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