Shawn & Mike Take A Hike

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 tools available—from rugged, standalon...

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 fundamentals of reading topographic ma...

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 personal and reflective about what ...

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 before and during your hike, and what s...

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 for the entire summer, we realized ...

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 backpacking.

We’ll chat about how the...

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 to hiking, how to plan a day hike th...

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 dangers of hypothermia, and why cot...

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, with warm sunny days quickly turning...

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 gauge your endurance before setting out,...

Hiking after dark adds an entirely new challenge to the trail, and while we typically try to avoid it, sometimes it’s unavoidable - or even intentional for those who enjoy night hiking. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re diving into everything you need to know about hiking at night safely, whether you’re caught on the trail after sunset or purposely setting out for a nighttime adventure.

We’ll cover essential gea...

Ever wished you could relive a past hike, remember exactly what made a certain trail so special (or challenging), or track your progress as a hiker? In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we dive into the art of journaling and documenting your backpacking adventures. Whether you’re jotting down notes in a weatherproof notebook, keeping a digital hiking log, or capturing moments through photos and videos, recording your hi...

In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we explore the transformative mental health benefits of hiking and how spending time on the trail can positively impact your overall well-being. While we are not medical professionals, we offer personal insights into why hiking is such a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving your mood, and finding clarity.

We discuss how immersing yourself in nature can ease anxiety, the connec...

Join Shawn and Mike as they break down the essential hiking and backpacking terms every new adventurer needs to know in this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike. Hiking can feel like a whole new world, complete with its own language—but don’t worry, we’re here to help you speak “trail.”

We’ll dive into:

• Hiking vs. Backpacking vs. Trekking: What’s the difference, and why does it matter?

• Ultralighters: Who are they, and what’s t...

In this vital episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we confront the reality of getting lost in the wilderness and share actionable advice to ensure your safety and survival.

The conversation begins with an in-depth look at the first crucial steps to take when you realize you’ve strayed off course. Shawn and Mike explore how to stay calm, assess your surroundings, and avoid making the situation worse.

Next, we dive into practical n...

How do you know if a trail is the right match for your skill level? On this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we explore the fascinating world of trail difficulty ratings and give you the tools to decode them like a pro.

Join us as we dive into how trail difficulty is determined, breaking down the factors that influence these ratings, such as elevation gain, distance, terrain type, and weather conditions. We'll guide you thro...

Get ready to elevate your snack game with this flavorful episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike! 🍫🥜

Shawn and Mike dive into the art of making the perfect trail mix, a hiker’s ultimate fuel for adventure. Whether you’re craving sweet, salty, or savory, this episode covers it all:

🌟 Key ingredients for balanced energy, from protein-packed nuts to slow-burning dried fruits.

🌟 Creative mix-ins like chocolate, pretzels, and seeds fo...

Hiking during hunting season requires a little extra preparation to stay safe and ensure an enjoyable outdoor adventure.

In this episode, Shawn and Mike dive into essential hiking safety tips to help you navigate the backcountry during peak hunting times. We discuss how to identify hunting seasons in your area, the importance of wearing blaze orange and other high-visibility clothing, and strategies for sharing the trail respectful...

Join Shawn and Mike on this essential episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike as they dive into the world of on-the-trail gear repairs. From busted backpack straps to a leaky tent, our hosts break down the most common gear malfunctions that can disrupt a hike—and share simple, practical fixes that any hiker can perform with a few key tools. Learn how to tackle ripped rain jackets with trusty Tenacious Tape, improvise solutions for ...