Summary: Show Notes: Episode 201<br> 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!<br> Opening<br> <br> * What is Cowboy Camping?<br> * Why we did it<br> * Why we didn’t do it sooner<br> * Who inspired us<br> * What we’ve learned<br> * How it’s changed the way we backpack<br> * <a href="https://boundlessroamad.com/2018/01/17/the-art-to-cowboy-camping/">https://boundlessroamad.com/2018/01/17/the-art-to-cowboy-camping/</a><br> <br> Top 5 Tips for Cowboy Camping<br> Pick a warmish, dry night<br> <br> * Low 50s<br> * Dry<br> <br> Pack a waterproof ground cover<br> <br> * We used a patio window insulation kit<br> * $12<br> <br> Pack warmer<br> <br> * You’ll be missing the 5-10 degrees of warmth and wind protection that a tent provides<br> <br> Plan for bugs<br> <br> * Permethrin is a great way to treat clothes/sleeping bag exterior<br> * Ticks, mosquitoes<br> <br> Have an emergency shelter on hand<br> <br> * Something that can keep you dry in case it starts raining or snowing<br> * We brought the Appy Trails Mark V tent with us on our PCT Section hike so we could fit us and our two boys–just in case<br> <br> NOTE:<br> Be sure to open your eyes in the middle of the night—the stars are amazing!<br> Story from Listener Michelle G.<br> Backpack Hack of the Week™: Terrycloth Cotton Towel Squares<br> <br> * 3”x3”<br> * Repurposed towel<br> * Perfect for scrubbing feet at night<br> * Can be reused<br> <br> Trail Wisdom<br> “The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘YES!’ to your adventure.”<br> —Joseph Campbell<br>
