Summary: Show Notes: Episode 123<br> 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.<br> Opening<br> <br> * One of the great things about life…we learn as we go<br> * This is such a fun journey…learning and experimenting<br> * 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!<br> <br> <br> * Happy Spring! Spring is Here! Shoulder season!<br> * 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!<br> <br> Top 5 Things I’ve Learned Recently<br> Store your gear in bins<br> <br> * Mice: they don’t just live in the fields and forests—they love suburban garages, too.<br> <br> Backpacking has its seasons…<br> <br> * This was a cold, wet, icy, unusual winter for us here in the northwest.<br> * We had about a 4 month stretch where we didn’t get out on a backpacking trip.<br> * It’s nothing to feel guilty about—it just makes us realize how much we enjoy being outside, with our family<br> <br> If you don’t schedule a trip, it won’t happen<br> <br> * Block out time on the calendar<br> * We had to look for gaps in the calendar…and hope that they matched up with decent weather<br> <br> BLM is where it’s at (<a href="https://www.blm.gov/">blm.gov</a>)<br> <br> * We love the Bureau of Land Management. We have BLM land all over the western United States.<br> * BLM is great. The land is backpackable, accessible, rustic, and there are very few rules.<br> * 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!<br> <br> Everyone has a valuable lesson to share<br> <br> * Stories we’ve collected, our own stories, we learn from every person we meet!<br> <br> SUMMIT Gear Review: <a href="http://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/">Kahtoola Microspikes</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * Kahtoola Microspikes are a traction device that you slide over the bottom of your shoes.<br> * The MICROspikes® feature 12 spikes per foot, with 8 spikes at the forefoot and 4 spikes at the heel.<br> * Each spike is 3/8″ long, and the spikes are made from heat-treated stainless steel for excellent durability and corrosion resistance.<br> * 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.<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * 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.<br> * They have a tab on the back that makes putting on the Microspikes really easy<br> * Easy to put on, stretchy elastomer that stays pliable to -30 degrees F<br> * Packable—they even come with a tote sack<br> * These can be used on ice, rock, snow and a mix of all three.<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * 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.<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * 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.<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * $70<br> <br> Trial<br> <br> * Helped Heather get to car in a completely iced-over PD...
