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....
May 22, 2018•32 min
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.
May 15, 2018•23 min
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.
May 08, 2018•28 min
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.
May 01, 2018•37 min
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.
Apr 24, 2018•32 min
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.
Apr 17, 2018•31 min
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.
Apr 10, 2018•26 min
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.
Apr 03, 2018•38 min
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.
Mar 27, 2018•38 min
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.
Mar 20, 2018•29 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, have you ever thought about how your skills as a backpacker can be a huge benefit to yourself and others during a natural disaster? Today we’ll share a story from a listener who experienced the devastation in Puerto Rico. Then, we’ll share a survival hack that will turn your empty pack into something that everyone should have—just in case.
Mar 13, 2018•35 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we talk about our latest project, a children’s book designed to help get kids outside. An on-the-fly top 5 list emerges as Josh and Heather plan ahead for future episodes. Then we each share one of our favorite “must-have” backpacking items. Next, a super-healthy, super-crunchy trail snack that can be ready in minutes. And we'll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a couple of nutty backpacking podcasters.
Mar 06, 2018•30 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, Once you’ve got survival in the woods figured out, maybe you’re ready to take it to the next level. We’ve got the top 5 secondary survival essentials to round out your outdoor experience. Then, we’ll review a stove and pot combo that will help you cook up your latest trail cuisine experiment. And if you’re not feeling like any culinary experimentation, we’ll share a food hack that’s under a buck and requires no dishwashing.
Feb 27, 2018•34 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re most of the way through winter—and we’ve survived! And for today’s top 5 list, we’ll share some survival essentials—known to the bushcrafters as "the five Cs". Then we’ll share one of the best subscription boxes we’ve found, that will help you hone your survival skills into a craft. Next, a backpack hack that’ll prepare you for surviving laundry.
Feb 20, 2018•26 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we took off for 24 hours to enjoy a little Northwest winter backpacking trip. We’ll share our top 5 experiments plus our brush with death! And if you’ve ever wondered how to start a fire after a soil-drenching rainstorm, we’ll show you what worked for us. Then we’ll give you a hack that will make your winter fires burn cleaner, hotter and more efficiently.
Feb 13, 2018•35 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, Ounce for ounce, down is the warmest insulating material available—but where does it come from, how do synthetics match up, and did Neil Sedaka really write a song about his down puffy? Then we’ll review a sleeping bag that not only harnesses the power of down, but also uses a unique closure system. And if you’ve avoided down because of allergies, we have a simple trick that just may save you a box of Kleenex.
Feb 06, 2018•31 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re trying to get your pack weight down, but the numbers just don’t want to budge, we have a new challenge for you. Reduce. Your. Volume. We’ll share 5 ways to take up less space. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, would you trust a stuff sack made of tissue paper? For the same weight, we’ll give you a much better option. Then, a quick hack that will help you streamline your bathroom time.
Jan 30, 2018•28 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, Friday night is always date night, and for this week’s date night, we’re packing and prepping for a quick winter backpacking trip—and we’ll tell you why. Then, we’ll review a sleeping pad with a 4.4 R-value that is a win for budget minded backpackers. And we’ve got the perfect hack that will make your sleeping pad stay in place.
Jan 23, 2018•35 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, for whatever reason, maybe you’re not going to be able to get out hiking or backpacking for a while. That’s ok! We’ll help you immerse yourself in the experience without leaving home. Then we’ll review a huge tarp that will give you all the coverage you need. Then we’ll show you ”the place to go when you can’t go backpacking”. And we’ll wrap up the show with some strong words from someone who always seemed to have time to get outdoors.
Jan 16, 2018•28 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, while looking for your next hike or backpacking trip, it’s easy to lose track of time reading colorful, inspiring trip reports. We’ll help you decipher some uncommon words and phrases you may run across in your reading. Then we’ll review some dreamy socks that are getting a cult following among thru hikers. And we’ll give you access to the secret government code book to decipher trip reports.
Jan 09, 2018•30 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re always up for a challenge—and that challenge was to have a zero waste backpacking trip—no wrappers, no garbage, no junk. We’ll share what we did and how it worked out. Then we’ll review an all-natural way to package and protect your food, that uses no plastic, foil or mylar. And you’ll learn a backpack hack that will turn your used food packaging into tinder.
Jan 02, 2018•22 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, incredible trail reports peppered with phrases like stunning views , photographer’s dream , and crystal lake can almost make you ignore other phrases like aggressive ascent , grueling , or sheer rock . How can you tell if your hike is a good match for your skill level? Then, we’ll share a fun trip report from a listener in Australia where our winter is their summer. Next, a recipe from our new book “Trail Grazing” that will keep your fueled and happy on your next out...
Dec 26, 2017•27 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, our family did something that exercised our risk muscle and prepared us for some interesting side trails on autumn and spring backpacking trips. We went mushroom hunting without someone holding our hand! Then we’ll review a sturdy piece of outdoor gear that will give you a place to organize mushrooms, do a little outdoor sketching and maybe some meal prep.
Dec 19, 2017•29 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we went on our first mushroom hunt and lived to tell the tale! Today we’ll share the treasures we found in the forest and we’ll share what we learned. Then, our trip guide from the Oregon Mycological Society, Leah, tells her story of how she entered the world of mushrooms. And we have some fun audio from the mushroom identification session at the end of our hunt.
Dec 12, 2017•33 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, how do you communicate from point A when your friends are at point B? One of our listeners clued us in to how he stays connected with trail mates while backpacking. Then we’ll review the communication device we’ve been using plus teach you a simple code you wished you would have known when you were passing notes in 4th grade. And we’ll leave you with some trail wisdom that will help you fine tune your communication skills on and off the trail.
Dec 05, 2017•39 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, when you’re new to backpacking and hiking, you probably have good sized list of things to worry about. We’ll help you add an item to your “do not worry” list—and give you some ways to be proactive. Then we’ll review a simple 100% wool beanie that was so great, we bought it again. Next, a hack that can help you add 24 hours onto your next trip—or can be a life-saving backup plan.
Nov 28, 2017•27 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re at the time of year when hiking and backpacking have unique challenges—and we’re up to the challenge! Listen in on our planning session, then find out which dayhike gets the top vote. Next, a man, a plan, a can—a Canjo! Believe it or not, we found another trail-worthy instrument that can help you while away the dark winter nights (and the dark winter days). And we’ll share a backpackable recipe that will probably push you over your Pumpkin Pie Spice threshold....
Nov 21, 2017•35 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, there is nothing wrong with taking the slow route. Start now and you’ll be ready when everyone else is rushing and cramming last minute. On today’s top 5 list, a common kitchen ingredient that will change the way you backpack. Then, a review of a backpacking pant that stretches, breathes, and moves. And we’ll share a hack that will keep you balanced.
Nov 14, 2017•35 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, follow us on a whim to the land of crispy crust and creamy mozzarella, where the sauce is rich and spicy and the toppings are bountiful and varied. We’re going to make pizza! This episode is for everyone from the kitchen challenged to the culinary adventurers. So set aside your freeze dried sweet and sour textured vegetable protein, and let’s make pizza!
Nov 07, 2017•31 min
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve talked about foraging for food of the leafy green variety—but what about foraging for the creepy crawly variety? We’ll talk about edible bugs and try to make it sound delicious. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a true backpacking classic finds it’s place in our pack. Then, instead of jumping at every twig snap you hear in the forest, we’ll teach you how to be the one doing the twig snapping.
Oct 31, 2017•29 min
