037: Questions for Newbies

Today on The First 40 Miles, the Top 5 Questions Every New Backpacker Should Ask. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, you’ll find a nice budget option for keeping your ten essentials in perfect order. Then, on the Backpack Hack of the Week, tenemos un pastel que es muy delicioso y es perfecto para mochileros! And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from the most quoted man in the woods.

Show Notes: Episode 037

 Opening



* Girl’s Camp Update

* Weather hovered around 100 degrees all week

* Girls loved knot tying, which surprised me: they loved the tautline hitch and the slip knot (tarp shelter race)

* Takeaway: girls were happy, positive, service oriented, and focused on others.

* Beautiful week



The Top 5 Questions Every New Backpacker Should Ask

 

Why am I doing this?



* Friends planned the trip and invited you

* Always have wanted to go out

* Feel the need to challenge yourself

* To impress a significant other

* Get familiar with the area in which you live

* Toe-dip into backpacking

* To help your family enjoy a new activity together

* **No right or wrong answer, it just helps to know yourself  



What are my risks on this trip?



* Personal health (medication gets lost? old injury flares up?)

* Severe weather (high temps, low temps, regional weather warnings)

* Unfamiliar territory

* Out of cell range

* Bear country



**Know your risks, and don’t go out on your first trip thinking that Search and Rescue is your backup.

What are my pre-trip priorities?



* Get in shape

* Update gear

* Learn new skills

* Relearn forgotten skills

* Or as simple as: break in my shoes



Are my skills a good match for this particular trek?



* If the answer is no, then go with a group that has the skills

* There’s no shame in short BP trips

* If thru hiking is on your bucket list, start by doing little hikes!



Am I ignoring the obvious?



* Planning a trip is fun, but be sure to take a 360 look at your life

* Is your first trip after major surgery, close to a potential family crisis/death?



SUMMIT Gear Review™: Coghlan’s 3-Count Nylon Mesh Organizer Bags

Structure



* Zippered nylon and mesh pouches that hold your stuff

* Offered in black and yellow



Utility



* Mesh top so you can see through to all your stuff

* Zipper closure

* Perfect for organizing smaller camp gear, travel items, loose gear

* Not meant to hold the big stuff like clothing

* Each bag has a hanger loop

* Smallest size and medium size are perfect for your ten essentials.

* Largest size would be great for another purpose, just not backpacking–Maybe for an emergency bag for your car to hold Purelle, cash, baby wipes, maps.

* No small pockets inside the zippered pouch, just one compartment



Mass



* Three Piece set: 7.5×3.5 10×8, 12×10

* Small: .6 ounce

* Medium: 1.1 ounce

* Large: 1.4 ounce

* All have 1 1/2 inch gussets, not just flat pouches



Maintenance



* Handwash and air dry



Investment



* $8 for the three-pack



Trial



* Love the smallest size.

* The mesh makes it so I can see everything

* The small and medium are the best sizes for holding backpacking gear



Backpack Hack of the Week™: Tres Leches Cake

I was introduced Tres Leches Cake to by our hispanic neighbors. They often invited us over for parties. It was 100% authentic, from the mariachi music to the piñatas! They’d get out the taco cart, and start serving everyone authentic tacos in the smal...