikers
* Big servings…lots of calories for the calorically depleted

Super Salad

* Takes some energy to put together, but it’s so worth it. Especially if you’re feeling veggie deprived from spending weeks on the trail
* SImple formula: a green, a cut fruit, chopped vegetables, and some nuts. Top with poppy seed dressing.
* I like Romaine with an orange that’s been sliced up, walnuts, red onion, red bell pepper and top with poppy seed dressing.

Frozen food like ice cream or slushies

* Dairy Queen
* Especially if it was a hot trip

After-hike food: What’s the thing you crave most at the end of a backpacking trip?
SUMMIT Gear Review:  To Go Ware Bamboo Utensils + EcoLunchboxes Adventure Kit

* These two items work on and off the trail
* Great for packing lunches to work and school
* Durable and work well for backpacking
* Great to have multi use items for the trail that can be used at home as well

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Dollar Store Food Haul
If you’re looking for food to take on your next backpacking trip, a trip to the local dollar store may have just what you’re looking for.   More and more, dollar stores are stocking food.  And they’re typically in smaller, more convenient sizes that are perfect for backpacking.

* coconut oil
* Jif-to-go packets
* nuts
* seeds
* chocolate/fun size bars
* ramen noodles

Trail Wisdom
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
—Vincent van Gogh
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 209
Today on the First 40 Miles, have you ever given much thought to the names that companies give gear?  The name of your pack or your tent isn’t just some random name they pulled out of a hat.   Next, today’s top 5 list is a whole pile of hacks I picked up on my recent backpacking trip.  Then, a little SteriPEN that is a backpackers dream!  And a quick hack that has been on every single one of our backpacking trips.
Opening
What goes into naming a piece of gear?  Let’s look at some pack names and what they mean…
Osprey Kestrel

* A small falcon that hovers with rapidly beating wings while searching for prey on the ground.

Kelty Sanitas

* Kids pack
* Sanitas (latin word) means health, soundness of body

Osprey Tarn

* A tarn (or corrie loch) is a mountain lake or pool, formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier. A moraine may form a natural dam below a tarn.

Granite Gear Lutsen

* Lutsen Mountains is a ski area in the north central United States; an Alpine skiing area located on the North Shore region of Cook County in northeastern Minnesota.

Gregory Baltoro

* The Baltoro Glacier is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. It runs through part of the Karakoram mountain range.

Arcteryx Bora

* A bora is a violent, dry, cold wind blowing from the north or northeast.

The North Face Prophet

* Prophets from the Old Testament frequently went to mountain tops

Top 5 Hacks I Used on my Most Recent Backpacking Trip
3×5 card pee shield (for women)

* Pee splatters, no matter what
* A small piece of paper can stop the pee splatter

Small container of Vicks Vaporub

* So many great the uses for it!
* Antifungal, smoothes cracked skin, masks foul odors, chapped lips, dry eyes (put under eyes)
* Bug repellant? Possibly!

Yoga pants instead of hiking pants

* Soft, stretchy, breathable and allow movement

Old Time Radio shows on your MP3

* http://otrrlibrary.org/
* Free to download, thousands of shows
* Makes the time on the trail go by
* My Friend Irma (comedy)
* I Was Communist for the FBI (drama/crime)
* Jack Benny (variety show)

Removing a shoulder strap to shift load off a while

* Helps reduce load for a little while

SUMMIT Gear Review:  SteriPEN Ultralight
Structure

* UV light
* Makes water safe to drink by disabling the bacteria, protazoa

Utility

* 1 liter at a time
* Put SteriPEN in water and stir
* Nodes need to be submerged

Mass

* ~3 ounces

Maintenance

* Rechargeable
* 20 liters per charge
* Prefilter water if you don’t want floaties

Investment

* $90

Trial

* Love!  Easy to use, simple
* Was branded as the Red Cross SteriPEN
* Will be available soon!

