Welcome to episode 52 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, there are sometimes when shortcuts are a bad idea, and sometimes when they're a great idea.

We'll help you figure it all out in today's top five list.

Then on the Summit Gear Review, a light, lightweight way to deal with organisms in your drinking water.

Next on the backpack Hack of the Week will show you a great resource you can take advantage of that will improve your outdoor skills and knowledge.

And we'll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a guy named Woody who wrote the handbook on trail, construction, and

management.

Literally.

All this and that's about it.

Today on the first 40 miles.

Episode 52, that's a year's worth of the first 40 miles.

I know we already celebrated

when we hit episode 40, so, know whoa we're at 52 now

how are we gonna celebrate kick and ice cream granola bars and oh I know dump some gatorate

on my head or something oh yeah that's good the ceremonial opening of the now gene bottle I don't think we're on the same oneial opening of the now gene bottle

I don't think we're on the same page. What are you talking about?

You know, like how Scott Jurek had the champagne bottle

...