The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking Review

Let me be clear - I do a lot of hiking and backpacking and would be offended if someone on the trail called me an "idiot." I bought this book because last summer I took my fiancé on her first real backpacking adventure - the John Muir Trail. She was a champion, but with hindsight I wish that we were both a little more prepared. It would have been fantastic to have had a copy of Stevenson's book before lacing up our shoes and hitting the trail!

Maybe I'm more of an idiot, er, novice than I thought, but I haven't been able to put down the book, especially as I'm planning for another week in the Sierra Nevada this summer. Just today I consulted it before heading to REI to replace my favorite hiking boots. Thanks to the book, I've downgraded from heavyduty to midweight boots - much more appropriate for what I do. I've also already learned that I've been putting the heavy items in the wrong part of my pack. The book is full of great text and super- useful pictures and diagrams that help you sort though all the terrific information.

Don't get me wrong, the book is great for beginners. The bottom line is that it's very, very thorough and very, very well-organized, so people at any skill level can benefit from reading it. I've read some of the competing beginners guides to backpacking and hiking and they're not nearly as concise and seem to focus just on backpacking. This book covers both hiking and backpacking - so it's a real beginner's guide.

I just hope that Stevenson soon writes The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting More Vacation Time. I'd preorder it in a heartbeat.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking Feature

• ISBN13: 9781592579600
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking Overview

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Get Started with Day-Hiking
Getting started with shorter hikes that allow you to sleep in your own bed at night.

Chapter 2: Hiking for All Ages and Types
Finding a satisfying trail whether you hike by yourself, with a partner, or in a group.

Chapter 3: Camping Overnight
The complete guide to a comfortable night's sleep at parks, campgrounds, and backcountry tent-sites.

Chapter 4: Backpacking Basics
Getting deeper into the woods, mountains, or wherever you want to explore by carrying everything you need on your back.

Chapter 5: Training Your Body for the Trail
Everyday fitness routines to get you in shape for any level of hiking.

Chapter 6: Never Get Lost (Again)
Easy-to-follow map, compass, and GPS tutorials to keep you on the right trail.

Chapter 7: Essentials for Every Trip
The lifesaving gear you should never leave home without.

Chapter 8: Welcome to Gear World
Expert advice on how to buy high-quality and long-lasting equipment.

Chapter 9: Footwear Fundamentals
Finding hiking boots or trail shoes guaranteed to keep your feet happy and blister-free.

Chapter 10: Outdoor Clothing 101
Smart layering advice for weather that's either fair or foul.

Chapter 11: Hauling Your Gear: Daypacks and Weekend Packs
The surefire guide to finding and loading the ideal backpack.

Chapter 12: Shelter from the Storm
Building the perfect sleep system by combining tents, sleeping bags, and ground pads.

Chapter 13: The Outdoor Kitchen
Cooking advice and recipes to fuel every hike and hiker.

Chapter 14: Liquid Refreshment
Where to find water and how to make it safe to drink.

Chapter 15: Hygiene on the Trail
Sensible strategies to keep clean on the trail.

Chapter 16 How to Survive
The no-panic plan on how to respond when trouble arises.

Chapter 17: First Aid
The on-trail prescription to fix blisters, bumps, and bruises.

Chapter 18: The Wild Things
Keeping encounters with poisonous plants and wildlife at a safe but exciting distance.

Chapter 19: High-Country Hazards
Hiking and camping tips for more challenging trails and terrain.

Chapter 20: Expanding Your Skills
Where to seek your next great adventure.
 
Appendixes
A Glossary
B Resources
C Equipment Checklists

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 09, 2010 23:46:05