Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re wrapping up production of The First 40 Miles with today’s final episode. We’ll share some of our ideas for podcasts we’d love to see started, talk a little about what it’s been like to share our backpacking adventures with ya’ll, then wrap up with a little trail wisdom that brings it all full circle.…

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you haven’t figured it out by experience, then we’ll give you one more huge reason to begin backpacking…the health benefits! The list of health benefits ishuge! Then our SUMMIT Gear Review today is a 22 pound piece of gear…but hear us out…it’s 100% backpackable and incredibly fun!…

Today on the First 40 Miles, who says you can’t have type one fun and type two fun on a backpacking trip? Today’s episode explores games on the trail and how to make memories without bringing Monopoly. You’ll learn 5 super fast, super fun games that you can play on your next wilderness backpacking adventure or use to break the ice at your next boar…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we love our listeners! And we love hearing their stories! Then, even if you never plan to do a thru hike, you can still scam some of their best gear hacks and incorporate them into your next overnighter. Next, a gear review that will outfit you in the toughest clothes on the planet. And a hack that as easy as sticking a…

Today on the First 40 Miles, maybe you want to eat like royalty on the trail—but you don’t need a 15 piece place setting to make that happen. What does it take to shovel food from your cook pot to your mouth? Then we’ll talk about our top 5 favorite post trip meals. Then, what are our recommendations for backpacking gear that can go seamlessly from…

Today on the First 40 Miles, have you ever given much thought to the names that companies give gear? The name of your pack or your tent isn’t just some random name they pulled out of a hat. Next, today’s top 5 list is a whole pile of hacks I picked up on my recent backpacking trip. Then, a little SteriPEN that is a backpackers dream! And a quick ha…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we've heard people say “I’d love to go backpacking like I did when I was younger, but I just can’t carry the load.” Are their backpacking days truly over? Then, what do you do when a trail mate is injured, sick or fatigued and can’t carry the load. For the SUMMIT Gear Review, something that will change the way you think…

Today on The First 40 Miles, we’ve dredged up as many scary things as we can for this Halloween episode. Cougar attacks, mysterious items in hiker boxes, dead cats and the scariest thing of all—hiker stink. Then we’ll wrap up today’s episode with a quote from a zombie. Actually it’s just a quote from someone’s posthumously published journal. They’r…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve dumped out our box of random backpacking food, affectionately labeled, our “Bucket o’ Calories”, and will go head to head today as Josh and I battle it out, civilly, for the Backpacking Dinner Challenge. Can we each create a unique meal with just the pile of ingredients in front of us? We’ll find out. Then we’ll e…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re checking in with our friend Steve, who completed a thru hike of the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail this summer. And we’ll throw in a backpack hack and some trail wisdom, just for funsies.By Heather Legler

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 adventures lead to creating a business that helps others experience adventure. Then we’ll share a hack that …

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 will be contributing to the show today.By Heather Legler

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. Then we’ve got a 4-in-1 piece of gear that will keep you warm and protected from the elements. For today’s hack, a simple p…

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, and we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from someone who knew the answer to life’s question!…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re live on the Pacific Crest Trail!By Heather Legler

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. And even though we’ve been backpacking for a few years, there are still things that take us by surprise. Next, for today’s SUMMIT Gear Re…

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 on the trail. And we'll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, John Mu…

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. Then we’ll share a hack that will cut your tent weight almost in half. Then we’ll wrap up the show with a quote th…

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. Then ya’ll get to hear a little story from Steve about his friend’s top secret backpacking spot. Next, we’ll test some backpacking energy …

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 first trip. For today’s Backpack Hack for the Week, Josh picked the perfect app for our upcoming back…

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you think that men have the natural advantage on the trail, think again. Then for the Summit Gear Review, an STP device that levels the playing field when it comes to using the bathroom. Next, our kids’ favorite go-to site for looking up hiking and backpacking trails. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wi…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we love getting audio recordings from our listeners—and today we have one from a new backpacker who figured out his own way of doing things. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a titanium tool inspired by a Japanese gardening knife. Next, a hammock hack that will turn any blanket or sleeping bag into an underquilt. And we’…

Today on the First 40 Miles, sometimes life gets out of control—and when that happens, it’s time to get back to basics. We’ll talk a little about how to simplify your trip. Then, the Top 5 ways that backpacking can make you more effective, more productive, and less stressed. Next, if you’ve always wondered how Native Americans hung their laundry to…

Today on the First 40 Miles, how would you do things differently next time? Today we’re talking micro improvements. Then on our Top 5 List, we’ll share why we prioritize backpacking. If you’re looking for a way to bring a game and lighten your load, we have a fun option for you. And, a hack that will make you rethink toilet paper.…

Today on the First 40 Miles, what you may have thought of as an essential piece of backpacking gear isn't as indispensable as you think. Today, we’re going stoveless, and we’ll share some delicious ways to ditch the stove for your next trip. Then we’ll taste test a whole food, energy bar that has some sneaky vegetables added. And we’ll share a thru…

