The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Latest Episodes:

184: Camp Chores May 22, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, after a long, glorious day of hiking, you arrive into camp and you can relax. Almost. We’ll share a few things you’ll need to do first that will make it so you can truly kick back. Then, we discovered a tool that not only helps with minor trail clearing. but also earns it’s weight when it comes time to build a long-burning campfire. For today’s hack, not all putts drop—and when they don’t, you need to make sure you clean them up. We’ll show you how.

183: Taking Some Friends Along May 15, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re planning a family backpacking trip with another family who hasn’t been backpacking before. What can we do to give them a great introduction to the wilderness? Then we’ll share a listener story about his introduction to the wild woods. For Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a ten-card, 17-gram microgame that will provide minutes of fun on your next backpacking trip.

182: Tinkering with Tarps May 08, 2018

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Today on the First 40 Miles, what do you get when you mix the ancient Japanese art of paper folding with a huge sheet of silnylon? Tarpigami. We’ll talk tarps today and learn about some of the risks and rewards of changing up your shelter. Then, an ultralight shoe that fits in on the trail, in the creek or just bumming around camp. For Today’s Hack, an idiot-proof tarp shelter that you, yes, you can put up in seconds, plus a lovely little poem to go with it.

181: Raising the Next Generation of Hikers and Backpackers May 01, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, it’s too hard. I’m too tired. I just can’t. Is resilience a lost skill? And how can we pass it on to the next generation? On today’s Top 5 List we’ll talk about how to raise the next generation of strong hikers and backpackers. Then, if you’re looking for a way to introduce backpacking to new readers, we have the perfect book for you. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, an instant food option that can fill a tortilla and feed a crowd.

180: Do You Know What You Signed Up For? Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

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.

179: Spring Break at the Metolius River Apr 17, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, we report on our spring break adventure to the Metolius River. Then, we'll review an ultralight headlamp from UCO. Today's Backpack Hack of the Week will give you a good reason to knock marshmallows off your packing list. And we'll wrap up the show with some wisdom from a man who was no dummy.

178: Test of Time Apr 10, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, some gear is fun for just a few trips, but other gear stands the test of time. We’re going back into The First 40 Miles Archives, to find out which gear made the final cut. Then, we’ll dive into the five different types of trails and how to navigate them. The rest of the show is just fun and games, and we’ll wrap it all up with a quote from James Fenimore Cooper.

177: BEGINNERS: One Step at a Time Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re a beginner backpacker, you are on the threshold of one of the most thrilling adventures of your life. We’ll help you navigate this new adventure with confidence. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a monthly subscription service that will keep you excited about backpacking all year long. Today’s hack will help you repurpose a Pringles can. And we’ll leave you with some Trail Wisdom from our favorite mountain goat.

176: The Importance of Redundancy Mar 27, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re bringing something on a backpacking trip “just in case”, there’s a good chance you’ll probably never use that item. How do you know which “just in case” items are actually important? Then, a classic backpacking gear standard that’s lightweight, cheap and easy to use. And we’ll share a hack that will help slim down your trekking poles.

175: Backpacking is Better With Friends Mar 20, 2018

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, hockey may be better with Wayne Gretsky, but who are the people you want to backpack with? Then on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a gear repair that takes 15 minutes, and leaves your gear looking cooler, by far, than your friend’s gear. And we’ll share a hack from one of our listeners, Paul.

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