Welcome to episode four of the first 40 miles.

If you're new to backpacking, or of 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 Heather Legler. And I'm Josh Legler.

And this is the first 40 miles. Today on the first 40 miles the top five ways to avoid losing your gear while hiking or backpacking. The Summit Gear Review will feature a budget way to keep dry that weighs less than 12

ounces. The backpack hack of the week we'll show you how to make a

dehydrated version of a classic Mediterranean

condiment that packs both calories and flavor. And we'll wrap up the show with a little

trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail, Aristotle.

All this, and that's about it, today on the first 40 miles.

So when was your last backpacking or hiking adventure? When's your next one planned?

And how do you close the gap between your last adventure and your next adventure.

Yeah, I wonder what keeps people away, you know, what causes those gaps where they go for a long

period of time and just can't seem to find that next day to make it out on the trail.

Yeah, I think a lot of times maybe it's hard to get time off for a backpacking trip.

You know, you have a lot of responsibilities and to take several days or even a week off is really is really difficult for some people.

Yeah, then you know also you might look out the window and decide the weather just hasn't been cooperating.

Yeah, some sometimes injury can keep you off the trail,

especially if you're worried about adding to an injury that you're still healing from.

Yeah, then there's always, you know, the kids have this and that going on and just all those family

and home responsibilities that can get in the way.

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