"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 journeyssuch 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 footwearand 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 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)

""Every imaginable topic covered thoroughly and engagingly.""
"--"Backpacker
""Townsend's knowledge is immense." --"Sierra
A top-selling recipient of the "Outdoor Writers Guild Award for Excellence," "The Backpacker's Handbook "owes its success to its enormous practicality for backpackers of all skill levels, covering everything from essential techniques for every backpacking trip--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.

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 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 (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 Edition

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Into the Wilderness

1. Preparing for the Trail

Fitness

The Art of Walking

Going Alone

Slackpacking and Fastpacking

Planning

2. The Load on Your Back: Choosing and Using Equipment

Weight

Checklists

Choosing and Buying

Final Thoughts

3. Footwear and Wilderness Travel

About Footwear

Footwear Types

Fitting Boots and Shoes

Footwear Materials and Construction

Footwear Models and Choices

Care of Footwear

Foot Care

Socks

Gaiters

Overboots

Campwear

Trekking Poles and Staffs

Ice Axes

Crampons

Skis and Snowshoes

4. Carrying the Load: The Pack

Types of Packs

Suspension Systems

Fitting the Pack

Packbags

Materials

Durability

Packing

Putting on the Pack

Pack Care

Pack Accessories

5. Keeping Warm and Dry: Dressing for the Wilderness

Heat Loss and Heat Production

The Layer System

The Vapor-Barrier Theory

Legwear

Headgear

Gloves and Mittens

Bandannas

Carrying Clothes

Fabric Treatment and Care

6. Shelter: Camping in the Wilderness

Bivouac Bags

Tarps

Groundsheets

Tents

Pitches and Pitching: Minimum-Impact Camping

Tent Care

Wilderness Shelters

Snow Caves

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Pads

Other Comforts

7. The Wilderness Kitchen

Food and Drink

Water

The Camp¿re

Stoves

Utensils

Siting the Kitchen

8. Comfort and Safety in Camp and on the Trail

Light

Health and Body Care

Equipment Maintenance and Repair

In Case of Emergency

Office

Binoculars and Monoculars

Photography

Entertainment

9. On the Move: Skills and Hazards

Finding the Way

Coping with Terrain

Minimizing Impact

Wilderness Hazards

Dealing with Animals

Hunters

10. Adventure Travel: Backpacking Abroad

Information and Planning

Organized Trips

Immunizations and Health

Food and Supplies

Insurance

Different Cultures

A Final Word

Appendixes

1. Equipment Checklist

2. Suggested Reading

3. Resources

4. Metric Conversions

Index