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