Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’ve ever had a plan go awry, this episode is for you.  We’ll talk about trip planning, and why it’s such a critical part of backpacking.  For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a valuable book for beginners along with a hack straight from page 104.  And we’ll wrap up today’s show with a little trail wisdom from someone who understood the power of planning.

Today on the First 40 Miles, Is it ok to skip school and hit the trails?  We think so!  Josh and our two youngest will share some of the highlights of the week.  Then we’ll review a clever way to get food from the plat to your mouth.  And, a few nights on a deflated pad is the inspiration behind today’s Backpack Hack of the Week.  Then we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from Arnold Bennet.

Today on the First 40 Miles, last week we turned the mic over to the kids.  And today, we’re taking it back—and sharing a little bit of insight to parenting on the trail.  On Today’s Top 5 list, are there principles that are easier to teach outside than inside?  Then, we’ll review a versatile, functional, rechargeable light.  For today’s Backpack hack, a crowd-pleasing three ingredient granola recipe that’s just begging for space in your pack.

Today on the First 40 Miles, there’s something about being outside that lights a spark inside.  It makes us more in tune with ourselves, it shuts out the noise of civilization and it slows us down—in a good way.  Today we’re going to share some of our upcoming creative projects and hopefully inspire you to get started on your own!  Then we’ll review a sub two pound tent that can fit you plus four really good friends.  For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn how to "steal like an artist".

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you want to be a friend of the forest, get to know the flora.  We’ll share some ways to make your next trip more rich as you get to know the plants that surround you.  Then we’ll review a new ultra-durable, refillable lighter.  For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn a plant-geek approved way to bring forest samples home for further study.

Today on the First 40 Miles, is it OK to skip a planned backpacking trip, without also taking yourself on a scenic guilt trip?  Yep.  And we’ll share some reasons why skipping a trip is OK.  Then we’ll share a new twist on the classic carabiner.  And, if you had a chance to experience the total solar eclipse in August, we’ll hook you up with even more heavenly wonders.

Today on the First 40 Miles, the surest way to lighten your food load is to extract the water from it.  We’ll share our dehydrating successes, some graceful fails and some tips to help you dehydrate your own food.  Then, for the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll show you a fun tool to make jerky—and we’ll give you a recipe that will help you pack your favorite Chinese takeout flavor on the trail.

Today on the First 40 Miles, what’s new in the world of backpacking gear?  We’re back from the Outdoor Retailer Show to share gear that’s relevant to backpackers.  Then, we’ll share a listener story that may inspire you to rethink your freeze dried chicken a la “whatever”.  And we’ll share a backpack hack that will turn your hand held flashlight into a hands-free flashlight.

Today on the First 40 Miles, Are you a fair weather backpacker?  This was a question Heather asked herself on our last trip.   Then, we’ll share the Top 5 features we wish our gear had…nothing too crazy this time.  Then you’ll learn the simple steps to make your own whole grain flatbread for your next backpacking trip.