099: BLINK: The Eyes Episode

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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 wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Helen Keller.

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098: Seeing Beyond the Marketing Hype

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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.  And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from the son of an organist and an anarchist.

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097: Google Trails

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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.

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096: The Last Trip of the Summer

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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. 

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095: TWO: The Couples Episode

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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 we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom that just may save your relationship.

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