Synopses & Reviews
Expert hiker Michael W. Robbins offers an overview of the hiking experience in various terrains, from forests to fields to mountains. He discusses common mistakes and how to avoid them and gives recommendations on trip planning, pacing, and appropriate gear. He covers the basics of navigating, including use of a compass, and he even includes a chapter on extending a day hike into an overnight backpacking trip.
Interwoven with Robbins's advice are first-person accounts of his own experiences on trails in various parts of North America. His encounters with wildlife, his discovery of forgotten historical or unexplored archaeological sites, his exultation at coming upon a magnificent vista - all will be a real inspiration to both beginning and experienced hikers. The Hiking Companion is the perfect combination of down-to-earth, expert advice and exciting tales of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await you in the wild.
Review
"Before you head out to tackle the terrain, leaf through The Hiking Companion for advice on avoiding classic beginner pitfalls." -- Self
"[C]onsider this hiking guide from Michael Robbins. He tells you how to hike smart, what to bring and where to go, as well as basic navigation, and trail etiquette." -- New Orleans Times-Picayune
"... easy to read and almost small enough to fit into a back pocket. It is an excellent reference for the beginning hiker or someone planning his/her first backpacking trip." -- Trail Walker
" ... the perfect combination of hardcore, down-to-earth, expert advice, with exciting stories of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await you in the wild." -- Colgate Scene
"... the author entertains and informs. In addition to some basic advice, there's the voice of experience suggesting historical research prior to your adventure ... "
-- Sweat
Synopsis
Strap on your boots and get out on the trail Drawing from personal experience, Michael W. Robbins describes what to expect when hiking in various terrains from forests to fields and lake edges to mountains. Informative and fun, The Hiking Companion combines tips for trip planning, equipment, navigation, and safety with exciting stories of once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Whether you re an expert hiker or setting out on your first overnighter, this inspiring guide is full of practical advice to make your next outing a success.
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About the Author
Michael Robbins is a writer and a former editor of Audubon and Oceans magazines and the author of Birds: A Family Field Guide.