The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Latest Episodes
204: So, How Was Your Hike?
Today on the First 40 Miles, maybe you’ve posted a few pics of your backpacking trip on social media, and now everyone is asking you “So…How was your trip?” What’s the best way to respond? Then we have a listener story from Mason who let his adventur...
203: Pardon Our Dust
Today on the First 40 Miles, all of our backpacking gear is in moving boxes, sitting in the barn, waiting for us to unpack them! We’re keeping the podcast going through our move, and we couldn’t have done it without a few of our fabulous listeners who...
202: The Slow, Methodical Accumulation of Gear
Today on the First 40 Miles, so you’re convinced! Backpacking is your new thing and you’re headed out to buy the latest and best of everything from the packing list. Wait! We’ll share a few reasons to slow down before you buy.
201: Cowboy Camping
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ll talk about cowboy camping and why we tried it. Then a story from a listener about how she transitioned from car camping to backpacking. Today’s hack is a great way to repurpose an old towel,
200: A Week on the Pacific Crest Trail
Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re live on the Pacific Crest Trail!
199: REFLECTIONS: The Four Year Anniversary of Our First Backpacking Trip Together
Today on the First 40 Miles, we get a little nostalgic whenever September rolls around. This week marks the 4 year anniversary of our first 40 miles—the trip Josh and I took together with friends around Mt. Hood.
198: Rewired Backpacking Brain
Today on the First 40 Miles, wilderness backpacking has the power to rewire your brain—and we’ll share the top 5 ways it’s changed us. Then, an epic way to stay clean while backpacking. Next a listener shares her one pound solution for oil painting o...
197: Anxiety on the Trail
Today on the First 40 Miles, when hiking or backpacking, our whole goal is to move forward, otherwise we’d just set up our tent in the parking lot. But what do you do when anxiety stops your progress? We have some tools that will help.
196: Lightning Safety
Today on the First 40 Miles, I was wondering what today’s episode should be about… and then it struck me. Today we’ll chat about lightning safety. Nothing shocking. We promise to conduct ourselves appropriately.
195: A LONG HIKE: Prepping for a Weeklong Trip
Today on the First 40 Miles, this week we’ll talk about an upcoming weeklong trip and what we’re doing to prepare. Then, if you’ve got an itch to hit the trail, but you have no gear, we’ll hook you up with a company who can supply the gear for your fi...