The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast


Latest Episodes

184: Camp Chores
May 22, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, after a long, glorious day of hiking, you arrive into camp and you can relax.  Almost.  We’ll share a few things you’ll need to do first that will make it so you can truly kick back.  Then,

183: Taking Some Friends Along
May 15, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re planning a family backpacking trip with another family who hasn’t been backpacking before.  What can we do to give them a great introduction to the wilderness?  Then we’ll share a listener story about his introduction...

182: Tinkering with Tarps
May 08, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, what do you get when you mix the ancient Japanese art of paper folding with a huge sheet of silnylon?  Tarpigami.  We’ll talk tarps today and learn about some of the risks and rewards of changing up your shelter.  Then,

181: Raising the Next Generation of Hikers and Backpackers
May 01, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, it’s too hard.  I’m too tired.  I just can’t.  Is resilience a lost skill?  And how can we pass it on to the next generation?  On today’s Top 5 List we’ll talk about how to raise the next generation of strong hikers and bac...

180: Do You Know What You Signed Up For?
April 24, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, are you sure you want to go backpacking?  Do you know what you’re signing up for?  We’ll wisen you up a little.  On today’s Top 5 List, learn what not to do on your first backpacking trip.

179: Spring Break at the Metolius River
April 17, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, we report on our spring break adventure to the Metolius River.  Then, we'll review an ultralight headlamp from UCO.  Today's Backpack Hack of the Week will give you a good reason to knock marshmallows off your packing list....

178: Test of Time
April 10, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, some gear is fun for just a few trips, but other gear stands the test of time.  We’re going back into The First 40 Miles Archives, to find out which gear made the final cut.  Then,

177: BEGINNERS: One Step at a Time
April 03, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re a beginner backpacker, you are on the threshold of one of the most thrilling adventures of your life.   We’ll help you navigate this new adventure with confidence.  For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review,

176: The Importance of Redundancy
March 27, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re bringing something on a backpacking trip “just in case”, there’s a good chance you’ll probably never use that item.  How do you know which “just in case” items are actually important?  Then,

175: Backpacking is Better With Friends
March 20, 2018

Today on the First 40 Miles, hockey may be better with Wayne Gretsky, but who are the people you want to backpack with?  Then on today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a gear repair that takes 15 minutes, and leaves your gear looking cooler, by far,