Welcome to episode 91 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 if you're new to backpacking how long are you allowed to claim that beginner status?

And what does it mean to be a beginner?

Then on today's top five list, are you ready to go tentless? We'll share some benefits.

Next on today's summit gear review, hyper-light mountain gear has a pack that shaves ounces, if not pounds, while still being tougher than your

Grandpa's drill sergeant. On the backpack hack of the week, a simple and cheap way to get double the insulation.

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

On the ride home from a recent backpacking trip,

Josh said,

you know, we've been doing this podcast

for almost two years at what point are we no longer

beginners you know at what point do we lose that beginner status we've

approached the podcast that way, you know, as beginners or Josh as you getting into

backpacking almost as a beginner. You did it a lot when you were a teenager and then you kind of

had to relearn some of those things that you had forgotten.

And you started the podcast just two months after taking your very first 40-mile backpacking trip.

...