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Perma Kleenex
Tie your bandana to a strap or tuck it into the webbing strap on your shoulder strap.
Great for cold weather hikes when your nose gets drippy.
Trail Wisdom
“Nature is just enough; but men and women must comprehend and accept her suggestions.”
—Antoinette Brown Blackwell
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 208
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve heard people say “I’d love to go backpacking like I did when I was younger, but I just can’t carry the load.”  Are their backpacking days truly over?  Then, what do you do when a trail mate is injured, sick or fatigued and can’t carry the load.  For the SUMMIT Gear Review, something that will change the way you think of transporting your gear.  And we’ll teach you how native peoples transported goods using a few sticks.
Opening

* Whenever people find out that I’m the host of a backpacking podcast, I get two general responses:
* “Carrying everything on your back? I could never do that.” or “I could do that kind of thing when I was young, but not any more…”
* Carrying 30 pounds of gear on your back is challenging
* Are there other options?
* We’ve had trips where people needed help. It’s not uncommon to lighten a load for a fellow hiking buddy

Top 5 Ways to Carry Someone Else’s Pack
Divide their load

* Even if you just take a few things out of their pack, it can go a long way in lightening their load
* I carried Josh’s extra water when he hurt his knee on day three of our PCT section hike
* Josh carried my water on the lava rock section of the PCT
* Has a physical effect, but also a psychological effect
* Offer to carry water, tent, food. Those are the heaviest…

One person front carry

* Fold your arms in front and carry the pack with your arms through the straps
* Careful…it blocks your vision

One person duffle bag carry

* Carry it like a duffle bag over one shoulder
* Short distances

Two person carry

* One takes the closed hip belt, the other carries the strap at the other end

Two-person stick carry

* Cinch up the hip belt and run a stick through the belt and the top loop of the pack

You may be able to figure out other ways to carry a load…and you may be surprised at your creativity and the ideas that emerge.
SUMMIT Gear Review:  Pack Wheel
Structure

* Aluminum frame
* Variety of wheel sizes
* Super comfortable handlebars
* Disc break
* Made in the USA

Utility

* Hold handlebars like you’re riding a bike, and push
* Can carry more than 4X more weight than a backpack, with little effort
* Completely collapsible
* Disc brakes work to slow Pack Wheel down on downhill portions of trail, steady it on uphill portions
* Pull yoke add-on helps to get over rough backcountry areas, esp. with heavy loads and rugged terrain
* Purchase panniers separately to attach your gear to the Pack Wheel

Mass

* We have the compact frame with 24” wheel
* Weighs 12 lbs

Maintenance

* Pump, tube patch kit

Investment

* $675
* Cost of 2-3 good packs
* Makes it possible for you to get out…priceless

Trial

* Easy to use, easy to maneuver, easy to load
* Second nature
* Ultralight–considering how much weight it carries, collapsible, single wheeled
* Popular among hunters—but quickly gaining popularity among hikers + backpackers
* Makes gear feel lighter than it really is
* Fantastic option for hikers who may not be able to carry the load
* Also great for families with young children, where the kids may not be able to carry the load.
* Unique benefit of PackWheel– even if load isn’t balanced, it’s still easy to maneuver
* Strong, carries the weight more efficiently and effectively than a pack
* Made to order
* Not for use in designated Wilderness Area

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Travois on the Trail

Show Notes: Episode 207:  Scary Stuff
Today on The First 40 Miles, we’ve dredged up as many scary things as we can for this Halloween episode.  Cougar attacks, mysterious items in hiker boxes, dead cats and the scariest thing of all—hiker stink.  Then we’ll wrap up today’s episode with a quote from a zombie.  Actually it’s just a quote from someone’s posthumously published journal.  They’re dead, but they’re alive!  (But they’re dead.)
Opening

