- Paperback: 368 pages
- Publisher: Alpha (April 6 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1592579604
- ISBN-13: 978-1592579600
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm
- Shipping Weight: 431 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #361,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
"Stevenson's clear instruction and trail-tested techniques make this a great introduction to backcountry hiking and camping."
-Jonathan Dorn, editor-in-chief, Backpacker magazine
-Jonathan Dorn, editor-in-chief, Backpacker magazine
Book Description
A guide so thorough it will send you packing...
Backpacking remains one of the most popular, and inexpensive, outdoor activities in America. The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Backpacking and Hiking helps anyone prepare and plan for a rewarding adventure.
?Covers planning, training, shopping, and packing for the trip
?How to live on the trail
?First aid and other safety tips
?Practical time- and money-saving hints
?What gear is necessary-and what isn't
?Special considerations when traveling with groups or pets
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
Backpacking remains one of the most popular, and inexpensive, outdoor activities in America. The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Backpacking and Hiking helps anyone prepare and plan for a rewarding adventure.
?Covers planning, training, shopping, and packing for the trip
?How to live on the trail
?First aid and other safety tips
?Practical time- and money-saving hints
?What gear is necessary-and what isn't
?Special considerations when traveling with groups or pets
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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.6 out of 5 stars (17 customer reviews)
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for new and veteran hikers alike., May 5 2010
By C. Seiple - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking (Paperback)
Although I'm an experienced hiker, I usually pick up the latest how-to books in hopes of learning something new. Unfortunately, most are horribly out-of-date or seem like they were written by someone who's never actually done any serious backpacking. Thankfully, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking is not one of those books. Simply put, this author knows his stuff and is obviously an experienced backpacker who practices what he preaches.The author packs a lot of relevant info into the book, covering everything from how to pick the right hiking boot to advanced survival skills and the latest gps navigation gadgets. While many books give a cursory look at hiking clothes (usually incorrectly suggesting cotton shirts, jeans, etc), Stevenson delves into the most up-to-date polyester blends and anti-microbial, anti-smell shirts that make for a much more enjoyable experience. This current, detailed treatment is applied to all beginner hiking subjects, in an easy-to-digest, conversational style that is a joy to read.
Most hiking how-to books read like research papers, often filled with extremely basic, oversimplified info that, quite frankly, offends the sensibilities of most seasoned hikers. Perhaps the best thing about this book is that it tells you everything you need to know to begin backpacking and hiking, while providing much more in-depth knowledge in each chapter for those that want to take the hobby further. The advice is solid, current, tried and true, which makes it a great book for both new and veteran hikers.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything you need to know to enter the great outdoors, May 3 2010
By Philip Renton - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking (Paperback)
Finally, a useful hiking book that doesn't take itself too seriously! This book is easy to read and packed with information so you can keep it as a useful reference (not to mention a good size and weight so you can stick in in your pack).If you are an extreme sports junkie looking to climb K2 this probably isn't the book for you. But if you are anyone else looking for an enjoyable trip to the wilderness I would highly recommend it.
I was an experienced hiker in my college days, but have been city bound ever since. Now I have a little boy and want to show him the outdoors. This book is a great refresher for me and easy to read. In fact, chapter 2 gives some great suggestions about the types of hikes and how to go about exploring the outdoors with people of all ages.
This guide has lots of good recommendations on how to research hikes, plan an appropriate route, and get the supplies you need. In particular I've found the supply check list and overview of the latest gear helpful, from fitting boots and backpacks to picking the right tent and stove. For trip planning there's a particular focus on making sure you don't get lost which will be reassuring for people new to hiking less well marked trails.
Well researched with lots of great references, from hiking maps and planning trips to getting the right gear without busting your budget, this is a great resource for getting into the great outdoors!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must-Read for Beginners and Enthusiasts Alike!, April 30 2010
By Nathan Gehlert - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking (Paperback)
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.
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