Welcome to episode 180 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 are you sure you want to go backpacking? Do you know what you're signing up for?

We'll wisen you up a little. On today's top five list, learn what not to do on your first backpacking trip.

And if you're looking for a way to compress your gear,

here's a stashable water bottle option.

For the backpack hack of the week week learn where to borrow backpacking gear before

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

The other night we were laying in our tent right next to the

the metollius River and I thought back to three and a half years ago when you signed up for that 40 mile trip around Mount Hood.

And I asked you, did you really know what you signed up for?

I mean you signed up for a 40 mile trip around Mount Hood. Did you know that you signed up for a 40 mile trip around Mount Hood.

Did you know that you signed up for going backpacking every few months and

doing a podcast and reviewing gear and inventing things and writing books and...

Nope.

None of that even crossed my mind when I said that I wanted to go on my first backpacking trip.

...