* How frequent are cougar attacks? How frequent are fatal cougar attacks?
* Woman hiker in Oregon + cyclist in Washington
* 2018 has been a rough year with cougar attacks and fatalities in North America
* Biker’s death near Seattle is Washington’s first cougar fatality in 94 years.
* The death in Oregon is the first ever reported cougar fatality in Oregon.
* List of fatal cougar attacks in North America: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_cougar_attacks_in_North_America
* “At least 20 people in North America were killed by cougars between 1890 and 2011, including seven in California. More than two-thirds of the Canadian fatalities occurred on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Fatal cougar attacks are extremely rare and occur much less frequently than fatal snake bites, fatal lightning strikes, or fatal bee stings. Children are particularly vulnerable”
* “As with many predators, a cougar may attack if cornered, if a fleeing human stimulates their instinct to chase, or if a person “plays dead.” Standing still however may cause the cougar to consider a person easy prey. Exaggerating the threat to the animal through intense eye contact, loud shouting, and any other action to appear larger and more menacing, may make the animal retreat. Fighting back with sticks and rocks, or even bare hands, is often effective in persuading an attacking cougar to disengage.”
* What’s the risk? What to do?

Top 5 Scary Things in Hiker Boxes
Mysterious unlabeled bags of white powder

* Could be instant mashed potatoes, powdered milk, soup mix
* Label your baggies!

Shoes

* Worn for many miles, then donated to hiker boxes
* If someone needs a pair of shoes or if their laces are busted, then an old pair of shoes is helpful

Pills

* Maybe ibuprofen, maybe not.
* Could be Benadryl, aspirin, etc.

Large containers of ______

* Could be peanut butter, fuel canister, etc.
* Large canisters of anything take up space—even when 99% of the product is used up. The large container still fills up your pack—which is why hiker boxes are where large containers go to die.

Hygiene overload

* …bar of soap, package of baby wipes, shampoo,

SUMMIT Gear Review: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed Duo 20
Structure

* Shell Fabric: 20d polyester ripstop
* Liner Fabric: 20d polyester taffeta
* Insulation: 700FP PFC-Free DriDown

Utility

* Specified for sleeping conditions down to 20 Degrees
* Zipperless design allows for more comfort
* Insulated hand/arm pockets help to seal out drafts
* Foot vent for fast ventilation
* Stretch cord keeps out drafts
* Sleeping pad sleeve holds one double or two single pads

Mass

* Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz
* Shoulder Circumference: 107″ / 272 cm
* Fits Up To: 6′ 4″ / 193 cm

Maintenance

* Wash and dry at a laundromat

Investment

* $449

Trial

* Josh used Klymit inflatable pad, Heather used a folding closed cell foam pad.

Show Notes: Episode 206
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve dumped out our box of random backpacking food, affectionately labeled, our “Bucket o’ Calories”, and will go head to head today as Josh and I battle it out, civilly, for the Backpacking Dinner Challenge.  Can we each create a unique meal with just the pile of ingredients in front of us?  We’ll find out.  Then we’ll eat dinner.

* Dinner Challenge
* We each get a stove, a knife, water and a sierra cup.
* Select at least 3 ingredients
* Meals will be rated on flavor, how easy it is to make, and the whim of the host.

Smokey Cheesy Tuna Dip
Spanish Rice

Show Notes: Episode 204: Steve’s Hike
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re checking in with our friend Steve, who completed a thru hike of the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail this summer.  And we’ll throw in a backpack hack and some trail wisdom, just for funsies.

* What inspired you to hike the Oregon section of the PCT for your 70th birthday?
* Talk about your daily routine while hiking the Oregon section of the PCT, the rhythm of the trail…
* Did you find that rhythm?
* What does the phrase “trail angel” mean to you now?
* Did you see other 70+ hikers on the trail?
* Have you recovered physically?
* What moments stand out to you?
* Advice to others who want to do a significant hike…

Show Notes: Episode 204
Today on the First 40 Miles, maybe you’ve posted a few pics of your backpacking trip on social media, and now everyone is asking you “So…How was your trip?”  What’s the best way to respond?  Then we have a listener story from Mason who let his adventures lead to creating a business that helps others experience adventure.  Then we’ll share a hack that may just awaken you to a possible feature on your oven or toaster oven.
Opening

* I want to hear about your trip! “It was good.”
* How do you respond?
* What do people want to hear?
* I always want to keep my responses short, which is kind of funny, because if someone is asking it means they want to know.

