Rating: 
Summary: Some basics and Some Food for Thought
Review: When I was a boy scout, me and many of my fellow scouts completed the wilderness survival merit badge. Armed with only a swiss army knife, and a knowledge of edible plants, we had to survive in the wild for a number of days. I don't know how many scouts, outdoor students and military personnel undergo this type of training, but it really teaches you what is important to bring with you on a camping trip. After undergoing this type of training, you are never the same. No matter what anyone says, you know what is important and what isn't in the wild. Most backpackers quickly come to an understanding about pack weight too. I think there has been an unspoken understanding among most experienced backpackers that the ideal is to feel like you are on a day hike, but still provide the basics. It just feels different to carry less and to be more into nature, less weighted down. It really has nothing to do with covering more miles. I think Ray Jardine talks about miles because it is an objective measure of what you can do if you carry less--you can also walk fewer miles and enjoy them more. Most backpackers care more about the journey than the destination. Communing with nature is not a religious cult, it's why we go backpacking in the first place. So, I think Ray Jardine is not saying anything that any experienced backpacker doesn't know when it comes to being as light as possible. I see Mr. Jardine's contribution more in field-testing certain methods in certain terrains, and in thinking deeply about how things are done. For example, before I read his book, I would just camp in any old place- preferably one that looked like a campsite. Reading about, and thinking about campsite selection makes this whole process a lot more rational and sensible. The value of this book for me is that it stimulates thought about things I never really thought about before. I think it accomplishes its purpose if it gets you to think. I think this book should be read really critically, not accepting any of it until you field test it for yourself, and observe closely how well it works for you. I would be especially leery of the nutrition bits. Anyone who wants to think about nutrition should first figure out what their body needs when it is backpacking, and then figure out the best way of meeting those needs. To figure out your needs, you first need to understand a little biochemistry/physiology: what nutrients are used for what purpose in your body, and when are they used up? Some people take multi-vitamins with them on backpacking trips--this has always seemed a little excessive to me based on my understanding of the physiology of vitamin metabolism. You should also watch yourself--what foods do you crave? When do you feel full or hungry? When does a meal on the trail feel complete? Another valuable thing about this book, which I have yet to try myself, is the home-made gear ideas. A lot of the ideas look really good, and I am anxious to learn to sew after reading this book. If you are an inexperienced backpacker, you should definitely read this book to find out what every experienced backpacker knows. If you are inexperienced, you shouldn't even attempt the PCT without the training suggested in the book or its substantial equivalent. Anyone who is experienced will have an appreciation of the magnitude of the mental and physical training required for a trek of this length. If you are an experienced backpacker, you can get a lot of ideas that are worthy of being tested to see if they agree with you. I think almost anyone who reads this book will think of at least two ways they can make their backpacking technique better, or shave at least a pound or two off of the weight they carry. If you haven't invested in any gear yet, you can probably save a significant percentage off the cost of equipping yourself, if you are willing to make it yourself. Making your own gear will probably give you a sense of pride about it, (judging by the home-made gear pages on the web) and plus, you'll know how to fix it if it breaks. This book can give you some ideas on that too. Other innovations are on the web. Many serious backpackers have often felt like modern technology which makes things lighter has trickled down to backpacking too slowly, and that manufacturers have not been responsive to backpackers' needs. This is changing now with the ultralight "movement", which Ray Jardine, among others, is partially responsible for. So I am willing to forgive any tirades in the book. I would consider this book a "must read" if you are interested in deepening your backpacking technique. I have read on the web on people's web pages, over an over again, how backpackers have read this book, and it has stimulated them to try things out, and get out more, and get more out of getting out. Things they previously thought were obstacles to their going backpacking, they learned to overcome. There really are things to learn about backpacking. We haven't figured them all out yet, but this book makes a very important contribution along the way.
Rating: 
Summary: Backpacking for the Obsessive/Compulsive
Review: While this book has a few good tips it can't make up for the irritating tone of the author. This book takes a very simple activity and turns it into an obsessive pursuit. Get a copy of Collin Fletcher's "Complete Walker III" and learn to create your own style instead of having it force fed to you. While lightening the pack is always a good idea for enjoying the outdoors there are safer ways to do it than are outlined in this book. Plain and simple, I just didn't like the book.
Rating:
Summary: Very Useful Book
Review: Wow, I'm amazed at some of the negative responses to Ray's thoughtful and practical book.Sure I don't agree with him on every point he proposes in his theory of lightweight backpacking. Contrary to other reviewers, I find him willing to share his experiences and findings and is perfectly willing to let me make up my own mind and incorporate just those things I feel will help me. Yes, he is more focused on his personal, internal relationship with nature, and less so with those around him. That is his choice, and you can still be social and lightweight. Mileage is also much more important to him than many of us, but again, that is just personal philosophy. I don't see him as anyone trying to grow a religious '"lightweight" cult, but rather someone who is very focused on his experiences outdoors and wants to share some of his ideas with others. I really appreciate the anti-commercial and DIY focus of his gear recommendations (learned to sew!), the downright truthful look at nutrition and I even like his philosophy of experiencing nature. But I make up my own mind and these are just data points. Be a bit more open minded and you'll be surprised at what you can extract from this tome. So in short, this is a highly recommended book that will teach you much and prepare you to build/modify your own ideas on being in the out-of-doors.
Rating:
Summary: Buy it, read it, keep it
Review: You may not like Ray Jardine when you are finished reading this book. Or you may love him. In either case, regardless of your backpacking experience, you should read this book, or at least parts of it. By using many (not all) of Jardine's suggestions, I have stripped pounds off my back, without sacrificing comfort. I have also stripped ounces. I have been wilderness backpacking for about ten years. Using many of Jardine's recommendations, this year I have hiked parts of the Inca Trail (Machu Pichu, Peru), the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail (234 miles barefoot, and counting). My opinion is -- nothing I did to prepare was as valuable as reading, and thinking about, this book. And never has my backpacking been so enjoyable. One additional comment. I found Jardine irritating at times. His emphasis is so much on speed (miles per day) that I'm tempted to ask -- if all you're interested in is getting to the end of the trail as quickly as possible, why don't you hitchhike? He also doesn't seem to enjoy the people he meets while hiking, which rubs me the wrong way. But, setting these (mild) criticisms aside, this book deserves to be in the reference section of your personal library.
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