All posts by Heather

093: What’s Up With Queen Moonracer?

Audio

Podcast: Download (Duration: 25:56 — 26.6MB)

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’ve ever met someone on the trail who sounds like they were named by cartoon characters, you have discovered trail names! And today we’ll share everything you need to know about this fun trail tradition.  Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of gear that will make you 10% more attractive, 30% smarter, and 98% protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays.  On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple mnemonic for what to do during a bear attack.  And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Henry David Thoreau.

Show Notes →

092: Am I Going to Die?

Audio

Podcast: Download (Duration: 26:17 — 26.9MB)

Today on the First 40 Miles, don’t die!  If you’re nervous about getting out on the trail, we’ll share the top 5 ways people die and how to avoid them…mostly.  Then we’ll share a water-proof, wind-proof, lightning-proof way to make music on the trail.  For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple trick that makes using the bathroom just a little bit easier.  And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Susan Polis Schutz.

Show Notes →

091: A Beginner Forever

Audio

Podcast: Download (Duration: 33:49 — 33.8MB)

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re new to backpacking, how long are you allowed to claim that beginner status?  And what does it mean to be a beginner?  Then on today’s Top 5 List, are you ready to go tentless?  We’ll share some benefits.  Next on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has a pack that shaves ounces, while being tougher than your grandpa’s drill sergeant.  On the Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple and cheap way to get double the insulation.

Show Notes →

090: HANG: The Hammock Camping Episode

Audio

Podcast: Download (Duration: 32:08 — 32.3MB)

Today on the First 40 Miles, HANG: The Hammock Camping Episode!  We’ve always schlepped a tent while backpacking, but recently our eyes were opened to the other options on the trail.  And today, we’re all about the possibilities that hammock camping opens up to backpackers.  Next, the SUMMIT Gear Review turns into the SUMMIT Gear Dump, as we unload the box of gear that was loaned to us for our first hammock trip.  Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick way to find the perfect distance between two trees. 

Show Notes →

089: Backpacking in the Olympics

Audio

Podcast: Download (Duration: 34:48 — 34.7MB)

Today on the First 40 Miles, with Summer Olympics coming soon, we have one question on our minds: why isn’t backpacking an Olympic sport?  Then on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll peruse an issue of Backpacker Magazine from 40 years ago and see what catches our eye.  On Ready for Adventure, the Olympics do have backpacking!   On the Backpack Hack of the Week, we’ll share a listener’s life hack.  And we’ll wrap up the show with our good friend on the trail, Horace Kephart.

Show Notes →