124: Anatomy of an Overnight Backpacking Trip

Show Notes: Episode 124

Today on the First 40 Miles, If you’re planning your first overnight backpacking trip, we’ll talk about a few things that might surprise you.  Next on our SUMMIT Gear Review an all-American pair of socks from a company who set out to create the best sock ever.  Then, this week’s hack will get you outside, then inside, then back outside again!  And we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from Mr. Frost.

Opening



* What happens on an overnighter:

* Pick a backpacking trail close by…about 90 minutes or less from home

* Choose a short trip: 2-3 miles

* Fresh food (not as much emphasis on food weight)

* Don’t’ get sloppy with your 10 essentials—always bring what you will need if things go south

* Note: Things will take longer, things will go awry, be prepared to be flexible



Top 5 Things That Might Surprise You About Your First Overnight Backpacking Trip

Nature’s noises



* Nocturnal Animals

* Dropping leaves

* Wind

* You’ll notice these all a lot more at night



The amount of trash you produce



* Because you’re holding on to every piece of trash, it starts to accumulate faster than you imagined



How long a mile is



* And you may wonder why you carried something all the way into the woods that you never used



How rejuvitating/thrilling/peaceful/cleansing/it all is



* It’s like hitting the reset button on life. And it’s so different from car camping…



How long it takes to recover afterward



* And by recover, I mean unpack, clean up, put away, sleep…

* Also the physical…you might be a little bit sore.

* Backpacking is interesting because you drain and recharge at the same time



SUMMIT Gear Review: Fits Socks Light Hiker (Crew)

Structure



* 65% Merino Wool

* 27% Nylon

* 6% Polyester

* 2% Lycra

* The blend helps preserve the shape and durability of the sock

* Cushioned footbed

* Extra cushioning in the heel, toe and the arch.

* Reinforced in the heel and toe



Utility



* The patented Full Contact Fit perfectly molds to the shape of your foot

* The Fits Light Hiker Crew socks have flat seams, no itch wool, they’re flame resistant, breathable, moisture wicking and quick drying,

* They’re also odor resistant + antimicrobial

* Unisex socks (they do have some women’s patterns, but the sizing in unisex) Small to XXL



Mass



* Weighs: 10.1 ounces

* Crew height rises just below the calf

* Sizing: unisex



Maintenance



* Washable wool



Investment



* $21

* Because it’s wool, think of it as three socks in one. Three days of wear before washing–really



Trial



* This sock is their most popular hiking sock style

* The Light Hiker, is cushioned under foot to take the pounding of an all day hike while managing all the moisture you can throw at it.

* Reinforced, so more durable in the places you need it to be durable

* Stays snug even when it has been worn for several days, maintains it’s shape

* Stink-free merino wool

* Fits around your foot: This is probably the closest thing you can get to a custom sock.



Backpack Hack of the Week: Backpacker Magazine Get out More Tour



* http://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/get-out-more-tour-2017-retail-tour-schedule

* 75-minute seminar full of trail tested tips, regional trip advice and outdoor gear.

* Randy Propster travels across the country, presents at 45 outdoor retailers,