084: Nature is the Birthplace of Creativity

Today on the First 40 Miles, if necessity is the mother of invention, then nature is the maternity ward. Then on today’s top 5 list, we’ll share the 5 types of YouTubers that you should check out before your next trip. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, one of the ten essentials just became a little more compact. Next on the Backpack Hack of the Week, a zero gram trail game that will keep everyone entertained around the campfire. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a guy who looks and talks exactly like Henry David Thoreau. No wait, no, that is Henry David Thoreau.

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083: Lessons from Dad

Today on the First 40 Miles, fathers play such a critical role in helping their children discover and love the outdoors. Today we celebrate and honor Fathers for their role in family adventures! Then, today’s Top 5 List, we spotlight the “Father of Our National Parks”. Next, on Ready for Adventure, we plan a backpacking trip along the Batona Trail in New Jersey. For Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll share a hack that is totally gross, but hey, it works. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from, well, not John Muir. He already got a turn.

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082: CLICK 2.0: The Photography Technique Episode

Today on the First 40 Miles, CLICK 2.0, The Photography Technique Episode. If you’ve ever wondered how to capture starlight or soften a bubbling brook, we’ll have some beginner outdoor photography tips that will help you crack the code. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, if a full sized tripod and some tent poles got married, we have a pretty good idea of what their kids would look like. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, Josh geeks out and shares an open source software plug in that will turn you into the next Ansel Adams. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little philosophy.

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081: Perfect Popcorn on the Trail

Today on the First 40 Miles, backpackers spend their time in the backcountry, but your first outdoor experiences were probably in the frontcountry. We’ll explain the difference! Then on today’s Top 5 List, you’ll learn the key factors for making perfect popcorn on the trail—a skill that we don’t take lightly. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’re trying a twist on the classic Buff. Next on the Backpack Hack of the Week, learn a simple first aid hack that will change the way you look at your fast food garbage.

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080: Managing Your Risk

Today on the First 40 Miles, staying inside has its benefits. No risk, but, no reward. On today’s Top 5 List we’ll help you put together your risk management plan. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a lightweight, stuffable daypack that’s the perfect stowaway for your next backpacking trip. Next, on today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, it's time to get organized.  And we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom that may help you to slow down a little.

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