Rating: 
Summary: A must have
Review: I thought I knew something about backpacking. After reading this book I have to admit that my knowledge needs a serious upgrade. This now is done (partialy at least). Well written book, understandable, many real-life example, and best of all a really good bibliography. Take this as a very good (the best, I think) starting point and enjoy learning. And for those who just want to know what backpacking is: Read this book first !!
Rating:
Summary: From Novice to Expert in One Easy Step
Review: Ok, so that's a bit extreme; but I've been surprised at the breadth and depth of information in this book. It's surprisingly readable. How often could you say you've read page after page about wool socks and long underwear without falling asleep?
Rating: 
Summary: Chris Townsend is the voice of experience.
Review: One of the delights of publishing how-to books is that when a book does well, we get a chance to improve it in a new edition. That's exactly what happened with The Backpacker's Handbook. The first edition was good enough to win The Outdoor Writers Guild Award for Excellence in the United Kingdom; the second edition is better. The reason has a lot to do with author Chris Townsend, who has been backpacking for 25 years. Chris has trekked a good many of the world's long trails, including the Yukon, the Continental Divide Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Canadian Rockies, as well as Nepal, Scotland, and Scandinavia. Because he tests equipment for outdoor magazines, his equipment coverage is the most thorough and up to date you'll find. And because he leads group treks, he anticipates and answers the questions of those less experienced than he. (Often, outdoor writers seem more interested in impressing their peers than instructing beginners.) But what I think is most encouraging about Chris's book is his stories of his own mishaps; he lets us understand that the important thing is to get out there and learn as you go. If you take a few basic safety precautions, the mistakes you make won't harm you--not even your pride.
Rating:
Summary: Experiences teach valuable lessons
Review: This book is all about experience. It takes you on an amazing ride through a concise drilldown of everything one needs to take their first walk. The author does a good job of giving not only his own perspective, but the perspective of other experienced backpackers that see things differently. This gives you more lessons than a single person could ever provide. Whenever you come to a junction point in the book where you might want more information about something he specificly states he's not going into (like power hiking vs. slackwalking, or gourmet trail cooking vs. survivial eating) he always gives references to other great books that give the extra details on those other subjects. Great must-read!
Rating:
Summary: One of the BEST general backpacking info books available.
Review: This book is FULL of info. Chris gives you a run down of different types of backpacking gear. He also provides info so that you can decide what gear you will need and what gear you may not need. After the gear discusions he moves into discussion of general trail and trip knowlwdge. I have read this book twice and every time I plan to upgrade my backpacking equipment I consult this book for ideas. THIS IS A MUST FOR ANY OUTDOOR ADVENTURER!!!
Rating:
Summary: The best book on hiking gear and ....oh I guess hiking too
Review: This book is great. It tells you all about what you need to bring
with you backpacking.
It tells you what kind of boots to choose, what
kind of tents there are , hiking stoves, clothing, how much food
to bring etc. The book is really about hiking gear. It doesn't
just remaind you of obvious facts like, make sure your boots
are comfortable or be sure to tell a neighbor where you are going
before you leave. It tells you the things that you wouldn't know
from just common sense. It is packed full of useful information.
The author is a prefesional hiker. He has
hiked thousands of miles. His experience is tremendous. Also he
takes a modern scientific view of gear. He rethinks the outdated
beliefs about what one should bring with them when they hike. This book doesn't tell you how to hike. No one really needs a book for that. They just need to get out hiking. It does tell you
how be prepare yourself before you go and what to bring with you.
It is crucial that you get this right when you are days from
civilization. This books tells you everyting you need to know.
Highly recommended for the serious backpacker.
Rating:
Summary: From an avid backpacker
Review: This book is right on the money for anyone interested in backpacking. The author's knowledge on modern backpacking equipment and technique is immense. I've browsed over dozens of "how to" backpacking books and, in my opinion, this book is the best on the market.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Backpacker's Handbook! (Beginners to Advanced)
Review: This books covers it all. Even if you've done some backpacking and think you 'know it all', this books is very helpful. Information on packs, to tents, to cooking, even socks! I thought I knew enough and this book proved me wrong. If you backpack or plan to backpack and don't have a book like this, buy it! You won't be disappointed!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for anyone getting interested in backpacking..
Review: This is a perfect book for anyone getting interested in backpacking and doesn't have a lot of experience. Townshend goes over every aspect of backpacking that you need to know including shoes, socks, innerware, outerware, accesories, backpacks, food, saftey, sleeping bags, tents and the list goes on. He tells you the correct way to pack your back pack, what to bring depending on the season and the length of the trip, the different types of ways of cooking food on a trip, the inner working of a hiking boot and it just doesn't stop. When it comes to brands and specific models of products he names names and tells you what works and what doesn't work. On top of all this his tone and wirting style make for semi-causal reading that doesn't feel like a pain to read. The chapters are organized in ways that are easy to skip around in if you want and he has some interesting personal anecdotes taken from his vast hiking experience. He also talks about building up stamina to walk long distances, how to survive on the water of the land and how to make an igloo if you are camping in the snow. Get this book if you are looking for an introductory guide to backpacking. I expecially recommend it if you are thinking about buying any expensive camping gear as I used much of the information before I bought my own Backpack, Boots, and Sleeping Bag.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for anyone getting interested in backpacking..
Review: This is a perfect book for anyone getting interested in backpacking and doesn't have a lot of experience. Townshend goes over every aspect of backpacking that you need to know including shoes, socks, innerware, outerware, accesories, backpacks, food, saftey, sleeping bags, tents and the list goes on. He tells you the correct way to pack your back pack, what to bring depending on the season and the length of the trip, the different types of ways of cooking food on a trip, the inner working of a hiking boot and it just doesn't stop. When it comes to brands and specific models of products he names names and tells you what works and what doesn't work. On top of all this his tone and wirting style make for semi-causal reading that doesn't feel like a pain to read. The chapters are organized in ways that are easy to skip around in if you want and he has some interesting personal anecdotes taken from his vast hiking experience. He also talks about building up stamina to walk long distances, how to survive on the water of the land and how to make an igloo if you are camping in the snow. Get this book if you are looking for an introductory guide to backpacking. I expecially recommend it if you are thinking about buying any expensive camping gear as I used much of the information before I bought my own Backpack, Boots, and Sleeping Bag.
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