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Sleep Systems
Shawn
Season 1 / Episode 65 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
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How Sleeping Bags Work: Heat Retention for New Backpackers
Shawn
Season 1 / Episode 61 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
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R You Warm Enough? Sleeping Pad R-Values
Shawn
Season 1 / Episode 60 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
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A Beginner’s Guide to GPS Navigation on the Trail
Shawn
advice, amateur, backcountry, backpack, backpacking, beginner, difficulty, hike, hikers, hiking, map, nature, rating, safety, trailSeason 1 / Episode 52 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
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Beginner Tips for Reading Hiking Maps
Shawn
advice, amateur, backcountry, backpacking, beginner, difficulty, hike, hikers, hiking, map, nature, rating, safety, trailSeason 1 / Episode 51 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




