Walking Softly in the Wilderness: The Sierra Club Guide to Backpacking - Softcover

Hart, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1578051231 ISBN 13: 9781578051236

Publisher: Counterpoint, 2005

Synopsis

The ultimate manual for wilderness travelers and campers, Walking Softly in the Wilderness is the groundbreaking guide that first taught backpackers how to enjoy a genuine wilderness experience that leaves nature undisturbed.
In recent years backpacking gear and practices have undergone many changes, and all are noted and expertly evaluated by author John Hart in this new edition. Covering the latest in "ultralight" gear choices, as well as downloadable maps, portable GPS devices, and the world of online information, Hart is a sure-footed guide to this changing scene.
The qualities that established this guide as the bible of camp and trail have also been polished and honed: its level-headed advice on trip planning and packing; insights for getting the most from a wilderness trip, whether a challenging mountain scramble or a leisurely family outing; and wisdom about dealing with the unexpected, from bears to flash floods to injuries. Seventy line drawings illustrate topics ranging from bear-bagging to rigging a tarp shelter. Extensive resource listings include wilderness agencies, gear suppliers, and online information sources.

About this title

Review

Along with a compass and camp stove, warm hat and sleeping bag, every hiker should consider this book a prize piece of gear. Whether you're new to the sport, an old hand considering the purchase of a new tent or backpack, or interested in trying a new variation like snow or desert camping, Walking Softly in the Wilderness is a good place to start. Author John Hart is a conservationist, poet, backpacker, and climber, with years of experience in the backcountry.

Hart offers important details on boots, sleeping bags, tents and shelters, kitchen gear, trip planning, food, fuel, making and breaking camp, first aid, safety, problem animals and plants, map reading and compasses, navigating off trail, sanitation and clean water, and camping with kids. Especially helpful when facing a major purchase such as a sleeping bag or tent, the book offers useful background and lays out all the choices without brand names to confuse or persuade you, so you can make a more reliable decision. The book also includes useful resource listings of conservation and wilderness travel organizations, map and equipment sources, land management agencies in the U.S. and Canada, as well as Internet contacts. --Kathryn True

About the Author

John Hart is the author of Hiking the Great Basin and Storm Over Mono: The Mono Lake Battle and the California Water Future. He lives in Sonoma County, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Counterpoint
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1578051231
• ISBN 13: 9781578051236
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 520