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019: This Land Was Made for You and Me

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This land was made for you and me and 132,000 acres of Redwood trees in the Redwood National and State Park. Next, we share our top 5 tips for planning backpacking trips in the National Forests. The SUMMIT Gear Review will show you a first aid essential that is lighter than a band-aid. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn a simple trick to reduce pack bulk. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, writer and anthropologist, Richard Nelson.

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018: Don’t Blow the Budget!

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Today on The First 40 Miles we’ll talk about combining backpacking with trail service. Next, the Top 5 ways to blow your backpacking budget. The SUMMIT Gear Review™ we’ll show you how to protect dry stuff from wet stuff. Then for the Backpack Hack of the Week™ will show you an easy way to keep grit on the trail and out of your shoes. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Ralph.

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017: How to Find Awesome Trails

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Today we celebrate International Day of Awesomeness!  We talk about finding awesome "backpackable" trails.  Next, Heather shares her current bucket list of hikes.  Then, learn about an ultralight food prep bag, and get a recipe to go with it.  Fictitious listener, Dale in Oklahoma sends in a question about water filtering.

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016: Say Goodbye to Sore Muscles

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Podcast: Download (Duration: 25:11 — 25.9MB)

Want to avoid muscle soreness? It may be preventable! Next, on the Ready for Adventure segment, we’ll see if TSA is ready for Heather’s backpacking trip to Tuscon. On the Backpack Hack of the Week™ you’ll learn the French word for “Pony” and why it matters on the trail. Then we’ll answer a REAL listener question in Backpackers Q+A. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from an American poet who must love you very much.

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015: Alpaca: A Fiber to be Reckoned With

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Heather shares a reason to listen to some brotherly advice. Then, we have a new feature that will get you Ready for Adventure! On the Backpack Hack of the Week™ you’ll learn how to have the nicest looking waterproof matches on the trail.  A fictitious listener sends in a question to the First 40 Miles.  And we’ll wrap up the show with a little Trail Wisdom from an absolute saint.

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