Shawn & Mike Take A Hike

New Year's Resolutions

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 explore realistic and approachable hiking resolutions for beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike. From committing to more day hikes, to learning new outdoor skills, upgrading gear slowly, or simply spending more time outside, Shawn and Mike discuss ways to make hiking goals feel achievable instead of overwhelming. They also touch on the idea that a “resolution” doesn’t have to mean drastic change - it can be as simple as getting outside a little more often or trying something new at your own pace. Whether you’re brand new to hiking, easing back into the outdoors after time away, or looking for inspiration to shape your year around nature, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and plenty of relatable honesty. Lace up your boots, set your own definition of success, and start the year one step at a time with Shawn & Mike Take A Hike.

Trailhead Etiquette — Starting Your Hike on the Right Foot

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,” this episode covers the small behaviors that make a big difference for everyone sharing the outdoors. We break down common trailhead mistakes new hikers make without realizing it, and offer practical, judgment-free tips for keeping trailheads safe, calm, and welcoming. You’ll learn how to park efficiently, prep your pack without blocking traffic, keep dogs and kids under control, and respect other hikers who are gearing up for their own adventure. We also touch on trailhead safety, signage awareness, and why a little courtesy before the hike even begins can set the tone for the entire day. Whether you’re heading out for a quick day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, this episode helps you start smart and start respectful. If you’ve ever wondered what the unspoken rules of the trailhead are - or just want to make sure you’re not accidentally being that hiker - this episode has you covered.

Foot Care for the Trail

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. Whether you're heading out for your first overnight trip or logging miles on your local loop, keeping your feet happy is one of the most important skills you’ll ever learn. We cover the common causes of trail foot problems, how to build a smart foot-care kit, and the simple habits that make a huge difference - from choosing the right socks to trimming your toenails at the right time (yes, it matters!). We also talk about moisture control, boot or shoe fit issues, when to stop and treat a hot spot, and the trail-proven ways to reduce rubbing, swelling, and fatigue before they turn into bigger issues. Packed with practical tips for beginners and real-world lessons from the miles we’ve put in, this episode gives you the knowledge to hike longer, feel better, and avoid the blisters and pain that can ruin a trip. If you’ve ever wondered why your feet hurt after hiking — or how experienced backpackers keep theirs feeling great - this is the episode for you.

How Sleeping Bags Work: Heat Retention for New Backpackers

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 conversation dives deep into the essentials of choosing the right sleeping bag for your next adventure. We take a closer look at how sleeping bags actually retain heat, the differences between down vs. synthetic insulation, and why certain sleeping bag shapes - like mummy bags, semi-rectangular bags, and quilts - perform differently in cold environments. We also discuss how fill power, temperature ratings, and proper layering impact your warmth on the trail. As always, we keep it simple, honest, and beginner-friendly, focusing on real-world experience instead of technical jargon. If you’ve ever stood in the gear aisle wondering what “EN/ISO rating,” “fill power,” or “cold spots” actually mean - or if you’ve frozen your butt off in the woods and vowed never to let it happen again - this episode breaks it all down in plain English. Tune in and learn how to choose the right sleeping bag, understand insulation performance, and stay warm, safe, and comfortable on your next backpacking trip.

R You Warm Enough? Sleeping Pad R-Values

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, understanding your sleeping pad’s R-value could be the difference between sweet dreams and shivering till sunrise. The guys break down what R-values really mean, how they’re measured, and how to match the right pad to your season and sleeping style. They’ll cover how to layer pads for extra insulation, the pros and cons of foam versus inflatable options, and why ground conditions matter more than you might think. You’ll also learn a few clever hacks for staying warmer on cold ground without adding much weight to your pack. If you’re gearing up for fall and winter adventures, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as Shawn and Mike share practical, beginner-friendly insights to help you stay warm, sleep better, and hike farther - because when it comes to comfort on the trail, your R-value really does matter.