Today on The First 40 Miles, PRIVVY: The Bathroom Episode. Find out why this episode made it on our list of evergreen episodes. Then, learn the answers to the Top 5 Potty Questions: Things to Know Before You Go. Then, the SUMMIT Gear Review turns into the SUMMIT Smackdown as two trowels go head to head as they battle for a place in your pack. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll teach you a skill that Asians have known about for centuries--if not millennia. And we’ll wrap up the show with a l...
Jul 07, 2015•33 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, the Top 5 ways to show your love for America’s public lands. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review we’ll show you how to sleep in pure comfort on a pad the size of a Nalgene bottle. Then ditch the toothpaste and try this simple DIY option for a clean mouth. Then we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom from a brilliant German theoretical physicist.
Jun 30, 2015•32 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, the Top 5 reasons not to sweat It on the trail. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review™, we’ll show you a pair of pants that will stand up to unexpected rain storms and puddle jumps. On the Backpack Hack of the Week™, we’ll introduce you to the classics. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a guy who does NOT live in a hole in the ground filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or...
Jun 23, 2015•32 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, the Top 5 List for Totally Fun Summertime Backpacking Gear. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll show you the simplest way to drink 500 liters of water. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll explain a cool trick that dads can do to impress their kids while on their next backpacking adventure. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a quotologist.
Jun 16, 2015•29 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, The Top 5 way to kick the stories and the one-upping into high gear around the campfire. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a multi-use bear canister that may help you cook dinner. On The Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll show you how to carry oil in a way that is 99.99% leak-proof. An we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend, science fiction writer Frank Herbert.
Jun 09, 2015•32 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, SHORT AND SWEET: The Children + Backpacking Episode. We have The Top 5 Outdoor Skills Every Child Should Know. Then we review a backpacking essential that will last your kids from age 10 to age 18. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll share our recipe for the #1 kid- requested trail energy bar. And we’ll leave you with some trail wisdom and some dates to put in your calendar!
Jun 02, 2015•31 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, The Top 5 Tips that will help you make it through the tough uphill climbs. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll show you a vast improvement to the humble hiking stick. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, noodles noodle everywhere. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from Mr. Emerson.
May 26, 2015•29 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, The Top 5 New Things Heather Wants to Try on a Future Backpacking Trip. The SUMMIT Gear Review will show you the best place to take a nap on the trail. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, we will teach you a paradox of the trail—how to clean with dirt. We’ll share a little redneck style humor and then wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a man with the longest resume in the west!
May 19, 2015•28 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, we discover how a simple glitch submarined a recent Kickstarter campaign we shared with you. Then, school graduation is coming up and we have the perfect gear guide for your backpacking grad! On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we offer a simple solution to warmth, comfort and light on the trail. The Backpack Hack of the Week may save you some extra cash to put toward a new gear purchase. And the Backpackers Q + A will make sense of the piles of gear, stuff sacks and mayo pac...
May 12, 2015•30 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, it’s our Women + Backpacking Episode! We’ll share the top 5 questions about Women and Backpacking and what to do to prepare for a successful trip. On the SUMMIT™ Gear Review, we’ll teach you the Mayan name for Bonefish and why it matters! On The Backpack Hack of the Week™ we’ll share a $1 solution to the most common female complaint on the trail. Then we’ll answer a question that applies to folks with long hair.
May 05, 2015•30 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, we’ll take a peak at the magical time between peak season and off peak season. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, you’ll meet the short, powerful cousin of the JetBoil Flash. Next, if you’ve always wanted to try Canadian cuisine, but were afraid to ask, we’ll give you the perfect recipe on the Backpack Hack of the Week. On the Backpackers Q+A, Mike from Utah has some questions about packs for all ages. Then we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good frie...
Apr 28, 2015•28 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, we’ll take you on our Spring Break backpacking trip through the amazing Redwood Forest. Then we’ll talk a little trash and answer the question “What do I do with my garbage on the trail?” On the SUMMIT Gear Review™, we’ll review the #1 most popular backpacking item on our family’s Spring Break trip. Then on the Backpack Hack of the Week™ we’ll teach you a $2 trick that will get your fire started in seconds. We’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a US ...
Apr 21, 2015•28 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, Heather shares a little trail wisdom she picked up from an airplane magazine. Next, the top 5 reasons why wearing pants is a good idea (do we need 5 reasons to wear pants?) On the SUMMIT Gear Review™, we’ll show you a quick way to make fire. On the Backpack Hack of the Week™, you’ll save some grams and gain some peace of mind with disposable documents. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Pulitzer Prize Winning Poet...
Apr 14, 2015•28 min
Today on The First 40 Miles, We have a big announcement to make that we know you’ll love! Then on our Top 5 List you’ll learn the secrets that Willie Nelson has known for years. Then the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll combine chocolate, almond butter and coconut in a way that is guaranteed to bring you joy—almond joy. The Backpackers Q+A give you three options for freeze dried meals, but you’ll have to take the quiz to find out which one fits. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wis...
Apr 07, 2015•27 min
We’re excited to share some Kickstarter stories that will spotlight creativity that benefits backpackers. Then, in celebration of April Fools Day, we give you 5 cringe-worthy pranks that will leave your trail mates wondering why they invited you. Then the SUMMIT™ Gear Review features a puffy that retains 96% of its warmth—even when wet! The Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you a simple trick to win the Man vs Paracord battle. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a rando...
