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#97301 - 06/03/08 06:05 PM "The BackPackers Handbook"
Dimitri Offline
member

Registered: 09/03/07
Posts: 85
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

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#97302 - 06/03/08 06:46 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Dimitri]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
Who is the writer?

MNS
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#97303 - 06/03/08 07:12 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: midnightsun03]
Dimitri Offline
member

Registered: 09/03/07
Posts: 85
Chris Townsend wrote this book.

Dimitri

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#97304 - 06/03/08 07:31 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Dimitri]
Dondo Offline
member

Registered: 05/06/02
Posts: 594
Loc: Colorado Rockies
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.

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#97305 - 06/03/08 07:33 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Dimitri]
Bearpaw Offline
Moderator

Registered: 07/25/04
Posts: 1732
Loc: Tennessee
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.
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#97306 - 06/03/08 08:15 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Dimitri]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
"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.
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(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#97307 - 06/03/08 08:19 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Dondo]
Dimitri Offline
member

Registered: 09/03/07
Posts: 85
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

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#97308 - 06/03/08 08:20 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Bearpaw]
Dimitri Offline
member

Registered: 09/03/07
Posts: 85
Thank you for the pointers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dimitri

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#97309 - 06/04/08 09:22 AM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Bearpaw]
Hector Offline
member

Registered: 12/20/04
Posts: 325
Loc: LA/ARK/TX corner
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.

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#97310 - 06/04/08 12:21 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Hector]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
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="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

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#97311 - 06/09/08 05:13 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: Dimitri]
DTape Offline
member

Registered: 11/23/07
Posts: 666
Loc: Upstate NY
I will have to check it out. I like reading books about outdoor activities.

Another author some might find intriguing is Cliff Jacobson.

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#97312 - 06/15/08 02:40 PM Re: "The BackPackers Handbook" [Re: DTape]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
I like Cliff Jacobsen's books too, he's a master camper and canoer.
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