123: Learn As You Go

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



* $70



Trial



* Helped Heather get to car in a completely iced-over PD...