144: Barefoot Backpacking

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Today on the First 40 Miles, one of the best feelings after a long day of hiking is that moment when you unlace your boots and toss them next to your pack.  But have you ever thought about ditching your boots altogether?  We’ll share some benefits of lightening up and going more minimalist with your footwear—maybe even barefoot.  Then we’ll review a pair of shoes from Vibram that will practically gift wrap your feet in Japanese wrapping cloth.  Next, we’ll help you crack the code on how to find long, winding trails.

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143: Summer Update

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Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve been planning this summer for the past year…and it did not disappoint—and it’s not even over yet.  We’ll give you a mid-summer update on what we’ve been up to and the trails we’ve hiked.  Then, we'll share a hack from a real live Philmont Scout Ranger!  And we'll wrap up with a little trail wisdom that will leave you feeling refreshed.

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142: TICKS: The Parasitic Arachnid Episode

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Today on the First 40 Miles, TICKS: The Parasitic Arachnid Episode.  If you gross out easily when people are talking about blood sucking parasites, we give you full permission to skip this episode.  However, if you’re kinda curious about ticks, how to keep them away and what to do if you end up being a host, then listen on.  Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review we’ll share an innovative way to remove ticks.  For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, an item you may already have in your first aid kit that will ensure a quick and easy way to say goodbye to any hitchhikers--plus we’ll dispel some dangerous myths that are still circulating about how to remove a tick.

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141: Staying Cool

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Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re too darned hot, today’s episode will give you some ideas for cooling down.  And we’ll keep the heat coming with a review on a fire starter that’s non-toxic, long burning and waterproof.  Then, on the Backpack Hack of the Week you’ll learn how create your own ultralight human powered AC unit (is that overselling it a bit?)

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140: College of Blister Knowledge

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Today on the First 40 Miles, for everyone else it’s summer vacation, but not for you.  We’ve enrolled you in summer school.  Welcome to the College of Blister Knowledge.  We’re glad you popped in!  We’re going to do all we can today to prevent this universal trail trial.  Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a water filter that performs equally well in nearly dry creek beds  or rushing glacial run-off.  And one of our first 40 milers will share a wild trip he took with some friends. 

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