Rating: 
Summary: It is not beyond backpacking: it is about backpacking
Review: Most beginning backpackers buy what looks like the best equipment using ads in magazines, recommendations of store personnel, and suggestions from friends who occasionally hike. I did the same, and found myself overloaded with goods, out a lot of money, and struggling on the trail. I couldn't help think that there must be a better way. I looked through several books on backpacking before going out and overlooked this one because of the title. I thought the title, Beyond Backpacking, suggested a text for experienced backpackers - not me. After an initial arduous struggle, I read and bought the book. Beyond Backpacking is the answer to easy and economical backpacking - and it is more relevant to beginners. Ray's book covers the basics of backpacking without any hype and dispels many of its myths. Important items, such as footwear, clothing, backpacks, food, cooking utensils and tents, are covered in unexpected detail and clarity. For example, I thought the best shoes for backpacking were the sturdiest, thickest full-grained leather with gore-tex liners. Ray jokingly mocks the boot advertisements and explains why a lightweight pair of trail sneakers works better. Another good example, with clothing, is the selection of socks. He uses and recommends thin nylon socks because they are durable, inexpensive, somewhat breathable, and easy to hand wash and dry. I think I unknowingly wasted about $15 bucks on each pair of smartwool socks. Ray's writing is clear and easy to follow. Each subject is covered very thoroughly. Beginners, like myself, may want to skim through some sections to gain some basic knowledge and understanding. More advanced backpackers may want to read sections more thoroughly and compare their knowledge and experience with his. Mr. Jardine provides his C.V.; listing some of his hikes, trail experience, and manufacturing experience. He qualifies as an expert and, in the text, usually points out where others' views differ. As a person, I am very critical. Under most circumstances I would not give a book a five star rating. This one gets it because it is well written, covers the subject thoroughly, and, if I would have been smart enough to read this book before shopping for gear, I would have saved several times its cost, been more comfortable on the trail, and traveled farther and easier. My only criticism of the book is the misleading title. What is "Beyond backpacking"? Kayaking? Bicycle touring? Astral projection? Virtual camping? I overlooked this book when starting out because of the title. This book is a worthwhile investment for the beginning backpacker and may also appeal to the experienced backpacker unfamiliar with the lighter less expensive approach to enjoying the outdoors.
Rating:
Summary: The thinking (and doing) man's guide to backpacking
Review: Mr. Jardine's book is the most useful book on the topic of backpacking that I have read. It's greatest value is that it encourages the reader to think for his or herself. It asks the question, "is the way we have been backpacking the most efficient, the most enjoyable?" The answer to that question is found through direct experience with Jardine's ideas. I have begun experimenting with these ideas and found the experience very rewarding. For example, I used the polyethylene tarp on a 5-day trip through the Olympic National Park. My buddy and I slept warm and dry each night at a fraction of the weight of a typical two person tent. Beyond Backpacking is much more than a guide to lighter gear. It is a how-to manual for enhancing all aspects of the wilderness experience. Very inspiring!
Rating:
Summary: Beyond conventional wisdom
Review: Prior to the release of this book's forerunner, "The PCT Hiker's Handbook," the lightweight hiking and camping movement that we know today did not exist. Individually, certain outdoor enthusiasts may have had their ideas, but, collectively, backpacking culture the world over marched to the beat of a very different drum. Author Jardine refers to this drum as "the standard backpacking method," and it was synonymous with a heavy, "everything but the kitchen sink" mentality - a mode of backcountry travel that was rarely well considered, seldom enjoyable, and sometimes just plain dangerous. Not surprisingly, perhaps, relatively few people hiked any great distance in the wilderness back then. But Ray Jardine was a notable exception, and it is from his incredible 20,000 miles of long distance hiking experience that we now arrive at the iconoclastic and ultimately culture-defining ideas contained in "Beyond Backpacking," the all-trails version of his now classic Handbook. Ray once quoted scientist Niels Bohr, who said, "An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field." We owe much to each of these men; Bohr for at last describing the atom, prime constituent of the universe, and Jardine for tirelessly rethinking wilderness travel, and in so doing our relationship with the universe and all its constituents. For "Beyond Backpacking" is more than just a book of methods, a work detailing the how-to's of lightening our loads, of traveling more comfortably, of enjoying the physics of the pastime. It is all of this, and very capably and credibly so, but moreover this book elevates our outdoor activity to the level of fine art, prescribing a higher purpose to the hiking and camping than a simple end unto itself. Jardine takes us beyond, to a concept he calls the Connection: a heightened awareness of the natural world around us and of our place within it. Each of the book's 53 chapters is intended to lead us toward this connection, through a gradual shift in our wilderness methods and philosophies. When we achieve the connection, Ray teaches, we cease being mere visitors in wilderness, and instead become fully functioning members. We rediscover our heritage, our true, innate selves. The universe then is ours for the asking. Whether you're interested in shedding pounds from your weekend camping outfit, or planning a lightweight, injury-free thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, "Beyond Backpacking" leads the way, always thoughtfully, with trail-proven savvy, and always with an eye toward personal refinement. Gone are the days of the mindless backwoods slog, head down, teeth bared, and body on the verge of collapse. In their place a new generation of "Ray-way" adventurers is discovering something far more profound, that the lighter we travel the lighter our spirits may also travel. Or as Thoreau put it, "Man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone."
