"The BackPackers Handbook"

So I've been reading the Backpackers Handbook, my mothers boyfriend lent me it. Its the 2nd edition so its a older copy but still reading it through.

Almost done actually, well about 2/3rds of the way there. So far I am enjoying and agree with a lot of his points, there are a few that I do not agree with but who agrees with everything in every book they've read ?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

What are your thoughts on the book and writer ??

Dimitri

Who is the writer?

MNS

Chris Townsend wrote this book.

Dimitri

Dmitri,

Chris Townsend is a very experienced backpacker with a vast knowledge of gear. He's also a regular poster at the forums at backpackinglight.com. If you would like to discuss specific issues, try posting over there. I've found his comments to be very helpful.

I read this book about a decade ago. I recall it being a decent introduction to backpacking with good illustrations and so forth. However, it certainly was not nearly as authoritative as The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher (with the 4th edition co-authored with Chip Rawlins.

For a brief, well-illustrated intro book on backpacking, one of my favorites is Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backpacking Book.

For a great related lightweight option (from Don Ladigan with more of Mike Clelland's great artwork), check out Lighten Up! For less time than Townsend requires, you get a solid, very entertaining backpacking primer.

"High Summer," his '89 trip south-to-north over the spine of the Canadian Rockies, was the book that really got me wanting to backpack. Out of print, but you can probably find it used online. I really like his very understated yet personable writing style in his trekking books.

He is very experienced much more then me. I mainly posted this thread to see what others thought of the book and to get feed back on what they thought was good or bad about it.

Dimitri

Thank you for the pointers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dimitri

I'll second the two Mike Clelland-illustrated books Bearpaw recommends. Just about all you need to know for backpacking in all but the most extreme environments and situations.

And I'll third Mike's books, great reads. Another good read to carry in your pack is ...'THE 2 OZ BACKPACKER' I forget the author as it's packed away right now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I will have to check it out. I like reading books about outdoor activities.

Another author some might find intriguing is Cliff Jacobson.

I like Cliff Jacobsen's books too, he's a master camper and canoer.