Shawn & Mike Take A Hike

Crossing Rivers Safely: What Hikers Need to Know

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 conversation covers how to assess a crossing before committing, when it’s safer to turn back, and the hidden hazards that can make moving water far more dangerous than it looks. Shawn and Mike also talk through practical techniques for stable crossings, footwear choices, trekking pole use, pack considerations, and strategies for staying dry - or accepting that you won’t. Whether you’re planning a multi-day backpacking trip or just starting to explore trails with creek crossings, this episode offers realistic, experience-based advice to help you manage risk and make smarter decisions in the backcountry. Tune in to Shawn & Mike Take A Hike — Amateur Hiking Advice for Amateur Hikers for an honest, beginner-friendly discussion on navigating river crossings with confidence and respect for moving water.

Elevated Dehydrated Meals

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 cooking skills or a heavier pack. The hosts break down simple strategies for improving flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction when eating dehydrated meals on multi-day hikes. From spices, sauces, and fats to protein boosts, crunchy add-ins, and better rehydration techniques, Shawn and Mike share what actually works on the trail - and what’s more trouble than it’s worth. They also talk about common mistakes beginners make with trail food, how to avoid taste fatigue, and why morale plays such a big role in enjoying backpacking trips. Whether you’re new to backpacking, planning your first multi-day hike, or just tired of choking down the same bland meals night after night, this episode offers approachable tips to make trail food something you look forward to. Tune in to Shawn & Mike Take A Hike - Amateur Hiking Advice for Amateur Hikers for honest, experience-based ideas to help you eat better, feel better, and enjoy your time outdoors a little more.

Sleep Systems

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 backcountry. In this episode, Shawn and Mike break down the key components of a backpacking sleep system, including sleeping pads, sleeping bags and quilts, clothing choices, and even liners. They discuss how heat is actually lost at night, why your sleeping pad is just as important as your sleeping bag, and how moisture management, insulation, and fit all play a role in staying warm. The conversation also touches on common beginner mistakes—like relying on cotton layers or expecting one piece of gear to do all the work - and how small adjustments can lead to dramatically better sleep. Whether you’re new to backpacking, struggling with cold nights on the trail, or trying to fine-tune your setup for shoulder seasons or colder weather, this episode offers practical, experience-based insight without the jargon. Tune in as Shawn and Mike demystify backpacking sleep systems and help you build a setup that works for your body, your conditions, and your style of hiking. Because when you sleep better outdoors, everything else on the trail gets easier. ----- Listen to our related episodes: Pitching A Tent (https://shawnmikehike.com/pitching-a-tent/ [https://shawnmikehike.com/pitching-a-tent/]) Hammock Hiking (https://shawnmikehike.com/hammock-hiking/ [https://shawnmikehike.com/hammock-hiking/]) Sleep Pad R Values (https://shawnmikehike.com/r-you-warm-enough-sleeping-pad-r-values/ [https://shawnmikehike.com/r-you-warm-enough-sleeping-pad-r-values/]) How Sleeping Bags Work (https://shawnmikehike.com/how-sleeping-bags-work-heat-retention-for-new-backpackers/ [https://shawnmikehike.com/how-sleeping-bags-work-heat-retention-for-new-backpackers/])

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.