Customer Reviews

Backpacking: A Woman's Guide

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent "how to" book which is geared towards the novice backpacker. But it's also fun to peruse even if you're a veteran of the trails. Hall writes well and has a good sense of humor about the topic. The way the book is organized is exceptional: each chapter is fairly brief, and there are small "side bars" with additional information on various subjects, such as hydration, bears, food preparation and tending to your gear. If you have never backpacked previously, this is essential reading. I can't imagine attempting any lengthy trek without knowing the info presented here. While much of it is common sense material, there is an abundance of other topics which don't seem to be addressed in other backpacking guides.

As for the title, it's misleading. Men can get just as much enjoyment from the book as the ladies. There really is not much gender-specific commentary in the book. If you want a funny, yet absorbing, look at backpacking, this is your book.

I just finished reading this book. I did it in about a week, and I rarely finish a book at all! I either become bored of the author's stile, don't relate to what's being written or don't find the topics or information I was expecting.
This book had all of that and more. Chapters are just the right size to give you a good overview, guides to where you can find further information, wonderful and inspiring quotes and photos that aim the female outdoor enthusiast. I can't wait 'til my next opportunity to go backpacking..!

PS: I also never write reviews, but I as soon as I finished reading this book, I knew I had to write this one...

OK for people looking for a brief introduction - but not more than an overview. It left me wanting more information and turning to other books.

I bought this book before my first backpacking trip, and it was extremely usefull. It covered every topic from getting fit before you leave to gear selection and first aid. A super usefull "what to bring" checklist, to make sure you don't forget anything before you leave, is included at the end of the book, as well as an excellent resource directory. I love the emphasis on specifics for women, as well as the quotes all through the book. Although I think it is true that no book can cover all there is to know about the subject, overall, the book is awsome and a must for beginners. It offers tips that I haven't seen in any other book, so it could be usefull to experienced hikers as well.

This book is tailored for the beginner, with enough specifics to make you feel ready to tackle the outdoors. But it also includes information you won't find in other books, like an at-home exercise regimen you can use to prepare your muscles for backpacking and how to pack your backpack to provide balance and stablility and how, exactly, do you walk with a backpack without hurting your joints? These are things you can only learn by taking to the trail with experienced guides, or by reading this book.

I originally gave this book 2 stars, because I didn't think it was as comprehensive as other backpacking books, like the Backpacker's Field Manual by Rick Curtis, for example.

But that was over a year ago, and when I recently reread this book, I completely changed my mind. It's not comprehensive in any one area, but it is clear on that fact, and says where to get more information about any questions that may arise. But overall, it's a good resource for women backpackers -- both beginners and experienced hikers. And on top of being a good resource, it's full of inspiration that is never over-the-top or sappy.

If you're looking for a book to help you master backcountry skills, or if you are just looking to take a step toward a backcountry foray, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.

That said, I also recommend the more comprehensive (though male-centric) Backpacker's Field Manual by Rick Curtis.

As a new backpacker it answered all of my questions. It gives a womans's point of view on what gear you should have as well as food , basic first-aid, and places to go. This book is full of handy tips for new and experienced backpackers. Weather you are just starting out or are a experienced backpacker this book will provide you with lots of useful information.

I read this book in preparation for a summer in the backwoods of western Massachusetts and it provided all of the information that I had hoped for and more! It is written in a way that makes it both fun to read as well as very educational. It addresses both the everyday backpacking subjects as well as those specific to women. I believe that anyone who is considering going out on a backpacking trip -- whether it be day hiking or thru hiking of the AT -- should read this book in preparation for their excursion!

THis book is a perfact starter book, and one for experts..It includes many know- hows and an enexpensive approach to backpacking. Ms. Hall even includes a section for menu planning and the amount of calories needed. This book also has three recipes from a book, which I found extremly helpful. In the back of the book she included some information on other interesting books for getting stated, backcountry cooking, and gear. This is a wonderful book for beginners and old timers alike!

Focuses on woman issues and needs. Liked the strengthening excercises to train for backpacking. Not much on recepies but basic food preps. well covered. Lots of personal experiences by woman-author with great tips. Five stars on resource directory. Indexed very helpful to find specific topic area. Black/White pictures - good equipment selection coverage. I read book from cover/cover and found the book to be a great motivator to try backpacking. Addressed issues such as hygiene and where to start! Answered many of my questions as a beginner. I liked this book very much and recommend it for woman exploring backpacking. Enjoy!