Top 5 Responses to “So…how was your hike?”
 “It was great!  Do you mind if I show you a few pics?” 

* Share 2-3 pics
* Quick one line description for each pic
* Then get on with the non-scrolling part of your life.

“What part you want to hear about…the terrain, the food, Kelly’s blister collection?”

* Everyone’s interest is going to be piqued by something different.
* If you give a few themes, it’ll help the conversation
* They may have some great follow up questions for you

“Have you been hiking there or near there before?”

* Yes: find common ground, and take them there mentally…
* No: Quick geography, then a quick anatomy of the trip

You would have loved the (fill in the blank)!

* Fill in that blank with something universally beloved, like fresh alpine streams, tall mountains, sunshine…
* Relate the trip to what they want to hear about and help them feel like they were there.

One solid story

* Jump right in with a story

Listener Story from Mason
Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Convection Oven Dehydrated Food
Lots of people think they need a dedicated dehydrator to make homemade beef jerky or dried apple slices, however you might have everything you need to dehydrate backpacking food right in your kitchen.
Some full sized ovens and counter-top toaster ovens have a convection feature.   This means that instead of the heat radiating around the food, the process of cooking is sped up using fans and heat.  This means you can dehydrate backpacking food quickly, using the convection feature in your oven.
Trail Wisdom
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
—Nelson Mandela
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 203: Pardon Our Dust
Today on the First 40 Miles, all of our backpacking gear is in moving boxes, sitting in the barn, waiting for us to unpack them!  We’re keeping the podcast going through our move, and we couldn’t have done it without a few of our fabulous listeners who will be contributing to the show today.
Opening

* Old 100-year-old home, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a whole bunch of projects
* Backpacking gear in boxes and bins
* Pardon our dust…

Three listener stories
-George’s story
-Chad’s story
-Laura’s story
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Easy Warmth with Down Booties

* Keeps your feet warm
* Inexpensive down booties can be found for as little as $12

Trail Wisdom
Work is good, provided you do not forget to live.
—Bantu Proverb
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 202
Today on the First 40 Miles, so you’re convinced! Backpacking is your new thing and you’re headed out to buy the latest and best of everything from the packing list.  Wait!  We’ll share a few reasons to slow down before you buy.  Then we’ve got a 4-in-1 piece of gear that will keep you warm and protected from the elements.  For today’s hack, a simple paradigm shift that will give you the most psychological bang for your buck when it comes to using your stove.
Opening

* It’s tempting when you get into a sport, activity or hobby, to want to jump in to buy the latest and best of everything, all at once
* How we made our purchases
* How we prioritized
* What do we need, instead of what do we think we want?

Top 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy All Your Gear At Once
Some gear isn’t as essential as it sounds

* Some gear looks so cool and essential—at least the ads or the store displays make it look essential

You may miss out on online only gear from small niche companies

* Your local outdoor store is limited by their square footage
* If you buy all your gear at once, you may miss out on lesser known brands
* Dirty girl gaiters $23, super popular among thru hikers

You will learn your body and your backpacking style the more time you spend in the wilderness

* Are you a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper?
* Are you a fan of merino, synthetic, down, polypropylene, yak wool?
* Are you a heavy sweater? A hat person?  High socks, ankle socks?
* Slim and trim or dangly fangly?

You need a lot less than you think you do

* If you buy all your gear at once, you risk overbuying
* How many pairs of hiking pants do you think you need for a weeklong trip? How many pair of socks?

It’s hard to tell between technology improvements vs. fads

* Osprey moldable belt—it sounds like it’s a technology improvement that will make your pack more comfortable. Or is it just a fad?  Or a marketing gimmick?
* The most expensive, up-to-date gear on the shelves will be replaced next season by something even better
* There will always be something better, lighter, stronger, smarter, etc.

