Welcome to episode 90 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 Josh Legler and this is the first 40 miles.

Today on the first 40 miles hang the hammock camping episode.

We've always slept a tent while backpacking,

but recently our eyes were opened to other options on the trail.

And today we are all about the possibilities that hammock camping

opens up to backpackers. Next, the Summit Gear Review turns into the Summit Gear dump as we unload the box of gear that was loaned to us for our first hammock trip.

Next on the backpack hack of the week, a quick way to find the perfect distance between two trees.

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

We've talked plenty on this podcast about tents.

And it makes a lot of sense.

I mean, the first time that someone goes backpacking,

they're probably going to take a tent.

It's just the traditional way to do things. And so in episode 75 we covered the benefits of using a tent.

For us it came down to privacy, protection, climate control, no trees needed, and it just feels like home.

And on episode 85 we went even further and talked about the benefits of using a two-person tent

over other sizes of tents. Plus we've reviewed a couple tents we reviewed the

REI Passage 2 in episode 45 and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 Mountain glow in episode

85.

...