The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Latest Episodes:

144: Barefoot Backpacking Aug 15, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, one of the best feelings after a long day of hiking is that moment when you unlace your boots and toss them next to your pack. But have you ever thought about ditching your boots altogether? We’ll share some benefits of lightening up and going more minimalist with your footwear—maybe even barefoot. Then we’ll review a pair of shoes from Vibram that will practically gift wrap your feet in Japanese wrapping cloth. Next, we’ll help you crack the code on how to find long, winding trails.

143: Summer Update Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve been planning this summer for the past year…and it did not disappoint—and it’s not even over yet. We’ll give you a mid-summer update on what we’ve been up to and the trails we’ve hiked. Then, we'll share a hack from a real live Philmont Scout Ranger! And we'll wrap up with a little trail wisdom that will leave you feeling refreshed.

142: TICKS: The Parasitic Arachnid Episode Aug 01, 2017

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Today on the First 40 Miles, TICKS: The Parasitic Arachnid Episode. If you gross out easily when people are talking about blood sucking parasites, we give you full permission to skip this episode. However, if you’re kinda curious about ticks, how to keep them away and what to do if you end up being a host, then listen on. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review we’ll share an innovative way to remove ticks. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, an item you may already have in your first aid kit that will ensure a quick and easy way to say goodbye to any hitchhikers--plus we’ll dispel some dangerous myths that are still circulating about how to remove a tick.

141: Staying Cool Jul 25, 2017

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Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re too darned hot, today’s episode will give you some ideas for cooling down. And we’ll keep the heat coming with a review on a fire starter that’s non-toxic, long burning and waterproof. Then, on the Backpack Hack of the Week you’ll learn how create your own ultralight human powered AC unit (is that overselling it a bit?)

140: College of Blister Knowledge Jul 18, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, for everyone else it’s summer vacation, but not for you. We’ve enrolled you in summer school. Welcome to the College of Blister Knowledge. We’re glad you popped in! We’re going to do all we can today to prevent this universal trail trial. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a water filter that performs equally well in nearly dry creek beds or rushing glacial run-off. And one of our first 40 milers will share a wild trip he took with some friends.

139: Giving Back to The Trails You Love Jul 11, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re on site at Heather Lake in Washington State with Rudy from the Cascade Hiker podcast. We’ll talk about trail service and pulaskis. Then, we’ll review a lightweight container than can hold your precious habanero flakes or a week’s worth of ibuprofen. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick flick of your foot may prevent a trail full of mug bogs. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom, from a nature writer of the 20^th century.

138: TREASURE HUNT: The Geocaching Episode Jul 04, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, The Geocaching Episode. We’ll show you how to turn a simple hike into a bushwhacking treasure hunt and we’ll walk you through the steps to incorporate this fun activity into your next outdoor adventure. Then, a feature-rich solar charger that can power your next backpacking trip. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a free app that will get you started Geocaching in minutes.

137: Getting Social on the Trail Jun 27, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, how do you find people to hike with? We’ll play a fun game today to see if we can answer that question. Then we’ll review a 3 liter water storage reservoir that has a unique blasting feature. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, have you ever made up constellation names just to impress your hiking mates? Not only is that hilarious, but it’s also avoidable—and we’ll show you how. Then a little trail wisdom from a man who wished to live deliberately.

136: Move to Backpack, Backpack to Move Jun 20, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, a hiker, a backpacker and a biomechanist all walk up to a bar. What they do next might just surprise you. On today’s Top 5 List, we’ll talk about how another podcaster we listen to has changed---nay---revolutionized the way we move. Then we’ll review some stretchy pants that allow freedom of movement along with the power of wool. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a movement hack provided by Katy herself.

135: Dreaming of Trail Time Jun 13, 2017

Show notes

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re planning your first backpacking trip, you may have some visions in your head about what it will be like. We’ll help you prep for your dream trip. On Today’s Top 5 List, you’ll learn the 5 things to keep in your car that will help you upon your return. Then, on the Summit Gear Review, a battery that can charge your cell phone and your car! Next, a listener shares a story of an unexpected incredible experience.

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