SUMMIT Gear Review:  Thermarest Honcho Poncho 
Structure

* Technical poncho-blanket-jacket
* Poncho-blanket-jacket-pillow
* Waterproof Breathable 20D Polyester RipStop
* DWR coating
* Has a water-resistant/breathable shell

Utility

* Kangaroo pocket and top zip pocket
* Used as a light jacket
* Doubles as a light blanket
* Has 37.5™ insulation
* Cinchable hood
* Poncho snaps together on sides, and unsnaps to create a blanket

Mass

* 1 pound 12 ounces
* Packed dimension 16 in x 12 in

Maintenance

* Machine wash and dry
* Packs into its own storage pocket.

Investment

* $130

Trial

* More coverage than a jacket, longer
* One size fits all
* Doubles as a pillow
* Colors: Lemon Curry, Poseidon, Olivine, Deep Purple

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Save your fuel for Breakfast

* Save your fuel for a hot breakfast.
* It’s colder in the morning, so holding a warm meal will warm you inside and out.

Trail Wisdom
“Go as far as the eye can see, and when you get there, look farther.”
—Dag Hammarskjöld
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 201
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ll talk about cowboy camping and why we tried it.  Then a story from a listener about how she transitioned from car camping to backpacking.  Today’s hack is a great way to repurpose an old towel, and we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from someone who knew the answer to life’s question!
Opening

* What is Cowboy Camping?
* Why we did it
* Why we didn’t do it sooner
* Who inspired us
* What we’ve learned
* How it’s changed the way we backpack
* https://boundlessroamad.com/2018/01/17/the-art-to-cowboy-camping/

Top 5 Tips for Cowboy Camping
Pick a warmish, dry night

* Low 50s
* Dry

Pack a waterproof ground cover

* We used a patio window insulation kit
* $12

Pack warmer

* You’ll be missing the 5-10 degrees of warmth and wind protection that a tent provides

Plan for bugs

* Permethrin is a great way to treat clothes/sleeping bag exterior
* Ticks, mosquitoes

Have an emergency shelter on hand

* Something that can keep you dry in case it starts raining or snowing
* We brought the Appy Trails Mark V tent with us on our PCT Section hike so we could fit us and our two boys–just in case

NOTE:
Be sure to open your eyes in the middle of the night—the stars are amazing!
Story from Listener Michelle G.
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Terrycloth Cotton Towel Squares

* 3”x3”
* Repurposed towel
* Perfect for scrubbing feet at night
* Can be reused

Trail Wisdom
“The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘YES!’ to your adventure.”
—Joseph Campbell

Show Notes: Episode 200
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re live on the Pacific Crest Trail!
Opening

* Our trip with Steve
* About 70 miles
* The “E” section of the PCT in Oregon

Top 5 Things We Loved About this Trip
Audio from trip…
The hardest things were some of the best.
Backpack Hack of the Week™: Paracord Compression Straps

* Stuff your gear (sleeping bag, clothing, etc.) in your stuff sack
* Double up the rope/paracord by folding it in half
* Then, wrap your stuff sack “gift wrap” style
* Instead of tying a big bow on top, make a slip knot loop on one side and put the other end of rope through the hole.
* Cinch it down and tie it off or loop the end around so it won’t unravel

Trail Wisdom
Joke from Steve…
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.

