Product Description

Recent innovations in backpacking gear and clothing are all covered in this new revision which continues to contain everything you need to know to strike out in the wilderness. Illustrated. A classic!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #253632 in Books
• Published on: 1986-03-12
• Released on: 1986-03-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

From School Library Journal
YA Current information on hiking gear and clothing plus all of the essentials of striking out into the wilderness on one's own. Not only does the book clearly explain how to enjoy hiking and walking, but also how to minimize the impact of this popular activity on the natural environment.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap
Recent innovations in backpacking gear and clothing are all covered in this new revision which continues to contain everything you need to know to strike out in the wilderness. Illustrated. A classic!

Customer Reviews

Timeless advice for novice (and many long-time) backpackers.
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!

A classic
I purchased one of the first editions of this classic way back in 1973 or 1974. I still have that book, dog-eared pages and all and consider it the best book on the subject ever written. The hilarious cartoon drawings hit the nail on the head in how they demonstrate visually what the author was trying to convey in words. My edition is somewhat dated now, but the concepts and techniques never really change. This book in my opinion set the standard. During those times I am confined to house and home, I often pull this book off the shelf and thumb thru it. Just looking thru it is enough to get one fired up about getting out. It is a well done...well thought out book with wonderfully creative writing highlighted with comical illustrations. It goes beyond the mechanical technical aspects of backpacking and explores the how and why of the endeavor. I most highly recommend this book for the beginner or experienced hiker.

best backpacking book available
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.