Welcome to episode 93 of the first 40 miles.

If you're new to backpacking, or if you're hopelessly in love with someone who wants you to love

backpacking, then this podcast is for you. We'll talk about the essentials, how to lighten your load,

and how to make the most of your time on the trail. I'm your host, Pocahontas.

And I'm Shoe. And this is the first 40 miles. Today on the first 40 miles, if you've ever met someone on the trail who sounds like they were named by a cartoon

character you have discovered trail names and today we'll share everything you

need to know about this fun trail tradition then Then on the summit gear review,

a piece of gear that will make you 10% more attractive,

30% smarter, and 98% protected

from harmful UVA, UBB rays.

On today's backpack hack of the week, a simple mnemonic

for what to do during a bear attack.

And we'll wrap up the show

with a little trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Henry David Thoreau.

All this, and that's about it, today on the first 40 miles. So you're walking down the trail and you meet

someone and you get talking and you say my name's fill in the blank and they say hi my name's fill in the blank. And they say, hi, my name's Queen Moon Racing.

What is that all about? Is that a real name? Like were they born in the 60s? Were they raised by cartoon characters?

What's up with these odd names on the trail? I mean does the trail just attract some pretty odd folks?

What? Well, it attracts us. Okay so yes. So yes. So yes.

I guess so. So trail names are a fun tradition and it seems to come mostly from the

through hiker culture but really can be applied to any trail experience.

So I'm curious Josh is trail names or you know giving each other little nicknames?

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