All posts by Heather

179: Spring Break at the Metolius River

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.  And we'll wrap up the show with some wisdom from a man who was no dummy.

Show Notes →

178: Test of Time

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, we’ll dive into the five different types of trails and how to navigate them.  The rest of the show is just fun and games, and we’ll wrap it all up with a quote from James Fenimore Cooper.

Show Notes →

177: BEGINNERS: One Step at a Time

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, a monthly subscription service that will keep you excited about backpacking all year long.  Today’s hack will help you repurpose a Pringles can.  And we’ll leave you with some Trail Wisdom from our favorite mountain goat.

Show Notes →

176: The Importance of Redundancy

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, a classic backpacking gear standard that’s lightweight, cheap and easy to use.  And we’ll share a hack that will help slim down your trekking poles.

Show Notes →

175: Backpacking is Better With Friends

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, than your friend’s gear.  And we’ll share a hack from one of our listeners, Paul.

Show Notes →