The Backpacker's Handbook: The Complete Guide to the Hows and Whys of Venturing Afoot in the Great.. Book

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 CampfireStovesUtensilsSiting 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