The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast
The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast
Heather Legler
013: Are You Hiking Your Own Hike?
25 minutes Posted Feb 10, 2015 at 8:00 am.
0:00
25:59
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Show notes
Sometimes the hardest part of a hike is the eight hours when your feet aren’t moving. Learn some tried and true tips for sleeping while on your next backpacking trip. The Top 5 List will give you some great insights for “hiking your own hike” to maximize personal growth. Next, Heather and Josh review a lightning fast way to boil water for your next freeze dried meal. Then, the humble dollar store liquid laundry detergent bottle comes to the rescue to help banish the dreaded ‘trail stank’.
Show Notes: Episode 013
Opening
What causes a rough night’s sleep?
Not Comfortable

* Pillow made of clothing in a stuff sack
* Hip pillow for side sleepers

Too Cold

* Put on hat
* Eat something before bed
* Do sit ups in your sleeping bag
* Try using a sleeping bag liner

Too Bright (full moon/early sunrise)

* Buff like a “blind chicken” around your eyes

Too Loud

* Ear plugs or ear buds

Odd phenomenon that many backpackers experience: even with a restless, uncomfortable or cold night, often times there are no ill effects that you would typically experience if you had the same night at home.
Please, no sleeping pills. Too dangerous. Fix the root of the problem.
Top 5 Tips for Hiking Your Own Hike

* Don’t be defensive


* All types of hikers and styles are welcome on the trail
* Glamping is OK (and so is a little friendly teasing)
* Hair curlers story
* Trail goals (achieving vs. experiencing)


* Don’t be offensive


* Be friendly and pleasant
* Backpackers have a reputation for being friendly—keep that going!
* The trail is a no-judging zone
* Friendly “Hello” or brief chat
* A simple smile or nod
* AppalachianTrials.com: When HYOH Does Not Apply


* Don’t stay silent


* Several situations where you may want to speak up:
* Not prepared
* Food poisoning/altitude sickness/other health concern
* Something broke (people may be able to help)


* Welcome opportunities to grow on the trail


* You’ll be challenged
* You’ll be tired
* You’ll have parts that ache
* For the most part, you need to push past the challenges, fatigue and aches to reach a new place
* If you are “kicking against the pricks” then you might miss opportunities to learn
* Push yourself to hike a little further, smile a little more often, encourage those around you, serve others and look for opportunities to grow on the trail


* Remember that it’s not a “Winner Takes All” sport


* Hiking and backpacking is a non-competitive sport where the only players are you and Mother Nature.
* You’re not separate teams, you’re kind of on the same team, but not always playing the same game.
* Snow, washouts, mudslides, freak thunderstorms can totally change your plans
* Learn to respect Mother Nature and be flexible
* If you go home early you haven’t “lost”
* No one who leaves a trip alive ever “loses”

SUMMIT Gear Review™: JetBoil Flash Stove
Structure

* Multiple components of stove
* Fuel: Isobutane and propane mix

Utility

* Boils water in record time (roughly 2 minutes in ideal conditions)

Mass

* 15 ounces without the fuel canister
* 7 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches

Maintenance

* Know how to work the spark (see video below)
* Know how to pack it up (see video below)

Investment

* $100 for fast, hot water