064: CHILL: The Winter Backpacking Episode

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Today on The First 40 Miles, is backpacking just a summer fling? We’ll talk about the challenges of winter backpacking, and how to remain thermally neutral. Then, if you’ve ever dreamed of wrapping your legs in merino and baby alpaca fiber, then your dreams are about to come true on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review. Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week, the forest has no lost and found, but it does have some handy free stuff laying around that you can use if you lose some gear. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the hills and fells, Chris Townsend.

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063: Outdoor Themes for 2016

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Today on The First 40 Miles, what happens when thousands of outdoorsy people get together in one place? A city full of happy and healthy people. Then, on today’s top 5 list, we’ll share the top 5 themes that have tree-huggers, peak-baggers and hill-hikers all excited. Next, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, you’ll find out which knife replaced the heirloom that Josh has been carrying since he was a scout. On the Backpack Hack of the week, you’ll learn how to use your fuel can to track fuel consumption. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, again, Mr. Emerson.

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062: Is the Pack Half Full or Half Empty?

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Today on The First 40 Miles, is the pack half full or half empty? How you answer that question may determine your experience on the trail. We’ll share five tips for new backpackers that will help ensure that your next trip will be even better than your last! Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a solution for hikers who don’t want to waste a minute fumbling with shoelaces. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, an “Oh Duh!” solution to keep your homemade meals from tipping over. And we’ll leave you today with a little trail wisdom from our good friend Henry.

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061: The Perfect Gateway Activity

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Today on The First 40 Miles, are you looking to persuade a friend or family member to come backpacking with you? We’ve got the perfect gateway activity to start them off with. Then, if you haven’t found the perfect knife from the wagon of the village peddler, we’ll give you an even better place to start. On the SUMMIT Gear Review, a multiuse piece of gear that can go from pack to trail and right back to pack. Then on the Backpack Hack of the Week, 420 calories and no mess. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, William O Douglas

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060: FIX: The Gear Maintenance and Repair Episode

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Today on The First 40 Miles, if you’re scared to take your brand new gear out into the rough and wild wilderness because you think it might get damaged, have no fear! This episode is dedicated to making sure your gear stays in top form, regardless of the elements. You’ll learn the top 5 things you can do when good gear goes bad. Then, the SUMMIT Gear Review turns into the SUMMIT Gear Hospital, as we search and rescue gear that has flatlined. On the Backpack Hack of the Week, learn the critical pieces of a DIY Custom Repair Kit.

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