Show Notes: Episode 199
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.
Opening

* Reflecting on first backpacking trip together that starting this podcast
* Trip around Mt Hood
* Risks with first trip
* Josh “Is this her last trip?”
* We keep taking trips, even though they are tough

Top 5 Things That Continue to Surprise Us About Backpacking
We learn something every single time

* No matter the length, no matter the miles, being outside opens doors in your mind
* Not distracted as you are at home
* You may be concentrating or focused, but it’s the kind of focus that allows you to learn and create connections
* Personal discovery, working out problems in your mind…

We still can’t gauge a mile

* Our best way to gauge a mile is with the clock
* 2 MPH=30 minute mile
* Thru hikers can do much more than 2 miles an hour
* Hard sections of trail will take much longer than 2 miles an hour

Pain and suffering is kind of fun…

* I can do hard things
* Maybe it’s not fun in the moment, but afterward it’s empowering to look back

A 15 miles isn’t 5 mile x3

* First 5… physical
* Second 5… mental
* Third 5… everything else

We have reserve even when we feel depleted

* Even when I feel like I can’t take one more step, I can always take one more step

SUMMIT Gear Review: Fenix HL10 Headlamp
Structure

* Stretchy headband about 3/4 inch wide
* Aluminum body flashlight attached to a holder, so you can use the light independently from the headband

Utility

* To turn on/off hold for half a second
* Low: 24 hours—Visibility 6 meters
* Med: 2 hours 30 min— Visibility 19 meters
* High: 1 hour— Visibility 30 meters
* Stays on setting you left it at
* Can be used as a headlamp, a hand held flashlight, or a stand up torch

Mass

* Weighs 1.2 ounces without battery
* Weighs 1.6 ounces with battery

Maintenance

* Uses one AAA battery
* IPX6

Investment

* $26.95

Trial

* Even at lowest setting, it’s bright
* Headlamp holder curves to the shape of your head
* Elastic, but also adjustable
* Light weight and super bright

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  No Dig Cathole

* 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.
* The nice thing, no digging
* Just don’t forget to put the “seat” down when you’re finished
* 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

Trail Wisdom
“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.”
—Ernest Becker
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch,

Show Notes: Episode 198
Today on the First 40 Miles, wilderness backpacking has the power to rewire your brain—and we’ll share the top 5 ways it’s changed us.  Then, an epic way to stay clean while backpacking.  Next a listener shares her one pound solution for oil painting on the trail.  And we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, John Muir.
Opening

* What Would You Pack?
* TheFirst40Miles.com/pack
* WWYP coming to YouTube in 2019
* Why packing for a trip is so much fun…

Top 5 Ways that Backpacking Has Changed our Lives and Rewired our Brains
How I confront challenges

* Backpacking helped me break things up into smaller chunks—hike, day by day, one step at a time.

How I leave the house

* I always have water and food and insulation. It’s my three essentials gleaned from the ten essentials.

How I pack for everything

* Whether it’s a road trip or we’re moving—which we are…
* Backpacking has changed the way we pack
* Comparmentalize
* Easy access
* Prioritize what we bring

How I create 

* For Heather: This has affected how I approach recipes, and what tools I allow to take up space in my kitchen
* Is it truly essential? What’s its purpose?  Do my tools have dual purpose?
* How I create other art.  Artist have a way of collecting tools, media, paper
* Even with watercolor, I love having a pallet with me, but then I discovered that any water soluble ink pen plus an aquabrush can be used as monochrome watercolor ink.  That’s two tools.  Simplified watercolor.

How we dress

* More wool, less cotton
* Clothes we can move in

SUMMIT Gear Review: Epic Wipes 
Structure

* Bamboo-based wipes
* 100% biodegradable
* Moistened mainly with water + eucalyptus essential oil

Utility

* “Shower on the go”

Mass

* They come in two sizes: Large + Extra Large

Maintenance

* Is biodegradable, but can be used over and over
* Hand wash to reuse

Investment

* Single package with one wipe, about $2.50 (but can be reused)
* Also come in packs of 10

Trial

* Durable, reusable, soft, absorbent
* Smell great—naturally
* Convenient to use
* Store in glove compartment or dry out and use like a towel

Backpack Hack of the Week™:   UL Oil Painting Kit

* From a listener
* About one pound (which is UL for oil painting!)

Trail Wisdom
Wherever we go in the mountains we find more than we seek.
—John Muir
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.
 

