Welcome to episode 92 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 don't die if you're nervous about getting out on the trail, we'll share the top five ways people die and how to avoid them, mostly.

Then we'll share a waterproof, windproof, lightning-proof way to make music on the trail.

For today's backpack Hack of the Week, a simple trick that makes using the bathroom just a little bit easier and we'll wrap up the show with a little

trail wisdom from our good friend on the trail Susan Paula's shoots.

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

So I guess in general I'm a pretty risk-averse person and so when I approach any new activity my main

question is am I going to die? I mean that's one of the reasons I play piano and

ukulele and started learning how to draw and sketch.

Those are pretty safe activities.

It's the same reason I have not taken up rock climbing and

base jumping.

Those have not as favorable outcomes.

And as far as backpacking goes, maybe some of our listeners have the same question.

Am I going to die? And the answer is, yes. Unfortunately, everyone dies, but the chances of that happening on the trail are very slim.

And I started wondering about this question,

you know, am I going to die while backpacking

when I was reading all of these articles in my Google Newsfeed.

Most of the time the headline reads,

Hiker Body Found.

...