1977 Copy of Backpacking Equipment Buyer's Guide

I just picked up a first printing of Backpacking Equipment Buyer's Guide from 1977 at my local St. Vinnie's today. The book is by William Kemsley and the editors of Backpacker Magazine. 285 detailed pages of gear reviews including prices and specs. Very early Buyers guide from Backpacker !
Surprisingly little has changed...lightest 3 season 2 person tent : Stevenson's Gold X --- 2.3 lbs. 30.4 sq. ft.
Highest rated sleeping bag : tie between Western Mountaineering Middle Bag and the Feathered Friends Peregrine.
The thing i find the most interesting is the huge article on kit making. The book lists several companies that manufacture do it yourself kits : Eastern Mountain Sports had their EMSKITS, Mountain Adventure specialized in a new insulation (Polarguard), Altra , Holubar, Plain Brown Wrapper, Sun Down and, of course, Frostline.

Since it was the 70's, they included a section on "How To Roll Your Own"----sleeping pads, that is ( sorry, Jimshaw <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />)

All in all a really cool book that i am glad i found. It makes me want to dust off my old KISS Army jacket, strap the old external Jansport on and go 'packing with my Boy Scout troop !

Here's some pictures :

http://www.freewebs.com/bigfootpictures/1977backpackersbuyers.htm

I've got the same book, as well as an earlier one titled Backpacking Equipment, A Consumer's Guide. They are a great reference for vintage gear.

Interesting....that second photo, with the lady pouring water is on the cover of The Well Fed Backpacker ... now I want to see that old gear guide a bit closer! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I like to browse old magazines when I'm in antique stores shopping with my wife. I usually end up buying old camping gear that looks cool but way to heavy. But I do have an orginal Peace and Music pin from Woodstock.(with the dove sitting on the neck of a guitar). I didn't go but had friends that brought it back for me. I've keept it all these years and now it's affixed to the back of my pack.
Stay away from the brown acid man, it's bad!