201: Cowboy Camping

Show Notes: Episode 201

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!

Opening



* What is Cowboy Camping?

* Why we did it

* Why we didn’t do it sooner

* Who inspired us

* What we’ve learned

* How it’s changed the way we backpack

* https://boundlessroamad.com/2018/01/17/the-art-to-cowboy-camping/



Top 5 Tips for Cowboy Camping

Pick a warmish, dry night



* Low 50s

* Dry



Pack a waterproof ground cover



* We used a patio window insulation kit

* $12



Pack warmer



* You’ll be missing the 5-10 degrees of warmth and wind protection that a tent provides



Plan for bugs



* Permethrin is a great way to treat clothes/sleeping bag exterior

* Ticks, mosquitoes



Have an emergency shelter on hand



* Something that can keep you dry in case it starts raining or snowing

* 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



NOTE:

Be sure to open your eyes in the middle of the night—the stars are amazing!

Story from Listener Michelle G.

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Terrycloth Cotton Towel Squares



* 3”x3”

* Repurposed towel

* Perfect for scrubbing feet at night

* Can be reused



Trail Wisdom

“The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘YES!’ to your adventure.”

—Joseph Campbell