123: Learn As You Go

Podcast: Download (Duration: 31:54 — 30.1MB)

Show Notes: Episode 123

Today on the First 40 Miles, each of us are in a constant state of learning, and we’re all on different paths. Today we’ll share a few things that we have learned recently. Then, a spikey way to stay on the icy, snowy trails. For our Backpack Hack of the Week, a listener shares a tip he learned from another hiker.

Opening

One of the great things about life…we learn as we go
This is such a fun journey…learning and experimenting
We learn as we go, and that’s been one of the great things about hearing our listeners backpacking stories! You’re learning as you go!

Happy Spring! Spring is Here! Shoulder season!
May have snow, may be limited to lower elevation hikes, but everything is waking up, and it’s a great time to be outside! When the world wakes up from winter, it kind of feels like outdoor school is in session. Time to start learning again!

Top 5 Things I’ve Learned Recently

Store your gear in bins

Mice: they don’t just live in the fields and forests—they love suburban garages, too.

Backpacking has its seasons…

This was a cold, wet, icy, unusual winter for us here in the northwest.
We had about a 4 month stretch where we didn’t get out on a backpacking trip.
It’s nothing to feel guilty about—it just makes us realize how much we enjoy being outside, with our family

If you don’t schedule a trip, it won’t happen

Block out time on the calendar
We had to look for gaps in the calendar…and hope that they matched up with decent weather

BLM is where it’s at (blm.gov)

We love the Bureau of Land Management. We have BLM land all over the western United States.
BLM is great. The land is backpackable, accessible, rustic, and there are very few rules.
In an upcoming episode we’ll be talking about our family’s top secret BLM spot that is our go-to, drop-everything-and-go-backpacking spot!

Everyone has a valuable lesson to share

Stories we’ve collected, our own stories, we learn from every person we meet!

SUMMIT Gear Review: Kahtoola Microspikes

Structure

Kahtoola Microspikes are a traction device that you slide over the bottom of your shoes.
The MICROspikes® feature 12 spikes per foot, with 8 spikes at the forefoot and 4 spikes at the heel.
Each spike is 3/8″ long, and the spikes are made from heat-treated stainless steel for excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Chains and links are also made from stainless steel, and the chains are welded, even further increasing durability. These hold our crampons and ice spikes in place firmly.

Utility

The stretchy part of Microspikes that go over your shoe, is comprised of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) which means they fit perfectly without any tightening or fidgeting with clasps.
They have a tab on the back that makes putting on the Microspikes really easy
Easy to put on, stretchy elastomer that stays pliable to -30 degrees F
Packable—they even come with a tote sack
These can be used on ice, rock, snow and a mix of all three.

Mass

MICROspikes® pack down to roughly 5″ x 3″ x 2″ in their tote sack, and weigh between 11 and 14 ounces per pair. They easily fit into a pocket or pack, making them convenient to take on any winter adventure.

Maintenance

No maintenance that we’re aware of–but just be aware that the Kahtoola Microspikes can’t prevent all slips and falls, so maintain an awareness of the trail… don’t be dumb.

Investment

Trial

Helped Heather get to car in a completely iced-over PDX parking lot
Kahtoola also makes NANOspikes for runners
Reinforced eyelets, welded chains, durable, give you a little more safety on icy trails, and expand your ability to tackle trails in the winter and shoulder season.

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Delayed Camp Set-up

One of our listeners shares a story and a Backpack Hack of the Week.

Delaying camp set up until after dinner might give you a better idea of what the site will be like. You might also get a few more miles in after dinner.

Trail Wisdom

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

– Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard’s Egg