If you're new to backpacking, or if you’re hopelessly in love with someone who wants you to love 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.
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033: Show America Some Love
Today on The First 40 Miles, the Top 5 ways to show your love for America’s public lands. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review we’ll show you how to sleep in pure comfort on a pad the size of a Nalgene bottle. Then ditch the toothpaste and try this simple DIY option for a clean mouth. Then we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom from a brilliant German theoretical physicist.
Show Notes: Episode 033
Opening
* This week’s backpacking trip!
* Our Challenge: Finding a backpacking adventure within 30 minutes of our house
* Nestucca River area of Oregon
* Flying by the seat of our pants again…with stories to tell in future episodes!
Top 5 Ways to Show Your Love for America’s Public Lands
Go to Volunteer.gov
* America’s Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal
* You can find volunteer opportunities in your state
Use the Land!
* Get out and use the land
* Use it or lose it!
Be a Good Steward
* Follow the rules of the trail
* Pick up after yourself
* Leave it better than you found it
* Read trail signs to find out about do’s and don’t’s
Teach and Inspire the Next Generation
* Check out Episode 029, SHORT + SWEET: The Children + Backpacking episode
* Volunteering with Boy Scouts of America or another youth serving organization
Learn about the Different Public Lands Near You
* BLM, National Parks, National Forests, National Recreation Areas, National Wildlife Area, Wilderness, etc.
* Tribal Lands
* State Parks
* Private Lands are also an option for day use (Weyerhauser, tree farms)
SUMMIT Gear Review™: Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad
Structure
* 30D Polyester Top/75D Polyester Bottom
* Called the V-shape chambers limit air movement and heat loss
* Springy Green (looks like the color from new growth on Douglas Fir)
Utility
* R-Value 1.3, which makes it perfect for summer
* Compresses down really well and really quickly
* Chambers evenly distribute the air for great comfort
* Static V pad can be inflated with just 10 – 15 breaths
* Easy-to-use push valve allows for super quick deflation…
* Tons easier to deflate than the Thermarest self-inflating pads
Mass
* 4 x 8 inches (size of a Nalgene water bottle) when packed in its stuff sack
* 33 ounces
* When it’s inflated: 72″ x 23″ x 2.5″
* Won’t be knocking people off the trail with your huge closed cell foam pad strapped to the back of your pack
Maintenance
* Repair kit included
* Always the risk of puncture with open cell pads—bring repair kit
Investment
* About $60
Trial
* Really did inflate with 15 breaths!
* Easy to deflate
* Very comfortable
* Low R-Value means this is a summer pad
* A piece of gear for women who get bruised hips from closed cell foam pads. Klymit has an Insulated version called the Insulated Klymit V, 25 ounces (just 9 ounces more), 4.4 R Value, $90
Backpack Hack of the Week™: DIY Tooth Powder
* Baking Soda…and mix with a few drops of essential oil. Put in a teeny screw top lidded plastic jar.
* Definitely for the brave hearted! I love it!
* To use: Just wet your toothbrush, dip it in and brush away!
* FYI, essential oils are strongly scented, so pack your tooth powder with your food so animals won’t try to chew through your pack to get it.
* You can also just leave the baking soda unscented