The Backpacker's Handbook

by Townsend, Chris

• ISBN13: 9780071423205
• ISBN10: 0071423206
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-12
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press

Summary

"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 fit What clothing to take on the trail Tents, tarps, stoves, water purifiers, and other gear GPS, cell phones, and other electronic devices And 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)

Author Biography

Chris Townsend (Scotland) leads hiking, climbing, and ski touring expeditions worldwide, including in Norway, Sweden, the Himalayas, and the Sierras. He is the author of The Advanced Backpacker and Backpacker's Pocket Guide and coauthor of the Encyclopedia of Outdoor and Wilderness Skills.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Third Edition	v
Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction: Into the Wilderness	1	(396)
1. Preparing for the Trail	5	(15)
Fitness	5	(2)
The Art of Walking	7	(3)
Going Alone	10	(1)
Slackpacking and Fastpacking	11	(2)
Planning	13	(7)
2. The Load on Your Back: Choosing and Using Equipment	20	(17)
Weight	22	(7)
Checklists	29	(2)
Choosing and Buying	31	(5)
Final Thoughts	36	(1)
3. Footwear and Wilderness Travel	37	(59)
About Footwear	37	(3)
Footwear Types	40	(5)
Fitting Boots and Shoes	45	(8)
Footwear Materials and Construction	53	(11)
Footwear Models and Choices	64	(3)
Care of Footwear	67	(5)
Foot Care	72	(1)
Socks	73	(7)
Gaiters	80	(1)
Overboots	81	(1)
Campwear	81	(2)
Trekking Poles and Staffs	83	(5)
Ice Axes	88	(2)
Crampons	90	(3)
Skis and Snowshoes	93	(3)
4. Carrying the Load: The Pack	96	(33)
Types of Packs	97	(5)
Suspension Systems	102	(6)
Fitting the Pack	108	(5)
Packbags	113	(3)
Materials	116	(2)
Durability	118	(1)
Packing	119	(3)
Putting on the Pack	122	(3)
Pack Care	125	(1)
Pack Accessories	125	(4)
5. Keeping Warm and Dry: Dressing for the Wilderness	129	(50)
Heat Loss and Heat Production	129	(1)
The Layer System	130	(33)
The Vapor-Barrier Theory	163	(1)
Legwear	164	(4)
Headgear	168	(4)
Gloves and Mittens	172	(3)
Bandannas	175	(1)
Carrying Clothes	176	(1)
Fabric Treatment and Care	176	(3)
6. Shelter: Camping in the Wilderness	179	(64)
Bivouac Bags	180	(4)
Tarps	184	(6)
Groundsheets	190	(1)
Tents	190	(20)
Pitches and Pitching: Minimum-Impact Camping	210	(7)
Tent Care	217	(1)
Wilderness Shelters	218	(1)
Snow Caves	218	(2)
Sleeping Bags	220	(16)
Sleeping Pads	236	(5)
Other Comforts	241	(2)
7. The Wilderness Kitchen	243	(82)
Food and Drink	243	(20)
Water	263	(14)
The Campfire	277	(3)
Stoves	280	(35)
Utensils	315	(8)
Siting the Kitchen	323	(2)
8. Comfort and Safety in Camp and on the Trail	325	(32)
Light	325	(8)
Health and Body Care	333	(10)
Equipment Maintenance and Repair	343	(3)
In Case of Emergency	346	(4)
Office	350	(2)
Binoculars and Monoculars	352	(1)
Photography	352	(3)
Entertainment	355	(2)
9 On the Move: Skills and Hazards	357	(40)
Finding the Way	357	(20)
Coping with Terrain	377	(4)
Minimizing Impact	381	(2)
Wilderness Hazards	383	(10)
Dealing with Animals	393	(3)
Hunters	396	(1)
10. Adventure Travel: Backpacking Abroad	397	(9)
Information and Planning	399	(3)
Organized Trips	402	(1)
Immunizations and Health	402	(1)
Food and Supplies	402	(1)
Insurance	403	(1)
Different Cultures	403	(1)
Getting There	404	(2)
A Final Word	406	(1)
Appendixes
1. Equipment Checklist	407	(2)
2. Further Reading	409	(6)
3. Resources	415	(17)
4. Metric Conversions	432	(1)
Index	433