201: Cowboy Camping

Show Notes: Episode 201

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ll talk about cowboy camping and why we tried it.  Then a story from a listener about how she transitioned from car camping to backpacking.  Today’s hack is a great way to repurpose an old towel, and we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from someone who knew the answer to life’s question!

Opening

Top 5 Tips for Cowboy Camping

Pick a warmish, dry night

  • Low 50s
  • Dry

Pack a waterproof ground cover

  • We used a patio window insulation kit
  • $12

Pack warmer

  • You’ll be missing the 5-10 degrees of warmth and wind protection that a tent provides

Plan for bugs

  • Permethrin is a great way to treat clothes/sleeping bag exterior
  • Ticks, mosquitoes

Have an emergency shelter on hand

  • Something that can keep you dry in case it starts raining or snowing
  • We brought the Appy Trails Mark V tent with us on our PCT Section hike so we could fit us and our two boys–just in case

NOTE:

Be sure to open your eyes in the middle of the night—the stars are amazing!

Story from Listener Michelle G.

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Terrycloth Cotton Towel Squares

  • 3”x3”
  • Repurposed towel
  • Perfect for scrubbing feet at night
  • Can be reused

Trail Wisdom

“The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘YES!’ to your adventure.”
—Joseph Campbell