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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
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
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
If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.
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