Synopses & Reviews
The ultimate manual for wilderness travelers and campers,
Walking Softly in the Wilderness is the groundbreaking guide that first taught backpackers how to enjoy a genuine wilderness experience that leaves nature undisturbed.
In recent years backpacking gear and practices have undergone many changes, and all are noted and expertly evaluated by author John Hart in this new edition. Covering the latest in "ultralight" gear choices, as well as downloadable maps, portable GPS devices, and the world of online information, Hart is a sure-footed guide to this changing scene.
The qualities that established this guide as the bible of camp and trail have also been polished and honed: its level-headed advice on trip planning and packing; insights for getting the most from a wilderness trip, whether a challenging mountain scramble or a leisurely family outing; and wisdom about dealing with the unexpected, from bears to flash floods to injuries. Seventy line drawings illustrate topics ranging from bear-bagging to rigging a tarp shelter. Extensive resource listings include wilderness agencies, gear suppliers, and online information sources.
Synopsis
The ultimate manual for wilderness travelers and campers,
Walking Softly in the Wilderness is the groundbreaking guide that first taught backpackers how to enjoy a genuine wilderness experience that leaves nature undisturbed.
In recent years backpacking gear and practices have undergone many changes, and all are noted and expertly evaluated by author John Hart in this new edition. Covering the latest in "ultralight" gear choices, as well as downloadable maps, portable GPS devices, and the world of online information, Hart is a sure-footed guide to this changing scene.
The qualities that established this guide as the bible of camp and trail have also been polished and honed: its level-headed advice on trip planning and packing; insights for getting the most from a wilderness trip, whether a challenging mountain scramble or a leisurely family outing; and wisdom about dealing with the unexpected, from bears to flash floods to injuries. Seventy line drawings illustrate topics ranging from bear-bagging to rigging a tarp shelter. Extensive resource listings include wilderness agencies, gear suppliers, and online information sources.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
A Note to the Reader
THE LAND BEYOND THE ROADHEAD
1 Backpacking in the Twenty-first Century
2 Breaking In
GEARING UP
3 The Gear You Need and How to Choose It
4 Boots
5 Clothing
6 The Pack
7 The Bed
8 Shelter
9 Stove and Kitchen
10 The Rest of the Load
PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
11 Designing the Trip
12 Planning Food and Fuel
13 Packing and Preparations
TRAVEL ON THE TRAIL
14 To the Trailhead
15 Life on Your Own Two Feet
16 Finding the Way
MAKING and MANAGING THE CAMP
17 Making Camp
18 Fire and Food
19 Shelter and Bed
20 Sanitation and Clean Water
21 Breaking Camp
VARIATIONS
22 Ultralight and Other Variants
23 Backpacking in the Desert and Other Odd Places
24 The Winter Wilderness
25 Hiking and Camping with Kids
TROUBLE and HOW TO DEAL WITH IT
26 Trouble!
27 Some Common Medical Problems
28 Threats from the Environment
29 Problem Animals and Plants
THE PLACES and THEIR FUTURE
30 Where the Wild Things Are
31Toward a Wilderness Forever
Permission
Acknowledgments
Resources
Index