The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Latest Episodes:

094: Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016 Aug 30, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, a sneak peek inside 2017 outdoor trends and upcoming gear! Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review we’ll share a Nalgene that is 50% more than the Nalgene you already have. And the Backpack Hack of the week you’ll learn another use for a Nalgene that will get you ready for those chilly autumn nights. And we’ll wrap up the show with a vision of green threads!

093: What’s Up With Queen Moonracer? Aug 23, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’ve ever met someone on the trail who sounds like they were named by cartoon characters, you have discovered trail names! And today we’ll share everything you need to know about this fun trail tradition. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of gear that will make you 10% more attractive, 30% smarter, and 98% protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple mnemonic for what to do during a bear attack. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Henry David Thoreau.

092: Am I Going to Die? Aug 16, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, don’t die! If you’re nervous about getting out on the trail, we’ll share the top 5 ways people die and how to avoid them…mostly. Then we’ll share a water-proof, wind-proof, lightning-proof way to make music on the trail. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple trick that makes using the bathroom just a little bit easier. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Susan Polis Schutz.

091: A Beginner Forever Aug 09, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re new to backpacking, how long are you allowed to claim that beginner status? And what does it mean to be a beginner? Then on today’s Top 5 List, are you ready to go tentless? We’ll share some benefits. Next on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has a pack that shaves ounces, while being tougher than your grandpa’s drill sergeant. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple and cheap way to get double the insulation.

090: HANG: The Hammock Camping Episode Aug 02, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, HANG: The Hammock Camping Episode! We’ve always schlepped a tent while backpacking, but recently our eyes were opened to the other options on the trail. And today, we’re all about the possibilities that hammock camping opens up to backpackers. Next, the SUMMIT Gear Review turns into the SUMMIT Gear Dump, as we unload the box of gear that was loaned to us for our first hammock trip. Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick way to find the perfect distance between two trees.

089: Backpacking in the Olympics Jul 26, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, with Summer Olympics coming soon, we have one question on our minds: why isn’t backpacking an Olympic sport? Then on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll peruse an issue of Backpacker Magazine from 40 years ago and see what catches our eye. On Ready for Adventure, the Olympics do have backpacking! On the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll share a listener’s life hack. And we’ll wrap up the show with our good friend on the trail, Horace Kephart.

088: Setting Reasonable Expectations Jul 19, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ll talk about setting reasonable expectations—and why it will make your trip even better! Then, our Top 5 List will give you some great ideas for how to say happy birthday on the trail—without the mess of confetti or balloons. Next on the SUMMIT Gear Review, an upgrade for your Nalgene water bottle that will save you the embarrassment of spilled water in your lap. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, learn the trick for getting closer to one more birthday.

087: Scoutmaster for a Day Jul 12, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, you have one hour to teach half a dozen 12-13 year old boy scouts a handful of backpacking basics. Where to begin…? Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a day pack that has the potential to fit a few extras for an overnight out and back. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a little variety goes a long way—and we’ll show you the best place to stock up on a load of trail worthy snacks. Then we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from Sheridan Anderson.

086: BUDGET: The Spending Episode Jul 05, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, BUDGET: The Spending Episode. Does a budget truly limit us, or does it save us from stupid purchases we would make if we had unlimited resources? Today you’ll hear how Josh and Heather work through budgeting decisions when it comes to backpacking gear. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, if you want easy access to 7 liters of M&Ms, we’ve got the perfect pack for you. Then on today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, seventeen cents doesn’t go very far in today’s world, but on the trail it gets you through another day. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Horace Kephart.

085: MacGyver Moments Jun 28, 2016

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’ve ever been involved in a wild international caper involving Caribbean terrorists, a stolen helicopter, and a roll of duct tape, you might be MacGyver. But if you’ve ever eaten a freeze dried meal with a titanium tent stake, you might be a backpacker. Then on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll help you with a simple numbers decision. For the SUMMIT Gear review, we’ll be reviewing a tent that is light—literally! On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, we’re going to talk about something that is simply bulgar.

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