Show Notes: Episode 197
Today on the First 40 Miles, when hiking or backpacking, our whole goal is to move forward, otherwise we’d just set up our tent in the parking lot.  But what do you do when anxiety stops your progress?  We have some tools that will help.  Then we’ll share a hack that will cut your tent weight almost in half.  Then we’ll wrap up the show with a quote that revives fire from the ashes.
Opening

* Anxiety
* We’re all affected in some way by some sort of anxiety. It’s part of the human condition.  We’re all on a spectrum, and we’re all triggered by different things at different times in our lives.
* No matter what type of anxiety you experience, all anxiety has one thing in common: it keeps us from moving forward—it halts our progress.

Top 5 Healthy Ways to Deal with Anxiety on the Trail
Breathing

* It can be done anytime, anywhere, requires no special equipment
* Take a slow breath in through the nose, breathing into your lower belly (for about 4 seconds)
* Hold your breath for 1 or 2 seconds
* Exhale slowly through the mouth (for about 4 seconds)
* Wait a few seconds before taking another breath
* Breathing is a tool that can help you relax anywhere

Practice Mindfulness

* Anxiety is a feeling that the world is caving in and taking you with it. Mindfulness reverses that feeling of impending doom by opening up the world and you taking it all in.
* Your goal with mindfulness is to mentally document every single element of the present moment.
* Heightened awareness and being present in the moment(not in the future-which is anxiety and not in the past which is depression).
* Smells around you, the texture of your clothing, the level of humidity between your toes, the feel of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, the sounds, the taste of the food, the sound of your jacket crinkling with each breath you take, the universe of living organisms around, above and below you.
* That moment of intentional mindfulness should be so rich and filled with gratitude that you literally have no room in your brain to entertain any anxiety.
* Journaling is a great way to practice mindfulness, recording your thoughts and feelings, the experience of the present moment—and who says the journal has to be all words? Some of the things you record may be little sketches.
* “There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen to write.” – William Makepeace Thackeray
* It slows down time, reveals things about yourself you may not have known before the pen started moving, and makes you present.

Connect with Someone

* You are never alone
* Anyone can connect with God through prayer
* Connect with other hikers
* Write letters

Imagination

* Imagine you’re on a set for a movie and everything disappears and you’re on a completely blank white set.
* Your imagination can transport you out of your current state.
* Human mind is creative and powerful

Music

* Music has power
* … like that scene from The King and I where they are getting off the boat and whistling a happy tune.
* Hymn, ballad, first song that pops into your head, playlist
* Music releases dopamine

Don’t compound the issue with drugs or alcohol.

* Alcohol changes levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can worsen anxiety…. Lots of people turn to the numbing and loosening effects alcohol when confronted with uncomfortable feelings
* Doing this can lead to a dependence on alcohol, which can make anxiety symptoms worse.
* Backpacking is hard, but when alcohol or drugs are used for getting through difficult moments, it creates a self-destructive cycle

Show Notes: Episode 196  8/14/2018
Today on the First 40 Miles, I was wondering what today’s episode should be about… and then it struck me.   Today we’ll chat about lightning safety.  Nothing shocking.  We promise to conduct ourselves appropriately.  Then ya’ll get to hear a little story from Steve about his friend’s top secret backpacking spot.  Next, we’ll test some backpacking energy bars and wrap it up with a great resource from National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) on everything you ever wanted to know about backcountry lightning safety.
Opening

* Suggestion from listeners: lightning safety
* Lightning is common in summertime
* A little data about backcountry lightning
* Amazing lightning facts

Top 5 Ways to Avoid Being Hit by Lightning
Watch the Weather

* Lightning storms are not surprises
* You can usually see/hear them coming

Take Lightning Seriously

* Lightning data…it’s power
* Thunder warning
* Not a time to be a storm chaser or nature photographer

If you have time, find a safer place

* Avoid exposed terrain
* Avoid single trees
* Avoid conductors
* Bridges, metal poles, train tracks, standing water (but not damp ground)
* Focus on what’s going to make the biggest impact if there is a strike near you
* 1 second = 1/5 mile away

Get down!

