“The best little book I’ve ever seen on hiking and backpacking. If you could buy only one book this would be the one.”
William Kemsley Jr., Founder, Backpacker magazine

Hiking and Backpacking

Eric Seaborg and Ellen Dudley

Human Kinetics Publishers
Softback, 152 pages
ISBN: 0-87322-506-6

READ EXCERPT

Now in its second printing, Hiking and Backpacking has led thousands of beginners safely and happily from city sidewalks to forest trails.

This book contains comprehensive expert advice to get you started, first as a hiker and then—when you’re ready to venture out overnight in the wild—as a backpacker. Writing in an engaging and easy-to-read style, Seaborg and Dudley dispense encouraging advice as they lead hesitant beginners step by step on the path to skills and confidence.

The book is filled with practical instructions gleaned from the authors’ experiences on the trail. Seaborg and Dudley, who progressed from city park hikers to wilderness backpackers to American Discovery Trail scouts, tell you how to become a happy and confident hiker—whatever your age, experience, or fitness level. Loaded with colorful photos and illustrated tips, Hiking and Backpacking provides the information you need to make your trail experiences safe and enjoyable.

You’ll find answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about hiking and backpacking:

• What to wear

• How to find hiking companions

• How to choose your clothes, boots, and equipment

• How to figure out how far you can go

• What food to bring

• How to find your way

• How to pack for overnights

• How to avoid problems and prepare for emergencies

• Exercises to strengthen your muscles and prevent injuries

• Environmental manners

• And more...

Hiking and Backpacking is also a great reference. You’ll find descriptions and photos of the world’s best hiking and backpacking destinations plus optional adventures off the beaten path. The book also provides a glossary of hiking and backpacking terms as well as an appendix describing hiking and backpacking organizations, magazines, maps, books, and outdoor schools.

 REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

“An excellent resource for hikers and backpackers of all levels...”
           — Walking Magazine

“The knowledge Eric and Ellen share in Hiking and Backpacking is evident by the well-worn soles of their hiking boots. They’ve touched on every strategic point, making [this book] a credible source of information for the beginner in all of us.”
            — John Viehman, Host and Editor, Trailside PBS show

“This is an excellent resource for hikers and backpackers of all levels of skill, beginner to expert. The descriptions of the many different places and trails made me yearn to be out on the trail again.”
            — Susan Henley, former vice president, American Hiking Society

“Well organized, concise, and informative...”
            — Booklist

“The kind of book you pick up when you’ve gotten beyond the ‘Hmmmm, I’d like to give that a try’ stage...impressive...I strongly recommend...to any of you who are just getting interested or have just gotten started...”
            — New York Outdoors

“Whether you are expert or beginner, this is an excellent resource book for all walking enthusiasts...answers every conceivable question, and then some, to make your hiking and backpacking enjoyable and safe regardless of your experience or fitness level...laced with colorful photographs...chock-full of information...”
            — LRA

“Illustrated with pictures which are an incentive in themselves...a real do-it-yourself, not preachy or superior at all, more like tips from an athletic friend who wants you to get interested.”
            — Coastal Maine Publications

“[On our list of] the best of the previous year’s publishing for teenagers.”
            — The New York Public Library

“Will help you and your children enjoy this activity in safe and environmentally sound ways...filled with information that the beginner must know...”
            — Education Today

“This colorful and informative book covers all the basics...Those new to the sport will appreciate the emphasis on safety—an entire chapter as well as practical safety tips scattered throughout...detailed photographs and illustrations help reinforce the easy-to-understand text written by veteran trail blazers...”
            — Taking Care

“Whatever your age, experience, or fitness level, they tell you how to become a happy and confident hiker...more than each suggestion, what ties the book together is the enthusiasm it exudes...good introduction to the trails to everywhere.”
            — Academic Library Book Review

“An excellent resource for hikers and backpackers of all levels of skill, beginner to expert...filled with practical advice...”
            — Sports Focus

“Like a well-organized pack, this compact how-to guide supplies all of the basic essentials, a few savory tidbits to add to the enjoyment, and no excess bulk to weigh down the reader...a true beginner’s resource...an excellent addition to the basic literature of this sport.”
                        — Voice of Youth Advocacy

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 — Going Hiking and Backpacking

What Are Hiking and Backpacking? * Are Hiking and Backpacking for You? * Getting Started

Chapter 2 — Equipment You Need

Feet First * What to Wear in the Woods * Dayhiking Equipment * Backpacking Equipment * Water Treatment * What Else Do I Need?

Chapter 3 — Hiking and Backpacking Correctly

Minimizing Your Impact * Breaking in Your Boots * Finding Your Way * Planning a Trip * Eating on the Trail * Can I Carry All That? * Packing Your Pack * Picking a Campsite * Going With Children * When You Get Home

Chapter 4 — Hiking and Backpacking Safely

Is Your Body Ready? * Improving Your Fitness * Developing Safety Skills * Crossing Water * Coping with Critters * Avoiding Poisonous Plants * Dealing with Weather * Altitude Adjustments * First Aid * Surviving Hunting Season * “Never Hike Alone” * Anything Else?

Chapter 5 — The Best Places to Hike and Backpack

Researching Your Trip * United States Destinations * Canadian Routes * British Pathways * European Trails * Trails Down Under * The Himalayas * Speaking the Language * Hike Infinitum

Chapter 6 — Pursuing Hiking and Backpacking Further

Pack-Free Overnights * Long-Distance Trails * Peakbagging and Highpointing * Mountaineering * Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing * Off-Trail Travel * Orienteering * Endurance Hiking and Trail Running * Maintaining Connections

Appendix: For More Information

Organizations * Maps and Other Travel Information * Magazines * Books * Schools Teaching Outdoors Skills * Hiking and Backpacking Lingo