Backpacking : One Step at a Time

Rating:
Summary: Timeless advice for novice (and many long-time) backpackers.
Review: Before I ever set foot into the wilderness, I read Harvey Manning's book cover to cover (several times). It prepared me for a lifetime of low environmental impact adventures in the ever more crowded wild parts of the country. Though the equipment advice may now be dated, his approach to living and playing in the great outdoors is timeless. "TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS" is more important now than ever before. Mr. Manning's book teaches/reminds us that there is a limited amount of wilderness out there to be enjoyed by an always growing number of people. Following the advice in this book will help prepare the reader for a more safe, comfortable and, ultimately, more enjoyable experience outdoors.

Sure, there are more up-to-date guides on equipment. Buy the ultimate hiking boot and six months later there's a new, improved model available. Equipment guides are that way. The wilderness, however, is different. Trash a meadow, cut down a 500 year old tree, scrawl your name on a rock face and the special feeling that you are in a pristine, untouched place is gone. That place has been ruined for every backpacker and hiker who follows. This book shows how to enjoy what is out there without destroying the reason we escape into the wilderness in the first place!

Rating:
Summary: Timeless advice for novice (and many long-time) backpackers.
Review: Before I ever set foot into the wilderness, I read Harvey Manning's book cover to cover (several times). It prepared me for a lifetime of low environmental impact adventures in the ever more crowded wild parts of the country. Though the equipment advice may now be dated, his approach to living and playing in the great outdoors is timeless. "TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS" is more important now than ever before. Mr. Manning's book teaches/reminds us that there is a limited amount of wilderness out there to be enjoyed by an always growing number of people. Following the advice in this book will help prepare the reader for a more safe, comfortable and, ultimately, more enjoyable experience outdoors.

Sure, there are more up-to-date guides on equipment. Buy the ultimate hiking boot and six months later there's a new, improved model available. Equipment guides are that way. The wilderness, however, is different. Trash a meadow, cut down a 500 year old tree, scrawl your name on a rock face and the special feeling that you are in a pristine, untouched place is gone. That place has been ruined for every backpacker and hiker who follows. This book shows how to enjoy what is out there without destroying the reason we escape into the wilderness in the first place!

Rating:
Summary: best backpacking book available
Review: I have tried numerous backpacking books and this is the best one. It has a lot of information and should help you get started in backpacking.

Rating:
Summary: best backpacking book available
Review: I have tried numerous backpacking books and this is the best one. It has a lot of information and should help you get started in backpacking.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent foundation for outdoor proficiency!
Review: Manning's book covers everything you need to know about venturing into the out of doors. From equipment selection to breaking camp, this book is packed with information for beginners and experience outdoorsmen alike. -Mike Harmer, Editor of Scouting Onlin

Rating:
Summary: A bit outdated
Review: The information about general hiking and first-aid tips is very useful. Sections on clothing/sleeping bag fabrics is VERY out of date. Too much has changed with fabric technology since this book was written. I agree that post-1995 backpacking books have more accurate information about modern materials.

Rating:
Summary: GOOD BOOK FOR GARAGE SALE SHOPPERS!
Review: This is a perfact book, ya for the sixties or seventies. But it is outdated and old. Stick with the modern books, from 1995, and on. There are some exceptions, like buying 1986 cooking books, or classical fiction books, but every month there are new stoves, backpacks, etc. There is more technology now, then there was, and backpacking books have become more updated. I recommend buying The Backpacker's Handbook, by Chris Townsend, or books by Karen Berger. If you rade garage sales for old gear this might be the perfact book. Otherwise stick with more updated information on how-tos to backpacking!

Rating:
Summary: THE Classic
Review: This isn't the most recent book on backpacking by any means, but, except for SOME of the advice about specific brands of gear, it is by no means dated. The gear hasn't change THAT much since it was written ( I can't say the same for prices), and the book does an excellent job covering backpacking basics and the ethics of enjoying the great outdoors. I also greatly enjoy Manning's writing, and plan on looking for other books that he has written.