Fall is one of the most beautiful times to hit the trail, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take a Hike, we’re diving into essential fall hiking tips for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. From slippery leaves and muddy trails to shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay safe and comfortable on the trail this autumn.

We’ll talk about how to layer your clothing for changing temperatures, what extra gear to pack to prepare for early sunsets, and why hydration is still just as important in cool weather as it is in summer. We’ll also cover wildlife activity in fall, like bears bulking up for winter and deer in rutting season, plus the risks of poisonous plants and fungi that stick around until the frost.

Hiking in the fall can be breathtaking, with vibrant colors and crisp air making for unforgettable adventures. But it’s also a season where hypothermia, slippery trails, and early darkness can catch beginners off guard. That’s why we’re sharing practical tips, real-life experiences, and easy-to-remember safety advice to help you get the most out of your autumn hikes.

Whether you’re planning a short day hike to enjoy the fall foliage or a longer backpacking trip, this episode is packed with trail-tested advice, seasonal safety reminders, and inspiration to keep you hiking confidently all season long.

On this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re digging into the world of wild berries and plants you might come across on the trail - specifically the ones that could make you sick (or worse) if you mistake them for a tasty snack. From dangerous lookalikes like baneberries, pokeweed, and nightshade to the common “safe bets” like raspberries and blackberries, we’ll break down how to tell them apart, what precautions beginners should take, and why the rule of thumb is often “if you’re not 100% sure, don’t eat it.”

We’ll also cover tips for identifying edible plants, talk about which berries are never mistaken for anything dangerous, and share what to do if you - or a hiking buddy - accidentally take a bite of something you shouldn’t. Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some hiking humor, personal experiences, and practical advice to help you feel more confident and safe on your outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re curious about foraging, just want to avoid a stomach-turning mistake, or simply love learning more about the wild world around you, this episode is packed with trail-ready knowledge every beginner hiker should know.

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In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, the guys dig into an often-overlooked danger for beginner hikers - plants that can cause skin irritation, rashes, or worse if you accidentally brush against them. From poison ivy and poison oak to stinging nettle and giant hogweed, Shawn and Mike share how to spot these plants, why they’re hazardous, and the best precautions to avoid an unpleasant run-in.

They’ll break down easy-to-remember identification tips, what to do if you come in contact, and how to keep your hike safe (and itch-free). Packed with practical advice and real-world trail experience, this episode is a must-listen for anyone new to hiking or heading out on their first backpacking adventure.

Because sometimes, staying safe on the trail isn’t just about wildlife or weather - it’s about knowing what’s growing right under your feet.

Join Shawn and Mike on this tech-forward episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, where they explore the brave new world of using Artificial Intelligence to plan backpacking and hiking trips. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and others, trip planning has never been more accessible—or more complicated.

In this episode, our hosts dive into the pros and cons of using AI to generate custom itineraries for backpacking adventures. They also take a closer look at the differences between free and paid AI tools, sharing their experiences and insights into how AI can streamline planning… or occasionally lead you astray.

From tech-savvy hikers to curious beginners, this episode offers an honest, down-to-earth conversation about how AI can serve as a powerful resource for hitting the trail - if used with a healthy dose of caution and common sense. Learn what AI gets right, where it struggles, and how to blend digital tools with good ol’ fashioned map reading and critical thinking.

Whether you’re plotting your first overnight or just curious about how far tech can take you in the wilderness, this episode is a must-listen for hikers navigating the intersection of nature and technology.

When the hike is over, the fire is lit, and your boots are off - what do you do next? In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re diving into the world of portable entertainment for hikers and backpackers. Whether you're heading out for a weekend backpacking trip or a long thru-hike, it’s important to think about how you’ll pass the time once you’ve made it to camp or need a break on trail.

We’ll share some of our favorite lightweight, trail-friendly entertainment options, from compact games and trail journals to downloaded podcasts and music (yes, including a few of our own!). We also explore options like travel-sized card games, e-readers loaded with your favorite books, and even creative pastimes like sketching or storytelling under the stars. For solo hikers and group backpackers alike, having something fun and relaxing to do at the end of the day can make all the difference.

Plus, we’ll talk about how to balance digital entertainment and screen-free relaxation, how to keep things light (in both weight and energy), and why the little things you bring can have a big impact on morale. If you’re a beginner hiker wondering what to pack for fun - or a seasoned backpacker looking to freshen up your gear list - this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover practical, packable entertainment ideas for backpacking, and learn how to make your time off the trail just as memorable as the miles you log on it.

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, standalone GPS devices to budget-friendly smartphone apps—and break down how each one works when you're out in the backcountry. We talk about the pros and cons of apps like ONX and AllTrails, and explain what to look for when choosing a GPS setup that fits your needs and comfort level.

We also cover practical tips for using GPS in real life, including how to mark waypoints, follow saved routes, understand elevation profiles, and even use your phone in airplane mode to preserve battery life. Plus, we share our favorite tricks for staying found—and what to do if your tech fails.

Whether you’re heading out on your first hike or building confidence to explore deeper into the wilderness, this episode will give you the tools to navigate with confidence. Because when it comes to hiking safely, knowing where you are is half the adventure.

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 maps, including how to interpret contour lines, elevation changes, trail markers, and terrain features like ridgelines, valleys, and water sources. We’ll also explain the differences between paper maps and digital map apps, how to find the scale and compass rose, and why knowing your north from your south actually matters out there.

Whether you’re planning your first day hike or gearing up for a multi-day backpacking trip, we’ll give you practical tips for using maps to plan routes, identify potential camp spots, avoid hazards, and stay oriented on the trail. We even talk about where to find quality maps and what to look for when choosing one.

So grab a cup of coffee (and maybe a compass), and let’s take the mystery out of map reading. Because navigating the outdoors shouldn't require a PhD—just a little curiosity and a couple of friends to walk you through it.

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 it’s been like to create a podcast filled with amateur hiking advice for amateur hikers.

In this special milestone episode, we also share behind-the-scenes stories, listener feedback that stuck with us, and how the show has shaped our own hiking journeys. Whether you’ve been with us since episode one or are just discovering the podcast, this is a great opportunity to learn more about what we’ve learned, what we’re still figuring out, and where Shawn & Mike Take A Hike is headed next.

So lace up those boots and celebrate 50 episodes of missteps, milestones, and memorable moments on the trail—with your favorite pair of amateur hikers.