Welcome to episode 62 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 is the pack half full or half empty. How you answer that question may determine your experience on the trail.

We'll share five tips for new backpackers that will help ensure that your next trip will be even better than your last.

Then on the summit gear review, a solution for hikers who don't want to waste a minute

fumbling with shoelaces. On the backpack hack of the week and oh duh solution to keep your homemade meals from tipping over.

And we'll leave you today with a little trail wisdom from our good friend Henry.

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

Well Josh, I know if I were to ask you if the glass was half full or half empty, you would most likely say half full.

And in the case of backpacking, uh, emptier is better, I guess?

Well, I guess regardless of your pack is half full or half empty, it's really the same volume that you're talking about.

It's a math thing, right?

Yeah, it's all the same.

All right, so what about optimism on the trail?

I know this is something that I haven't always been really stellar at, and I have lots of stories to back it up but I haven't always

been a pack half full kind of hiker.

I guess that means you should share a story now. Well, this wasn't a backpacking trip.

It was a little hiking adventure that we went on,

probably around the time that we were first married,

...