Today on the First 40 Miles, what is real? Social media does a pretty bang-up job of convincing us that everything that’s posted is real, but we’re smart enough to know better. Today, we’ll call their bluff and prove that being outdoors is about as real as it gets. Then we’ll review a headlamp that uses a unique swipe gesture to boldly illuminate y…

Today on the First 40 Miles, are you over 50, 60, 70 and wondering if it’s too late to begin backpacking? It’s never too late. We’ll share some wise words from an old mountain goat. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, an unassuming flashlight that packs a ton of power, versatility and technology into 23 little grams. And we’ll share an easy way to cut…

Today on the First 40 Miles, still wondering what your first backpacking trip will be like? We think we can boil it down to five words. Then, we’ve found a solar charger that will not only power your electronics, but also rolls up to the size of a Payday candy bar. And a hack for all you hammock hangers out there—sorry ground dwellers.…

Today on the First 40 Miles, I used to believe that trails just existed and that they were just the well-worn footpaths created by thousands of people walking those same miles over and over. Nope. Trails are made and maintained. Today we’ll talk about some things you can do to help. Then, if you’ve always wanted to pack a chainsaw for clearing fall…

Today on the First 40 Miles, within 24 hours we hiked a cumulative 25 miles, ate about 15 pounds of food, built three teepees and breathed in more campfire smoke than the Surgeon General would recommend. Today you’ll hear a trip report from our adventure with our friends who have never been backpacking before. And we’ll share a hack for DIY soap sh…

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, we discovered a tool that not only helps with minor trail clearing. but also earns it’s weight when it comes time to build a long-burn…

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 to the wild woods. For Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a ten-card, 17-gram microgame that will p…

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, an ultralight shoe that fits in on the trail, in the creek or just bumming around camp. For Today’s Hack…

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 backpackers. Then, if you’re looking for a way to introduce backpacking to new readers, we have the perfec…

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. And if you’re looking for a way to compress your gear, here's a stashable water bottle option. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, learn…

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.…

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…

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…

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 …

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.…

Today on the First 40 Miles, have you ever thought about how your skills as a backpacker can be a huge benefit to yourself and others during a natural disaster? Today we’ll share a story from a listener who experienced the devastation in Puerto Rico. Then, we’ll share a survival hack that will turn your empty pack into something that everyone shoul…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we talk about our latest project, a children’s book designed to help get kids outside. An on-the-fly top 5 list emerges as Josh and Heather plan ahead for future episodes. Then we each share one of our favorite “must-have” backpacking items. Next, a super-healthy, super-crunchy trail snack that can be ready in minutes. …

Today on the First 40 Miles, Once you’ve got survival in the woods figured out, maybe you’re ready to take it to the next level. We’ve got the top 5 secondary survival essentials to round out your outdoor experience. Then, we’ll review a stove and pot combo that will help you cook up your latest trail cuisine experiment. And if you’re not feeling l…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re most of the way through winter—and we’ve survived! And for today’s top 5 list, we’ll share some survival essentials—known to the bushcrafters as "the five Cs". Then we’ll share one of the best subscription boxes we’ve found, that will help you hone your survival skills into a craft. Next, a backpack hack that’ll p…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we took off for 24 hours to enjoy a little Northwest winter backpacking trip. We’ll share our top 5 experiments plus our brush with death! And if you’ve ever wondered how to start a fire after a soil-drenching rainstorm, we’ll show you what worked for us. Then we’ll give you a hack that will make your winter fires burn …

Today on the First 40 Miles, Ounce for ounce, down is the warmest insulating material available—but where does it come from, how do synthetics match up, and did Neil Sedaka really write a song about his down puffy? Then we’ll review a sleeping bag that not only harnesses the power of down, but also uses a unique closure system. And if you’ve avoide…

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re trying to get your pack weight down, but the numbers just don’t want to budge, we have a new challenge for you. Reduce. Your. Volume. We’ll share 5 ways to take up less space. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, would you trust a stuff sack made of tissue paper? For the same weight, we’ll give you a much better op…

Today on the First 40 Miles, Friday night is always date night, and for this week’s date night, we’re packing and prepping for a quick winter backpacking trip—and we’ll tell you why. Then, we’ll review a sleeping pad with a 4.4 R-value that is a win for budget minded backpackers. And we’ve got the perfect hack that will make your sleeping pad stay …

Today on the First 40 Miles, for whatever reason, maybe you’re not going to be able to get out hiking or backpacking for a while. That’s ok! We’ll help you immerse yourself in the experience without leaving home. Then we’ll review a huge tarp that will give you all the coverage you need. Then we’ll show you ”the place to go when you can’t go backpa…

Today on the First 40 Miles, while looking for your next hike or backpacking trip, it’s easy to lose track of time reading colorful, inspiring trip reports. We’ll help you decipher some uncommon words and phrases you may run across in your reading. Then we’ll review some dreamy socks that are getting a cult following among thru hikers. And we’ll gi…