Welcome to episode 32 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 not to sweat it on the trail.

Then on the summit gear review,

we'll show you a pair of pants that will stand up to unexpected rainstorms and puddle jumps. On the backpack hack of the week we'll introduce

you to the classics and we'll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a guy who does not live in a hole in the ground filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell,

nor yet a dry bare sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat.

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

So for most of my teenage years I was involved in some way or another

with church sports. You know we had this little basketball team and we then had a little volleyball team and we would play other congregations within our church and it was you know all in good fun. I think during my whole church sports career I probably made

one basket I think I maybe hit the volleyball, just a handful of times.

I was mostly ducking the ball and trying to avoid any contact with any ball.

It was just kind of petrifying.

So the success of your sporting career was measured by your ability to avoid touching the ball.

Exactly. I guess I did awesome.

Yeah, way to go, way to achieve.

I remember the first time I did make a basket,

...