Shawn & Mike Take A Hike

River crossings can be one of the most intimidating - and dangerous - parts of hiking and backpacking, especially for beginners. In this episode of the Shawn & Mike Take A Hike podcast , Shawn and Mike break down what hikers need to know about crossing rivers and streams safely , from everyday trail crossings to higher-risk situations after heavy rain, spring snowmelt, or storms. The conversat...

After a few days on the trail, even the best dehydrated hiking meals can start to feel repetitive. On this episode of the Shawn & Mike Take A Hike podcast , Shawn and Mike dive into practical ways to elevate dehydrated backpacking meals so dinner in camp feels more like a reward and less like a chore. This conversation is all about realistic, lightweight upgrades that don’t require gourmet coo...

A good night’s sleep can make or break a backpacking trip, and on this episode of the Shawn & Mike Take A Hike podcast , Shawn and Mike zoom out to look at the full picture: your sleep system . We previously dove into sleeping pad R-values and sleeping bag insulation. Now we bring it all together to explain how each piece works together to keep you warm, comfortable, and rested in the backcoun...

Kick off the year with intention, curiosity, and a little trail dust on this episode of the Shawn & Mike Take A Hike podcast . As the calendar turns to a new year, Shawn and Mike take a relaxed, judgment-free look at New Year’s resolutions through the lens of hiking and backpacking , focusing less on pressure and perfection and more on building habits that actually stick. In this episode, we e...

The trail doesn’t start at the first blaze — it starts in the parking lot. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , your favorite beginner-friendly hiking and backpacking podcast, Shawn and Mike dive into the often-overlooked world of trailhead etiquette . From parking lot courtesy and early-morning noise to managing dogs, organizing gear, and avoiding the dreaded “gear explosion zone,” t...

Your feet are your foundation on every hike - and taking care of them can mean the difference between an amazing adventure and a miserable slog back to the trailhead. In this beginner-friendly episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , we break down everything new hikers need to know about foot care, blister prevention, hot spot management, sock strategy, taping techniques, and post-hike recovery ....

On this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , your favorite beginner-friendly hiking and backpacking podcast, Shawn and Mike break down everything new hikers need to know about sleeping bag insulation , warmth ratings , and staying comfortable in cold-weather conditions. Whether you’re planning your first overnight backpacking trip or looking to upgrade your gear as temperatures drop, this con...

As the temperatures drop and the frost starts creeping into your tent, one piece of gear can make or break your night’s sleep - your sleeping pad. In this episode, Shawn and Mike dive deep into the mysterious world of R-values - that number on the side of your pad you’ve probably ignored until now. Whether you’re camping in the heat of summer or backpacking through a chilly autumn night, understan...

The hike might be over, but your adventure isn’t - it’s recovery time! In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , Shawn and Mike talk about what happens after you’ve hit the trail for a few days and your body finally says, “Hey, maybe let’s rest.” They break down why recovery days are just as important as hiking days, especially for beginners who might be surprised by sore muscles, fatigue,...

Join Shawn and Mike on this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike as they dive into the fascinating tradition of Trail Names - the unique nicknames hikers adopt and share within the backpacking community. Whether you’re brand new to hiking or already familiar with the culture of the trail, this episode will unravel the history, meaning, and fun behind this long-standing tradition. The conversati...

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to hit the trail, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take a Hike , we’re diving into essential fall hiking tips for beginners and seasoned hikers alike . From slippery leaves and muddy trails to shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay safe...

On this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , we’re digging into the world of wild berries and plants you might come across on the trail - specifically the ones that could make you sick (or worse) if you mistake them for a tasty snack. From dangerous lookalikes like baneberries, pokeweed, and nightshade to the common “safe bets” like raspberries and blackberries, we’ll break down how to tell t...

In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , the guys dig into an often-overlooked danger for beginner hikers - plants that can cause skin irritation, rashes, or worse if you accidentally brush against them. From poison ivy and poison oak to stinging nettle and giant hogweed, Shawn and Mike share how to spot these plants, why they’re hazardous, and the best precautions to avoid an unpleasant...

Join Shawn and Mike on this tech-forward episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , where they explore the brave new world of using Artificial Intelligence to plan backpacking and hiking trips. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and others, trip planning has never been more accessible—or more complicated. In this episode, our hosts dive into the pros and cons of using AI to gene...

When the hike is over, the fire is lit, and your boots are off - what do you do next? In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , we’re diving into the world of portable entertainment for hikers and backpackers . Whether you're heading out for a weekend backpacking trip or a long thru-hike, it’s important to think about how you’ll pass the time once you’ve made it to camp or need a break on...

In this tech-friendly episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , we dig into one of the most important skills for beginner hikers and backpackers—how to use GPS to stay on course in the great outdoors. If you’ve ever wondered what the blue dot on your phone really means (or thought a breadcrumb trail was something you ate), this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the different types of GPS t...

Join Shawn and Mike on this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike , where we break down the basics of how to read hiking maps—without making your head spin. If you’re new to hiking and backpacking, understanding a trail map can feel a little intimidating. But don’t worry—we’re here to make it simple, fun, and totally judgment-free. In this beginner-friendly episode, we’ll guide you through the f...

It’s a big day on Shawn & Mike Take A Hike—we’re celebrating our 50th episode! Join us as we take a laid-back walk down memory lane, revisiting some of our favorite moments, biggest laughs, and most surprising lessons since starting this podcast about backpacking and hiking for beginners. From the gear we loved (and some we didn’t), to the trail stories that still make us laugh, we’re getting...

In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re zeroing in on one of the most dreaded pests on the trail—ticks. Whether you’re out for a quick day hike or deep into a backcountry backpacking trip, knowing how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you find one is essential. We talk about the dangers ticks pose (like Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses), how to protect yourself befo...

Storms don’t just reshape landscapes—they reshape the hiking experience. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re diving into a topic that many hikers don’t think about until it’s too late: how natural disasters like ice storms, wildfires, floods, and high winds can leave trails dangerous or completely inaccessible. After a recent ice storm in northern Michigan closed several trails...

In this special episode of Shawn & Mike Take a Hike, we welcome a listener to the show to share their unique take on backcountry camping—and why they prefer a hammock over a traditional tent. While our podcast usually highlights our own experiences as amateur hikers figuring it out as we go, this time we’re sitting down with someone from our growing community to hear about their journey into b...

In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take a Hike, we’re taking a step back from multi-day backpacking and focusing on the simple joy of the day hike. Perfect for beginners, weekend warriors, or anyone short on time, day hiking is one of the easiest ways to get out into nature without the full commitment of an overnight trip. We’ll break down why day hikes are the ideal starting point for those new...

In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take a Hike, we’re diving into a phrase you’ll hear echoed across trailheads and gear shops everywhere: “Cotton kills.” But what does that actually mean? Whether you’re a total newbie or just getting serious about hiking and backpacking, understanding how fabrics perform in the wild can be a literal lifesaver. We break down the science of moisture retention, the...

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get back on the trail! But before you lace up your boots and head out, there are some key things to keep in mind when hiking during this season. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take a Hike, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to make the most of spring hiking—while staying safe, dry, and comfortable. Spring weather can be unpredictable,...

When you’re new to hiking, it’s tempting to push yourself to go farther and faster—but knowing how to pace yourself can make or break your experience on the trail. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re breaking down the importance of setting a steady hiking pace, recognizing your limits, and making sure you don’t burn out before reaching your destination. We’ll discuss how to gaug...