Today on the First 40 Miles, If you’re planning your first overnight backpacking trip, we’ll talk about a few things that might surprise you. Next on our SUMMIT Gear Review an all-American pair of socks from a company who set out to create the best sock ever. Then, this week’s hack will get you outside, then inside, then back outside again! And we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from Mr. Frost.
Today on the First 40 Miles, each of us are in a constant state of learning, and we’re all on different paths. Today we’ll share a few things that we have learned recently. Then, a spikey way to stay on the icy, snowy trails. For our Backpack Hack of the Week, a listener shares a tip he learned from another hiker.
Today on the First 40 Miles, is it possible to go out into the wilderness with a crusty loaf and a canteen of water—and then derive everything else you need from the land? We’ll share our experiences with foraging. Then on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll share the top 5 things that Heather does on every single trip. Next, we’re skipping the SUMMIT Gear Review and having a little story time instead. Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week is a little creepy, but super useful
Show Notes: Episode 121 Today on the First 40 Miles, ROPE: The Knot Episode. We’ll be extremely judicious with the knot puns and deliver some solid info on how to start incorporating these mathematical beauties into your outdoor adventures. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a cheap way to get a whole lot of line that’ll … Continue reading 121: ROPE: The Knot Episode →
Today on the First 40 Miles, your car has a mechanic, but when it comes to good body mechanics, it’s all up to you. Find out how to prevent injury in today’s top 5 list. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of backpacking clothing that goes before the base layer. Next, a zero gram solution that will support your lower back while you’re taking a quick break. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from the Bible.
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re not made of titanium (well some people are) but most of us experience injury that can sideline us from even getting out on the trail. We’ll share some ideas that will turn that recovery time into valuable trail prep. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, Katadyn rocks the water filtration scene with a collapsible, ultralight, dead-simple filter. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn how to get your knife sharp enough to split a hair or a log…...
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ll talk about a rare but real plague of the trail—the baditude. And we’ll offer some easy solutions for how to combat it. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of gear to go with your down jacket, down sleeping bag or down booties. Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week we’ll show you how turn your plastic spoon into a weapon—no, just kidding. We’ll just show you how to extend the handle so you can eat your freeze dried food without getting your hands dirty....
Today on the First 40 Miles, RUBBISH: The Backpacking Trash Episode. We’ll answer some questions about trash on the trail, then share our top 5 favorite pieces of trash that we’ve found over this past year while hiking and backpacking. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll let you in on a fisherman’s secret for containing little bits of refuse. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick hack that will keep your pots, pans and mugs clean. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom ...
Today on the First 40 Miles, we have three stories we want to share with you today—of women on the trail—plus our takeaways from their experiences. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, an inflatable hammock that may not make it on your 40 miler, but might find a way onto your weekend two mile out and back packing list. Next, we’ll share the real recipe for a healthy, simple trail snack that almost everyone makes incorrectly. And we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom from a guy who has strong opi...
Today on the First 40 Miles, Heather is back from the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City with tales of what she saw! Next, today’s SUMMIT Gear Review features a buttery soft, ultrastrong + ultralight hammock. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you knew that a hammock had to do more than just rock you to sleep—and we’ll confirm your suspicion with today’s hack. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a guy who has some wise insight about backpacking....
Today on the First 40 Miles, we have work to do! Winter is summer prep for backpackers! Then we’ll share the top 5 extras that you’ll want to consider next time you pack. For the SUMMIT Gear Review, a daypack that packs down to the size of a baked potato. Next, a Backpack Hack of the Week that will fill up the dark winter days with a flood of backpacking memories. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from someone who knew how to hike light.
Today on the First 40 Miles, packing for a backpacking trip can sometimes look like the aftermath of an REI rummage sale. Gear everywhere. We can’t help you with that, but we’ll share some tips for packing that will make your trip go a little smoother. For today’s Summit Gear Review, a load of insulation for your next winter adventure. Next, the Backpack Hack of the Week will show you a sleeping bag hack for all you claustrophobes out there.
Today on the First 40 Miles, CREATE: The Outdoor Innovators Episode. If you’ve ever had a great idea for a piece of outdoor gear, we’ll share some stories today that will help to inspire you to take the next step. This episode will feature the creative minds behind some up and coming outdoor gear companies. Then on our Top 5 List, you’ll learn the basic steps for how to coax more great ideas out of your head and turn those ideas into the next big thing.
Today on the First 40 Miles, hiking and backpacking go together like Lewis and Clark, but is it ok have a day in the wilderness where you don’t hike at all? Absolutely! We’ll give you a few ideas for what else you can do. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a pack that is incredibly adaptable. Next, our Backpack Hack of the Week is a soul-filling pot of beans that can only be made on a zero day.
Today on the First 40 Miles, on the shortest, darkest day of the year can we still find a glimmer of light? Yes! We’ll talk about lumens, lightbulbs, and LEDs and what they can do for you in the dark. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, a flexible light that transitions seamlessly from from lantern to landing strip. Next on the Backpack Hack of the Week, if your closet is crammed with coats, we’ll help you find the perfect home for them.
Today on the First 40 Miles, if we could give a pack full of brightly wrapped gifts to each of our listeners, what would we give? Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, Columbia has cracked the code on rain gear. Next today’s Backpack Hack of the Week is a unique way to find deals ultralight backpacking gear. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom to denumb your brain.
Today on the First 40 Miles, SKETCH: Art on the Trail. If you’re inspired by purple mountains majesty, we’ll give you a few reasons why you should take the time to sketch what you see. Plus, on today’s Top 5 List we’ve put together a two ounce packing list for your artistic adventures. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, an ultralight way to liven up your plein air sketches with vibrant watercolors. Then on the Backpack Hack of the Week, an entire watercolor palette that weighs less than the toothpaste y...
Today on the First 40 Miles, we have a cookbook! And we’ll share some behind the scenes details along with some tips to help you create your own recipes! Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a flameless cooker that will keep your meals hot and toasty to the last bite. Next, our Backpack Hack of the Week is the recipe we’ve hyped for months…and we promise it’s worth it!
Today on the First 40 Miles, along with thousands of other folks this week, we'll ditch the midnight shopping, the mall mayhem and the deals on flat screen TVs for a little time on the trail. Next on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll share some gifts that just keep on giving. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a top of the line, fully featured two-way radio that has an undergrad degree in Communications, and a masters in Global Positioning. Next, our Backpack Hack of the Week will give you the map to anywh...
Today on the First 40 Miles, if your mother in law tells you there is one right way to set the table for Thanksgiving dinner, you may or may not believe her. But believe us when we say there is not one right and proper way to backpack. However there are some key elements that will ensure that your trip is safe, fun and memorable! Then, on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, accessible storage for your pack that keeps your essentials within reach. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’re going to #OptOut...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 wisd...
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. A...
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.
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.
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...
