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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199: REFLECTIONS: The Four Year Anniversary of Our First Backpacking Trip Together
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
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