The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Today on The First 40 Miles, the Top 5 Things You Need to Know to Beat the Sun. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll show you the perfect pouch that will help you transport your grandma’s famous jalapeno jelly to your favorite outdoor spot. Then our Backpack Hack of the Week will either singe your fingers or melt your gloves—all in the hope of having rope that won’t unravel! And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, British Historian, Sir George Trevelyan.
Show Notes: Episode 035
Opening

* Our Nestucca Trip Report
* Our search for “random backpackable land”
* Nestucca River Area
* Dead porcupine
* Free camping
* Mini trips down the road

The Top 5 Things You Need to Know to Beat the Sun
Bring Sunglasses

* Good quality sunglasses protect your eyes from 100% of sun’s harmful UV rays.
* Reduce muscle fatigue from squinting
* In summer UV radiation is at least 3 times higher than it is during winter
* Wear if you’re near the water (one of the most reflective surfaces)
* Wear if you’re in the mountains or outside at any high elevations

Wear Long-Sleeved Shirts

* Most hiking clothing with list its UPF rating
* Long sleeves are a simple way to protect yourself

Bring an Umbrella or Hat

* Same as shirt, but a little more versatile
* Can be used for rain or sun
* Great because they cover face, ears, and back of neck which are prime spots for burning

Use Non-nano partical Sunscreen

* Doesn’t break down like chemical sunscreen
* Zinc oxide sunscreen (visible, lasts longer, not nano/safer, doesn’t break down, great UVA protector, natural)
* Badger makes some great ZO sunscreens, we’ve also mentioned Raw Elements Sunscreen
* Zinc Oxide sunscreens can also be used as a multi-use item: poison ivy/oak/sumac skin soother

Hike in the early morning, or late into the evening

* 11am-4pm daylight savings time is when the sun is at its peak power.
* UV Index search can help you understand your risk for a certain area
* http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/uv/uv_query.html

SUMMIT Gear Review™: Booginhead Squeez’Ems
Perfect for carrying jam for rolls, food, condiments, etc. Holds a lot more than those little packets of jam or jelly they have set out on the table at your local diner.
Structure

* High and low density polyethylene
* Soft body and a hard plastic screw top
* BPA, PVC and phthalate free

Utility

* Large screw top gives you a wide opening in which to put your jam, jelly or ketchup (screws on counter clockwise)
* Small screw top make it so you get a secure seal (screws on clockwise)
* Small lid is attached to large lid so it won’t get lost on trail
* Can be reused over and over

Mass

* .8 ounces or 21 grams
* Holds 4.2 ounces of condiments

Maintenance

* To clean, add warm soapy water, shake and rinse
* Easy to clean with a bottle brush
* Clean before first and each use

Investment

* $8 for a two pack

Trial

* We load it up with jam or jelly and serve it with bannock
* We’ve actually washed these on the top rack of dishwasher

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Bullet-tip Rope
You’ll need: a pair of work gloves, a match, and some rope or cord
Heat up the end of your rope, then when the tip starts melting, roll the melted tip in between your gloved thumb and index finger...