Welcome to episode 105 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 your mother-in-law tells you there is one right way to set the table for Thanksgiving dinner,

you may or may not believe her. But believe us when we say there is not one right and proper way to backpack. However, there are some key elements that will

ensure that your trip is safe, fun, and memorable.

Then on today's summit gear review,

accessible storage for your pack that keeps your essentials within reach.

For the backpack hack of the week,

we're going to opt outside this Black Friday, but we may do a wee bit of browsing for deals online too.

All this, and that's about it. Today on the first 40 miles. You know it's funny if you look back at the way your grandma set the table or even

look back further you know in the past generations they had a really funny way of setting the table with multiple forks and

different kinds of spoons and gravy boats and platters and and everything has a name I mean everything has a purpose.

And if you talk to someone from a past generation, they will tell you that there is a right

and proper way to set the table that you have to have

all the right pieces, especially if you're doing like a formal dinner or something.

And who knows, maybe this is how they eat at the White House every day.

I don't know but it kind of got me thinking is there a right and proper way to backpack?

For example, is there a right and proper way

to light the trail?

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