Essential Guide for Backpackers: 4th Edition

What you need to know before you hit the trails

Whether you are backpacking for the first time or a veteran follower of the trails, this enormously practical guide includes everything you need to know, from essential techniques such as map and compass work to the skills needed for more remote wilderness journeys. The Backpacker’s Handbook also gives you the latest information on gear. 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

Reviews from previous editions
“The most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to equipment and technique available anywhere.”
–Backpack (UK)
“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)

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 10, 2011
Edition ‏ : ‎ 4th
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 007175489X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0071754897
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.3 x 0.73 x 9.1 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #290,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #249 in Camping (Books) #549 in Hiking & Camping Instructional Guides #809 in Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (243) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });