199: REFLECTIONS: The Four Year Anniversary of Our First Backpacking Trip Together

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

SUMMIT Gear Review: Fenix HL10 Headlamp

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

* $26.95

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,