" . . . the joy of walking through the ever-changing, ever-constant natural world, the magic of waking to sunlight glinting on a mist-wreathed lake, the excitement of striding through a mountain storm. . . . " These, wrote Chris Townsend in the universally praised first edition of The Backpacker's Handbook, are but some of the reasons to backpack. Here is all you need to do so safely and comfortably.

In this thoroughly revised and updated Second Edition, Townsend uses his gently encouraging tone and his own experiences to show what can go wrong. He is slave to neither tradition nor to technology: He recommends pile and Gore-Tex, and has long since abandoned his tarp for a tent, but he still prefers wool socks. And because he believes that "wilderness needs defending from those who love it," Townsend's emphasis throughout is on low-impact camping.

The First Edition's success was due to its enormous practicality for backpackers of all skill levels, with everything from essential techniques for every backpacking trip 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 in untracked terrain. To this now add such topics as hiking in deserts, ultralight backpacking, and adventure trekking in distant corners of the globe.

The Backpacker's Handbook teaches us how to make traveling through the wild truly enjoyable and fulfilling while protecting its natural beauty. Townsend's advice is always sensible, rarely doctrinaire, never condescending.

"Every imaginable topic, from choosing and using equipment, to wilderness nutrition and cooking, to backcountry skills and hazards, is covered thoroughly and engagingly." Backpacker

"The novice as well as the experienced hiker should benefit from this book." Travel Books Worldwide

"Townsend has written a clear and comprehensive primer on backpacking gear. His knowledge in this area is immense." Sierra

"For those thinking of taking a backpack journey, The Backpacker's Handbook is required reading." Daily Local News (West Chester, Pennsylvania)

"The most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to equipment and technique available anywhere. Highly recommended." Backpack (UK)

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