Welcome to episode 80 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,

staying inside has its benefits.

No risk, but no reward. On today's top five list will help you put together

your risk management plan. For today's summit gear review, a lightweight stuffable day pack that's the perfect

stowaway for your next backpacking trip.

Next on today's backpack hack of the week, we'll explain the benefits of a gear list complete with all the geeky details.

And we'll leave you with a little trail wisdom that may help you slow down just a little.

All this, and that's about it.

Today on the first 40 miles.

In a few past episodes, the topic of risk has come up and it's one of my soapbox topics.

I say over and over I think that people in general do a poor job of evaluating risk.

And this isn't just with backpacking, this is with, you know, driving on the road compared with flying, things like that.

Right. So for example, someone might see a kid playing in a tree and say, oh, that's risky and have the kid get down out of the tree.

On the other hand, the same person might be just fine with eating fast food every day for lunch.

And it's like, wait a minute, I mean look at the frequency and look at the severity

and the fast food every day for lunch is probably a riskier behavior than the occasional

...