THE BACKPACKER'S HANDBOOK
3rd Edition
Published on 16. October 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
448 pages
978-0-07-142320-5 (ISBN)
Description
"The most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to equipment and technique available anywhere."-Backpack (UK)This enormously practical guide includes everything from essential techniques such as map and compass work to the skills needed for more remote wilderness journeys-such as how to ford rivers safely and how to choose a route through untracked terrain. As a gear advisor, this book is unequaled. You'll find the last word on:
How to choose packs and footwear-and make sure they fitWhat clothing to take on the trailTents, tarps, stoves, water purifiers, and other gearGPS, cell phones, and other electronic devicesAnd much more
Now in its third edition, The Backpacker's Handbook also covers desert hiking, ultralight backpacking, and adventure trekking in distant corners of the globe. Indeed, there is little about backpacking Chris Townsend does not cover. This trusted reference will prepare you for the challenges and excitement of backpacking the wilderness."A clear and comprehensive primer on backpacking gear. Townsend's knowledge is immense."-Sierra"Belongs in every bookcase dealing with outdoor topics. . . . Chockablock full of useful, practical, commonsense info. . . . If you tramp the outdoors, get this book."-Maine Sportsman"For those thinking of taking a backpack journey, The Backpacker's Handbook is required reading."-Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
How to choose packs and footwear-and make sure they fitWhat clothing to take on the trailTents, tarps, stoves, water purifiers, and other gearGPS, cell phones, and other electronic devicesAnd much more
Now in its third edition, The Backpacker's Handbook also covers desert hiking, ultralight backpacking, and adventure trekking in distant corners of the globe. Indeed, there is little about backpacking Chris Townsend does not cover. This trusted reference will prepare you for the challenges and excitement of backpacking the wilderness."A clear and comprehensive primer on backpacking gear. Townsend's knowledge is immense."-Sierra"Belongs in every bookcase dealing with outdoor topics. . . . Chockablock full of useful, practical, commonsense info. . . . If you tramp the outdoors, get this book."-Maine Sportsman"For those thinking of taking a backpack journey, The Backpacker's Handbook is required reading."-Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Reviews / Votes
Written in an easy-flowing style with plenty of illustrations and diagrams!this is an invaluable read for anyone aspiring to live amongst nature. Walk 20050502More details
Edition
3rd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
McGraw-Hill Education - Europe
Illustrations
75 Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 185 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
862 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-07-142320-5 (9780071423205)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Chris Townsend
THE BACKPACKER'S HANDBOOK
E-Book
11/2004
3rd Edition
International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
€33.29
Available for download
Person
Chris Townsend (Granton-on-Spey, Scotland), an internationally recognized rough-terrain hiker, is the author of several books, including Wilderness Skiing and Winter Camping and Backpackers Handbook, Second Edition.
Content
Preface to the Third EditionAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Into the Wilderness1. Preparing for the TrailFitnessThe Art of WalkingGoing AloneSlackpacking and FastpackingPlanning2. The Load on Your Back: Choosing and Using EquipmentWeightChecklistsChoosing and BuyingFinal Thoughts3. Footwear and Wilderness TravelAbout FootwearFootwear TypesFitting Boots and ShoesFootwear Materials and ConstructionFootwear Models and ChoicesCare of FootwearFoot CareSocksGaitersOverbootsCampwearTrekking Poles and StaffsIce AxesCramponsSkis and Snowshoes4. Carrying the Load: The PackTypes of PacksSuspension SystemsFitting the PackPackbagsMaterialsDurabilityPackingPutting on the PackPack CarePack Accessories5. Keeping Warm and Dry: Dressing for the WildernessHeat Loss and Heat ProductionThe Layer SystemThe Vapor-Barrier TheoryLegwearHeadgearGloves and MittensBandannasCarrying ClothesFabric Treatment and Care6. Shelter: Camping in the WildernessBivouac BagsTarpsGroundsheetsTentsPitches and Pitching: Minimum-Impact CampingTent CareWilderness SheltersSnow CavesSleeping BagsSleeping PadsOther Comforts7. The Wilderness KitchenFood and DrinkWaterThe Camp?reStovesUtensilsSiting the Kitchen8. Comfort and Safety in Camp and on the TrailLightHealth and Body CareEquipment Maintenance and RepairIn Case of EmergencyOfficeBinoculars and MonocularsPhotographyEntertainment9. On the Move: Skills and HazardsFinding the WayCoping with TerrainMinimizing ImpactWilderness HazardsDealing with AnimalsHunters10. Adventure Travel: Backpacking AbroadInformation and PlanningOrganized TripsImmunizations and HealthFood and SuppliesInsuranceDifferent CulturesA Final WordAppendixes1. Equipment Checklist2. Suggested Reading3. Resources4. Metric ConversionsIndex