Mar 31, 2015•25 min
This land was made for you and me and 132,000 acres of Redwood trees in the Redwood National and State Park. Next, we share our top 5 tips for planning backpacking trips in the National Forests. The SUMMIT Gear Review will show you a first aid essential that is lighter than a band-aid. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn a simple trick to reduce pack bulk. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, writer and anthropologist, Richard Nelso...
Mar 24, 2015•22 min
Today on The First 40 Miles we’ll talk about combining backpacking with trail service. Next, the Top 5 ways to blow your backpacking budget. The SUMMIT Gear Review™ we’ll show you how to protect dry stuff from wet stuff. Then for the Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you an easy way to keep grit on the trail and out of your shoes. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Ralph.
Mar 17, 2015•26 min
Today we celebrate International Day of Awesomeness! We talk about finding awesome "backpackable" trails. Next, Heather shares her current bucket list of hikes. Then, learn about an ultralight food prep bag, and get a recipe to go with it. Fictitious listener, Dale in Oklahoma sends in a question about water filtering.
Mar 10, 2015•25 min
Want to avoid muscle soreness? It may be preventable! Next, on the Ready for Adventure segment, we’ll see if TSA is ready for Heather’s backpacking trip to Tuscon. On the Backpack Hack of the Week™ you’ll learn the French word for “Pony” and why it matters on the trail. Then we’ll answer a REAL listener question in Backpackers Q+A. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from an American poet who must love you very much.
Mar 03, 2015•25 min
Heather shares a reason to listen to some brotherly advice. Then, we have a new feature that will get you Ready for Adventure! On the Backpack Hack of the Week™ you’ll learn how to have the nicest looking waterproof matches on the trail. A fictitious listener sends in a question to the First 40 Miles. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from an absolute saint.
Feb 24, 2015
What’s the view like out of a motel room window? We bet any tent view can beat that! Next, if today’s Top 5 list doesn’t work, then maybe some well-placed duct tape over the mouth will. The SUMMIT™ Gear Review will review The Weather-Proof Paper that Wasn’t. The Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you a simple solution that will keep your your muddy shoes from deteriorating your valuable gear. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from a well-known doctor.
Feb 17, 2015•23 min
Sometimes the hardest part of a hike is the eight hours when your feet aren’t moving. Learn some tried and true tips for sleeping while on your next backpacking trip. The Top 5 List will give you some great insights for “hiking your own hike” to maximize personal growth. Next, Heather and Josh review a lightning fast way to boil water for your next freeze dried meal. Then, the humble dollar store liquid laundry detergent bottle comes to the rescue to help banish the dreaded 'trail stank'....
Feb 10, 2015•26 min
Heather and Josh share some innovative backpacking gear from Kickstarter.com . Next, you’ll learn about the top 5 pack messes and how to avoid them. Then we’ll review a pair of socks made by some hard-working worms. The Backpack Hack of the Week™ features an easy way to keep a lid on leftovers.
Feb 03, 2015•28 min
In this episode, we’ll talk about common fears on the trail and how to deal with them. Then we’ll share some high calorie trail snacks from a specialty food store that has been nicknamed “The Backpackers 7-Eleven.” The SUMMIT™ Gear Review will review a trail luxury that will keep you pumped up (without caffeine!). Next, the Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you a sweet and simple way to add fuel to your internal furnace.
Jan 27, 2015•27 min
The Shake Down: a trendy new dance move or a backpacking pre-trip? Next, learn a few tricks from the Boy Scouts from their iconic Merit Badge Pamphlets. Then, the Leglers revisit some rain gear that went through some blackberry vines and lived to tell the story. Lastly, Heather has invented a perfect solution to the messy bar of soap—and we promise it doesn’t use nylon stockings! You’ll love it!
Jan 20, 2015•31 min
Would you give a six year old child a box of matches and some stove fuel? The Leglers talk about how they decided what went into each of their children’s packs. Then, you’ll learn five recipes that will get you fueled up without unpacking your stove. We’ll review a multitasking piece of clothing that will change the way you keep your head protected! Then, we’ll share a no-cook breakfast recipe that comes in at 1,058 calories!
Jan 13, 2015•30 min
Learn how to outwit pesky, hungry trail rodents without dangling your food from a tree. Then, we’ll expose five ridiculous ultralight fails (HINT: Bubble wrap is for heirloom vases and vintage china). Next we review a lightweight, super durable map that would leave Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea a little jealous. And you’ll learn the trick to making unscented hand sanitizer that costs less than the gel hand sanitizer you keep in your glove box.
Jan 06, 2015•26 min
Recent research by a Kansas State physicist proves that petite folks have the advantage on the trail. Next, be sure to pack an umbrella (is this a joke?) on your next backpacking trip. On the SUMMIT™ Gear Review, we review a basic hat that left Heather’s ears out cold. And you’ll learn how to make a simple breakfast that will take you back to your idyllic childhood in the Swiss Alps.
Dec 30, 2014•21 min
Are you planning on bringing a musical instrument on your next backpacking trip? This episode may have you rethinking that “unitasker” harmonica. Next, backpackers grab an unusual piece of wood to burn to stay warm while they wait to be rescued. We'll review a women's pack, then end with the perfect calorie-dense trail dessert: chocolate!
Dec 23, 2014•27 min
Buying backpacking gear can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be! Learn the one trick that will help you buy great gear. Next, find out why you need to pack a one ounce bottle of alcohol your next trip (Hint: It's not what you think). We'll review a piece of clothing that would make your grandma jealous. And the Backpack Hack of the Week™ features a must-have item that pairs perfectly with your tube of sunscreen.
Dec 16, 2014•20 min