Rating:
Summary: Beyond conventional wisdom
Review: Prior to the release of this book's forerunner, "The PCT Hiker's Handbook," the lightweight hiking and camping movement that we know today did not exist. Individually, certain outdoor enthusiasts may have had their ideas, but, collectively, backpacking culture the world over marched to the beat of a very different drum. Author Jardine refers to this drum as "the standard backpacking method," and it was synonymous with a heavy, "everything but the kitchen sink" mentality - a mode of backcountry travel that was rarely well considered, seldom enjoyable, and sometimes just plain dangerous. Not surprisingly, perhaps, relatively few people hiked any great distance in the wilderness back then. But Ray Jardine was a notable exception, and it is from his incredible 20,000 miles of long distance hiking experience that we now arrive at the iconoclastic and ultimately culture-defining ideas contained in "Beyond Backpacking," the all-trails version of his now classic Handbook. Ray once quoted scientist Niels Bohr, who said, "An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field." We owe much to each of these men; Bohr for at last describing the atom, prime constituent of the universe, and Jardine for tirelessly rethinking wilderness travel, and in so doing our relationship with the universe and all its constituents. For "Beyond Backpacking" is more than just a book of methods, a work detailing the how-to's of lightening our loads, of traveling more comfortably, of enjoying the physics of the pastime. It is all of this, and very capably and credibly so, but moreover this book elevates our outdoor activity to the level of fine art, prescribing a higher purpose to the hiking and camping than a simple end unto itself. Jardine takes us beyond, to a concept he calls the Connection: a heightened awareness of the natural world around us and of our place within it. Each of the book's 53 chapters is intended to lead us toward this connection, through a gradual shift in our wilderness methods and philosophies. When we achieve the connection, Ray teaches, we cease being mere visitors in wilderness, and instead become fully functioning members. We rediscover our heritage, our true, innate selves. The universe then is ours for the asking. Whether you're interested in shedding pounds from your weekend camping outfit, or planning a lightweight, injury-free thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, "Beyond Backpacking" leads the way, always thoughtfully, with trail-proven savvy, and always with an eye toward personal refinement. Gone are the days of the mindless backwoods slog, head down, teeth bared, and body on the verge of collapse. In their place a new generation of "Ray-way" adventurers is discovering something far more profound, that the lighter we travel the lighter our spirits may also travel. Or as Thoreau put it, "Man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone."
Rating:
Summary: Required Reading
Review: Ray Jardine is a purist in the art of ultra-light backpacking. Ray's book describes more than a backpacking philosophy, it describes his way of life and I was very pleased to read about it. There are few who can match Ray's determination to reduce backpack weight, yet I believe *ALL* backpackers can benefit by reading his book. Our troop uses some of the concepts in Ray's book to teach Scouts how to become skilled backpackers.
Rating: 
Summary: Provocative Approach
Review: Ray Jardine presents his eccentric, provocative approach to backpacking. I would not recommend this approach to a beginner, but only an experienced backpacker. Some of his ideas go beyond eccentric to nutty--he speaks approvingly of walking barefoot, for example, or of eliminating the very innovations that have done the most to improve backpacking--sleeping pads, stoves, hip belts. And his numbers never quite add up--by his own admission, his "eight and a half pound pack" can weigh up to fifty pounds. Nevertheless, the book is worth reading for the challenge he presents, and also for some of his advice on particular issues (handling ice and snow for example). One reviewer called this book the "most comprehensive," but I would certainly see it as less so than Complete Walker IV, which I would recommend to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Useful, yet preachy
Review: Ray Jardine was a radical backpacker when Beyond Backpacking was written, or so it seems.
