Welcome to episode 202 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, so you're convinced. Backpacking is your new thing and you're headed out to buy the latest and best of everything from the packing list.

We'll share a few reasons to slow down before you buy. Then we've got a four in one piece of

gear that will keep you protected from the elements. For today's hack, a

simple paradigm shift that will give you the most psychological bang

for your buck when it comes to using your stove.

All this, and that's about it today on the first 40 miles. It's tempting when you get

introduced to a sport, activity, or hobby to want to jump in and buy everything.

To buy the latest and the best of all the gear that you need in order to fully participate in this new

obsession of yours. We have a neighbor who's really into cooking. I thought I was into cooking, but he is really into cooking and bought one of those

suvi things, you know, they keep water at a certain temperature and you put your meat in a vacuum

sealed bag and you put it in the water and it just stays there for hours floating

around at this perfect cooking temperature and then all the juices get sealed into the meat and the flavor and the herbs

Everything that you put in that vacuum sealed pouch all cooks together that is like taking cooking to the next level. So I mean no matter what activity or sport or hobby you're into, there's always going to be fun, new, exciting,

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