Backpacking Basics

Backpacking isn't harder than hiking. It's less forgiving of small decisions, like how far you go, what you carry, and where your headlamp ends up when the sun goes down. Backpacking Basics is the plain-spoken guide to your first overnight trip. It builds on day hiking and car camping skills and shows you how to carry your home on your back without hating every mile. Inside, you'll learn how to: Choose and fit a backpack so the weight rides on your hips, not your shoulders Sleep warm away from the car with a pad, bag, and shelter you can actually carry Cook hot meals on a small stove and work out how much fuel you really need Plan food by weight and calories, and water from source to source Pack so it carries well and so you can find what you need at dusk Choose a campsite, store food from bears and critters, and leave no trace Handle cold nights, rain, storms, gear failures, and knowing when to walk out The book ends with a six-trip plan that takes you from a shakedown night near the car to a two-night trip with two different camps. Book 3 of The Trailhead Series, practical outdoor guides for people who are just getting started.