Beyond Backpacking is a great book which covers a varied range of topics - from equipment to food to trail hazards. It offers great advice and tips about backpacking in different conditions and dealing with trail life. The focus of the book is ultra light backpacking, hiking with only the lightest equipment you need. Yet Jardine preaches the entire book against being part of the Western world, including but not limited to endless rants and scowls at manufactures and modern food. This tends to be annoying at first and gets boring later on.
I must warn you not to take anything for granted. Jardine states a lot of "facts" in his book, some of which are untrue, others are not confirmed. Pick and choose as you go - when Jardine wrote this book he worked two-three months every year. While he has to cut and save you can hike in more comfort and struggle with less logistics by spending more money.
Before taking in kind of action influenced by this book I suggest that you (a) figure out what really fits your own hike (AKA Hike your own hike, not Ray Jardine's hike) and (b) search the internet about ultra light backpacking. Jardine simply does not discuss any cons that any of his techniques and methods might hold - while quite a lot of hikers have homepages discussing the pros and cons of certain lightweight techniques.
Beyond Backpacking is an important and inspirational read. Just remember that the situation of gear nowadays is different to five years ago, and most importantly do not to take anything written for granted - do your research before hiking
Rating:
Summary: It has made my backpacking more enjoyable.
Review: Since lightening my load I have a lot more energy at the end of the day. This gives me a much greater opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. It seems that most hikers and backpackers are lightening their loads. Some at more extreme levels and other just a little here and there. Some of us are almost fanatical about it while others are more sensible in lightening the loads on their backs and feet. I would like to give Ray and his wife a heartfelt thanks for helping me make hiking more enjoyable..
Rating: 
Summary: Utter Nonsense. Not worth buying.
Review: Summary: Good for thru-hikers or if you make your own gear. Otherwise buy Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher first; then see if you want Ray Jardine's book. Jardine's Book is focused on lightweight backpacking, a worthwile pursuit in my opinion. There are lots of advantages to reducing pack weight and Ray suggests many things to help, concentrating on 'the big 3': pack, shelter, bag. This book is definetely aimed more for the thru-hiker (which are cross-country hikes of 2000 miles or so) rather than the weeekend hiker, but still interesting nonetheless. My main problem with this book are the many flawed suggestions or erroneous "facts" in it. You have to sort through it to keep the good stuff. One of the more ridiculous ideas is that a positive mental attitude prevents bug bites (less ridiculous but still unproven is taking lots of Vitamin B). Also Jardine is very preachy and when he suggests something (like shoes rather than boots) he keeps repeating them in other chapters, hammering his point. He doesn't allow for the possibility that someone might do things differently, completely the opposite attitude that Fletcher has in the Complete Walker. This book could be called the INcomplete Walker. As for specific ideas (and my opinion), it's pretty much limited to: - A lightweight pack (good!) worn on only one shoulder (annoying).
- A tarp instead of a tent: good idea, but needs extra bug protection in many cases.
- Shoes instead of boots: could work with the right shoes but my fragile ankles prefer boots.
- Nutritious food: sure, but I'm not going to grind my own wheat to make flour as Jardine suggests! Ray seems to think that white flour gives no energy which is false - it's not very nutritious but 1000 calories is 1000 calories no matter what.
- A quilt instead of a bag: seems like a good choice for a couple but not weight/heat-efficient for a single person.
- An umbrella: inefficient, heavy, doesn't even protect you correctly (ever use an umbrella in any wind). This idea is the silliest of all. Overall an informative (but be guarded) book that's really irritating to read. There are better ones out there; save your money unless you thru-hike.
Rating:
Summary: Utter Nonsense. Not worth buying.
Review: The "advice" and information in this book is pure junk. I learned nothing new about minimizing my backpacking load except that some idiots are willing to put up with any amount of unpleasantness and discomfort to have bragging rights about carrying very little equipment. Among the author's ridiculous suggestions are: cut the tongues out of your shoes; scrub your pots clean with weeds, leaves or pine needles; and bring an umbrella to fend of rain and hot sun (I'd like to see him try that while hiking through Tazmania with rain blowing sideways because of the gale force winds). He also advocates not using bear canisters, which will get you kicked out of most U.S. National Parks in California. The author claims to have minimized his backpacking load to 8.44 pounds, but this doesn't include any food or water. What, pray tell, is he going to subsist on while taking his lovely unencumbered hikes? Worse still, his system depends on having hiking partner who is willing to share the load with you. The book's advice is useless if you are a solo hiker. Don't waste your money on this book. With a little common sense and practical experience, you can figure out your own solutions for minimizing pack weight.
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