The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Latest Episodes:

104: Trip and Fall Nov 08, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, usually your pack is lighter on the way home… but not on our most recent trip, and we’ll tell you why. Then on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, what do you get when you mix the coverage of an underquilt with the structure of a pad? Next on the Backpack Hack of the Week, three tent stakes might be your ultralight solution for leaving your stove at home. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a mononymous French philosopher.

103: SNOOZE: The Sleeping Episode Nov 01, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, SNOOZE: The sleeping Episode. This does not mean you can sleep through this episode. However you may sleep a little better on your next backpacking trip after listening. On today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a down sleeping bag that’s a great deal! Then on the Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick fix for an uncomfortable air mattress.

102: Stories that Inspire Oct 25, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, there is power in sharing stories—and we’ll tell you why your stories are so important! Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a super simple water filter that uses very long and impressive words to keep you safe on the trail. On Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, Happy Halloween—now let’s get on to Christmas. And we’ll share our experience with Rainy Pass Repair and a zipper repair that was beyond our skill level.

101: The Ultimate Pancake Challenge Oct 18, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve always wondered why people make pancakes on the trail…so today we face The Ultimate Pancake Challenge. We’ll also share the top 5 ways to make your pancakes worth the extra effort. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we have three pieces of gear that all contributed to the success of the Ultimate Pancake Challenge. And we’ll leave you today with a little trail wisdom from someone believes that pancakes equal love.

100: Celebrating Episode 100! Oct 11, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, this is episode 100! And we have a shocking revelation: this is not a backpacking podcast—and we’ll tell you why in our top 5 list today. We’ll also have a fun announcement that will put our First 40 Milers and their stories on center stage. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple no cook dinner that packs in flavor, nutritional density, and over 1000 calories.

099: BLINK: The Eyes Episode Oct 04, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, BLINK: The Eye Episode. Most of us rely on our sight to help us navigate the trail, which means that eye health is a critical part of backpacking. Today’s episode focuses on eye health basics and how to care for your eyes while backpacking. And we’ll be swapping out our SUMMIT Gear Review for a SUMMIT Film Review. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, Josh shares his tips for using contact lenses while backpacking. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Helen Keller.

098: Seeing Beyond the Marketing Hype Sep 27, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles: New! Improved! Ultralight! Waterproof! Breathable! And loaded with functionality! These are words you might read on the packaging for backpacking gear—but where does the hype end and the honesty begin? Right here. Then on today’s Top 5 List, the top 5 pieces of gear that ensure that you won’t get flustered on your next blustery trip. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, Gilbert from the Patagonia Worn Wear program shares a hack for revitalizing a corroded zipper. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from the son of an organist and an anarchist.

097: Google Trails Sep 20, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, Google Maps is awesome, but what if you could brainstorm a new Google initiative called Google Trails—what would you include? Then on Today’s Top 5 List, a few simple suggestions to help diffuse conflict on the trail. For the SUMMIT Gear Review, a neck gaiter that does double duty with a secret storage compartment. Then for the Backpack Hack of the Week, a trashy way to keep your pack contents dry.

096: The Last Trip of the Summer Sep 13, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, our last family trip of the summer—and this trip did not disappoint! We’ll share the top 5 things we loved about our trip to the Oregon coast. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a hammock that’s light enough to throw in your day pack—and may even fit in your back pocket! Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple hammock hack that will keep you cocooned and snug on your next hammock hang.

095: TWO: The Couples Episode Sep 06, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, TWO: The Couples Episode. If you’re hiking or backpacking with your significant other, there are some great benefits—and some relationship pitfalls. We’ll do our best to share some helpful information for how to include your spouse in your next backpacking trip. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a pair of shoes that will help you get through better or worse. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, a tweak to your sleep system that maximizes your heat output. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom that just may save your relationship.

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