Welcome to episode 146 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. this is the first 40 miles. Today on the

first 40 miles what's new in the world of backpacking gear?

Well, we're back from the Outdoor Retailer Show

to share gear that is relevant to backpackers.

Then we'll share a listener story

that may inspire you to rethink your freeze-dried, chicken, alla, whatever.

Next, you'll learn how to turn a handheld flashlight into a hands-free flashlight. All this and that's about it. Today on the first 40 miles.

I've heard that the first rule of show business is to leave the audience wanting more.

Well, this ain't show business, sister.

This is the first 40 miles, a hiking and backpacking

podcast. And so instead of leaving you wanting more today, we're just going to fire hose you with all of the cool and interesting things that we saw at this

summer's Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. We're not holding anything back today.

The outdoor retailer show is a place where outdoor gear manufacturers come and present all their latest products.

I mean I said latest product, but it's actually their next products. I mean I said latest product but it's actually their next products.

The futuristic products. Yeah the products that I mean many of them are on the shelves already and

then there's a whole bunch of products that they're showcasing at outdoor retailer that are not on the shelves yet and this is the first opportunity for some people to see them.

Yeah, and like some of them won't even be available until spring 2018.

And retailers come to start making their purchase decisions,

what they're going to stock in their stores, or what they're going to take on their guide trips,

...