* Lightning position
* Both shod feet on ground, close together
* Everything tucked in
* You’re trying to be as short and compact as possible, with your rubber soled feet together on the ground

Stay at least 50 feet away from your friends (during a storm)

* You can probably figure out why…it reduces multiple injuries

Challenge:  Take time today to get into the Lightning Position.  It’s similar to the Asian Squat we talked about on a past episode.  Doing a flat footed squat is pretty hard.  It requires some practice and balance.  It’s a position you should revisit regularly!
Interesting Facts About the Natural Squatting Position

Listener Story
Steve’s story… Secret camping spot
SUMMIT Gear Review™: Skout Backcountry Bars
Structure

* Bars, plant-based protein bars, pumpkin seeds
* Whole, natural, organic ingredients

Utility

* High energy, organic bars

Mass

* Varies

Maintenance

* —

Investment

* $2-3 bar

Trial

* Not overly sweet
* All bars and pepitas have a natural, subtle flavor, which is great for avoiding flavor fatigue
* All organic + whole food ingredients
* Great selection of unique flavors
* Nutritionally dense + calorically dense!

 
Backpack Hack of the Week™:  NOLS Lightning Safety PDF

* https://www.cmc.org/Portals/0/GoverningDocs/NOLS%20Lightning%20Safety%20Guidelines.pdf
* Read this before your next backpacking adventure

Trail Wisdom
“The mountain doesn’t care…”

* S+R
* Climbing saying, objective dangers

If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out TheFirst40Miles.com/shop.  We’ll see you next time on The First 40 Miles.

Show Notes: Episode 195
Today on the First 40 Miles, this week we’ll talk about an upcoming weeklong trip and what we’re doing to prepare.  Then, if you’ve got an itch to hit the trail, but you have no gear, we’ll hook you up with a company who can supply the gear for your first trip.  For today’s Backpack Hack for the Week, Josh picked the perfect app for our upcoming backpacking adventure.  And we’ll share a little trail wisdom from someone who didn’t do anything halfway.
Opening

* 93 miles
* Invited kids—who said yes?
* Met with Steve
* What else are we doing to prepare?

Top 5 Things We’re Doing to Prepare for a Weeklong Trip
Take Care of Basic Logistics of a Weeklong Hike

* Meeting with Steve to get details of trip
* Water, stopping points, daily miles
* First day of hike, meeting with his wife who will transport us to the trail head
* Logistics of leaving home: home prep (secure house, mail, garden), church responsibilities, the podcast, etc.

Load Bearing Hikes + Miles

* 8-10 mile hikes
* Shakedown

Gauging our youngest child’s endurance

* We wants to go, but 10-15 miles a day is more than he’s done with a pack on his back
* Either I can help him drop his pack weight even more, or I can carry some of his gear

Route is planned, but the hike is going to be what we make it

* What will you make the hike?
* Look for ways to make it better for others
* Unplug
* Creative expression

Mentally Prepare for the Unexpected

* Contingency plan
* What if?
* Night hiking?
* Weather…
* Think through different possible scenarios

SUMMIT Gear Review™: CampRents
Structure

* Schedule your trip at least a week out

Utility

* They send the basics
* Comes with a bear bin with food in it

Mass

* Part of that depends on what else you pack

Maintenance

* Mail back the day after you come home
* Send it back dry and stinky, not wet and muddy.

Investment

* $220 for two nights (two night minimum)
* Daily Late Fee $50/day

Trial

* Good food
* Solid gear
* Creative idea
* Perfect for city dwellers with limited space, rare backpacker,
* Ideas: wish it came with deals off gear purchases or codes
* Not limited budget

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Halfmile’s PCT App

* An app that helps you along the PCT

Trail Wisdom
“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.”
—Vincent van Gogh
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.  We’ll see you next time on The First 40 Miles.