Welcome to episode 5 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 Heather Legler.

And I'm Josh Legler.

And this is the first 40 miles.

Today on the first 40 miles,

the top five reasons to pack a squeeze bottle of isotropal alcohol.

The Summit Gear Review will feature the

re-I Marino Ultra Light Hiker crew socks. The backpack hack of the week

will be a $219 hack that costs free.

And we'll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from our good friend John Muir. All this, that's about it, today on the first 40 miles.

You know there's a saying when you go to purchase backpacking gear price weight

durability pick any two what was the last thing that you purchased and what two items did you pick from that list?

Price, weight, or durability?

And did you end up getting all three price, weight and durability? And how did you do it?

Josh, what are your experiences with picking two from that list?

We've purchased quite a bit of backpacking gear over the last few months, and there's certain areas where these tradeoffs really are very visible.

But really with everything you buy you'll see it.

When you go look at packs, for example, you've got that trade-off

...