132: Wanna Clean Up The Forest?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 30:34 — 28.9MB)

Show Notes: Episode 132

Today on the First 40 Miles, remember that BLM land we talked about in episode 131—we have some exciting news to share! A clean up group in Oregon has scheduled a clean up there—and you’re all invited! Then, we’ll teach you how to get street cred on the trail without having to roll up your pant leg and show any raccoon bite marks. Next on the SUMMIT Gear Review, will the inflatable insanity ever end? And a Backpack Hack that will keep you clean.

To join us for the SOLVE Clean Up, register here:

http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup

Opening

Our secret spot is the target of a clean up!

Bald Peak Clean Up—Perfect timing

Inviting all our FFM to come out!

http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup

Click “Register Now” and join the group “The First 40 Miles”

Top 5 Ways to Get Street Cred on the Trail

Do your homework

This one caught Heather on our last trip…She didn’t read anything about the hike we were going on and was surprised at some of the challenges
Have recent data and 2nd hand info about the trail (have the map or photo of trail)

Don’t complain

Complaining is the #1 thing that kills trail cred
This is the time for proactive problem solving

Be open to suggestions

Before or on the trail
If you’re trying to build some street cred, asking for someone’s opinion or asking for their advice goes a long way toward building that mutual respect that is such a foundation of our trail experience

Help your camp mates/other hikers

Whether it’s gathering wood for a fire, offering to pump water or just offering information to other hikers about trail conditions ahead…
We had quite a few people pass us as we were hiking in to the hiker camp at Ecola State Park, and each one gave us the mud update
“Hey, these are cool people…”

Be observant

You can learn a lot in a little amount of time by quietly observing
What have you observed by watching other hikers/backpackers?
What have you learned by observing your surroundings?

SUMMIT Gear Review™: Dumbo AirChair

Structure

The AirChair is made out of a specially formulated nano-nylon that doesn’t require a liner on the inside – this means it’s lighter and easier to inflate than the original Dumbo.
TPU lined
Two parts, the main seat, and a detachable pillow
Comes with a carrying string bag

Utility

There is one air chamber—as opposed to other inflatable hammocks we’ve seen that have two
The buckle that secures the AirChair and keeps the air from seeping out is a locking buckle
The maximum recommended weight limit is 500lbs

Mass

Weighs 21 ounces
Pillow weighs 4 ounces (and is detachable—or you can just leave it at home!)
About 2/3 the size of the inflatable hammock we reviewed in episode 116 (WindPouch)

Maintenance

Fill with air by running a little then closing and rolling the stiff closure down 3 or 4 times.
Not for jumping on…

Investment

Trial

The new AirChair is super light weight, and is super easy to use
Lighter than the other inflatables we’ve tried
Light enough to be considered a backpacking luxury item
Because of its construction it’s less likely to lose air, it’s smaller than the popular inflatable hammocks, and lighter.
Perfect for a weekend trip

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Soap Powder

There are lots of ways to bring soap on the trail: liquid, bar, soap tubes, soap sheets
And there are lots of great reasons to bring soap on the trail: first aid, cleaning dishes, doing a little light laundry
Here is a different way to bring soap on the trail that makes it easy to use and quick to dissolve.
Turn soap into soap powder using your blender

Trail Wisdom

“Good company in a journey makes the way seem the shorter.”

–Izaak Walton

To join us for the SOLVE Clean Up, register here:

http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup