Podcast: Download (Duration: 32:16 — 30.5MB)

Show Notes: Episode 180

Today on the First 40 Miles, are you sure you want to go backpacking?  Do you know what you’re signing up for?  We’ll wisen you up a little.  On today’s Top 5 List, learn what not to do on your first backpacking trip.  And if you’re looking for a way to compress your gear, here’s a stashable water bottle option.  For the Backpack Hack of the Week, learn where to borrow backpacking gear before you buy.

Opening

“Do you know what you signed up for?”

Why does backpacking float your boat?

Lots of reasons to love backpacking…what’s your reason?

Share at TheFirst40Miles.com/story

Top 5 Ways to Look Like an Noob on the Trail

Feed the animals…

• Causes more problems
• Make animals dependent on humans

Make destructive changes to the environment

• Carving trees, snapping live branches, causing damage

Irresponsible with Fire

• Keeping fires safe
• No fireworks

Disruptive to other hikers

• Music playing from speaker

Leaving your mess from someone else to clean up.

• Trash, like bullet casings, trash, glass beer bottles, bottle tops, half burnt aluminum cans

SUMMIT Gear Review: HydraPak Stash 750 ML Water Bottle

Structure

• Collapsible water bottle
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane); HDPE
• 100% BPA & PVC free
• 42mm mouth screw cap
• 750 ML

Utility

• Collapses down to 1/4 of its filled size when empty
• External capacity gauge
• 25 fluid ounces
• Carrying handle

Mass

• 50% lighter than most hard bottles
• 5 x 3.5 x 7.2 inches
• Weighs: 2.9 oz.
• Open – 195 mm / 7.6 in x 92 mm / 3.6 in
• Closed – 66 mm / 2.6 in x 92 mm / 3.6 in

Maintenance

• Not dishwasher safe, must be hand washed
• Bottle Bright tablets for cleaning

Investment

• $20
• No leak lifetime warranty

Trial

• Is it easy to drink from?
• Does it collapse\ easily?
• Smell?
• Can be used with Katadyn Be Free Filter

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Alite Ranger Station Camp Kits

Backpacking kit rentals for $25 in San Francisco

Starts May 1st, requires a deposit, as available.

CAMP 3: Backpacker Kit

“We’re really excited to include Boreas Gear into the Ranger Station Program again this year. This kit is designed with the intermediate backpacker in mind. The Lost Coast 60 backpack has the right amount of room for a hike expedition of 3-5 days and includes the Boreas Trava lightweight tent, a sleeping pad, a smaller daypack, and a lightweight Alite camp chair. Test out the Boreas products to find out what you like and what you need to add to your existing backpacking set-up.”

The Backpacker Ranger Station Kit includes the following:

• Boreas Trava Tent
• Lost Coast 60 Pack
• Reyes Day Pack
• Alite Monarch Chair
• TYNY Tool Bungees
• LuminAID Solar Lantern
• Thermarest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad

Trail Wisdom

“When man ventures into the wilderness, climbs the ridges, and sleeps in the forest, he comes in close communion with his Creator. When man pits himself against the mountain, he taps inner springs of his strength. He comes to know himself.”
—William O. Douglas