The Backpacker's Handbook » (Third Edition)

Chris Townsend (Scotland) leads hiking, climbing, and ski touring expeditions worldwide, including in Norway, Sweden, the Himalayas, and the Sierras. He is the author of The Advanced Backpacker and Backpacker's Pocket Guide and coauthor of the Encyclopedia of Outdoor and Wilderness Skills.

"The most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to equipment and technique available anywhere."—Backpack (UK)

This enormously practical guide includes everything from essential techniques such as map and compass work to the skills needed for more remote wilderness journeys—such as how to ford rivers safely and how to choose a route through untracked terrain. As a gear advisor, this book is unequaled. You'll find the last word on:

• How to choose packs and footwear—and make sure they fit
• What clothing to take on the trail
• Tents, tarps, stoves, water purifiers, and other gear
• GPS, cell phones, and other electronic devices
• And much more

Now in its third edition, The Backpacker's Handbook also covers desert hiking, ultralight backpacking, and adventure trekking in distant corners of the globe. Indeed, there is little about backpacking Chris Townsend does not cover. This trusted reference will prepare you for the challenges and excitement of backpacking in the wilderness.

"A clear and comprehensive primer on backpacking gear. Townsend's knowledge is immense."—Sierra

"Belongs in every bookcase dealing with outdoor topics. . . . Chockablock full of useful, practical, commonsense info. . . . If you tramp the outdoors, get this book."—Maine Sportsman

"For those thinking of taking a backpack journey, The Backpacker's Handbook is required reading."—Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)

Chris Townsend, one of the world's best-known and most experienced rough-terrain hikers, has been backpacking for more than 30 years. His solo treks include a 1,600-mile hike over the length of the Canadian Rockies, a 1,000-mile walk across the Yukon, and a 3,000-mile expedition from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide Trail. He is the author of The Advanced Backpacker and Backpacker's Pocket Guide.

Chris Townsend (Scotland) leads hiking, climbing, and ski touring expeditions worldwide, including in Norway, Sweden, the Himalayas, and the Sierras. He is the author of The Advanced Backpacker and Backpacker's Pocket Guide and coauthor of the Encyclopedia of Outdoor and Wilderness Skills.

Preface to the Third EditionAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Into the Wilderness1. Preparing for the TrailFitnessThe Art of WalkingGoing AloneSlackpacking and FastpackingPlanning2. The Load on Your Back: Choosing and Using EquipmentWeightChecklistsChoosing and BuyingFinal Thoughts3. Footwear and Wilderness TravelAbout FootwearFootwear TypesFitting Boots and ShoesFootwear Materials and ConstructionFootwear Models and ChoicesCare of FootwearFoot CareSocksGaitersOverbootsCampwearTrekking Poles and StaffsIce AxesCramponsSkis and Snowshoes4. Carrying the Load: The PackTypes of PacksSuspension SystemsFitting the PackPackbagsMaterialsDurabilityPackingPutting on the PackPack CarePack Accessories5. Keeping Warm and Dry: Dressing for the WildernessHeat Loss and Heat ProductionThe Layer SystemThe Vapor-Barrier TheoryLegwearHeadgearGloves and MittensBandannasCarrying ClothesFabric Treatment and Care6. Shelter: Camping in the WildernessBivouac BagsTarpsGroundsheetsTentsPitches and Pitching: Minimum-Impact CampingTent CareWilderness SheltersSnow CavesSleeping BagsSleeping PadsOther Comforts7. The Wilderness KitchenFood and DrinkWaterThe CampfireStovesUtensilsSiting the Kitchen8. Comfort and Safety in Camp and on the TrailLightHealth and Body CareEquipment Maintenance and RepairIn Case of EmergencyOfficeBinoculars and MonocularsPhotographyEntertainment9. On the Move: Skills and HazardsFinding the WayCoping with TerrainMinimizing ImpactWilderness HazardsDealing with AnimalsHunters10. Adventure Travel: Backpacking AbroadInformation and PlanningOrganized TripsImmunizations and HealthFood and SuppliesInsuranceDifferent CulturesA Final WordAppendixes1. Equipment Checklist2. Suggested Reading3. Resources4. Metric ConversionsIndex