Backpacking

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started on Your First Backpacking Trip

By: Timothy S. Morris

Narrated by: Joe Hempel

Interested in experiencing the outdoors but overwhelmed by everything you need to know to backpack safely?

Do you have a sudden itch to venture out into the wilderness, wake up next to a babbling brook somewhere and watch the sun slowly come over the horizon? Are you ready to escape (albeit temporarily) from the daily grind and a society that prioritizes consumerism over all else? Backpacking allows us to experience nature in a way that simply isn't achievable through other means. The problem for many of us, however, is getting started. Finding a good place to backpack, selecting gear (one trip to the sporting goods store makes this seem like an overwhelming feat by itself) and learning how to survive without the modern amenities we have come to rely on are all daunting tasks for the inexperienced backpacker. Backpacking is a rewarding activity that anyone can enjoy with proper knowledge, training and skills. Also, you'll discover...

• Selecting appropriate gear for your first trip
• How to make healthy food choices on the trail
• Complete gear checklist designed specifically for the novice backpacker
• And much more!

Table of Contents

• Preparation and Fitness
• Weight is Your Enemy
• Don't Skimp on Footwear
• The Heart of Your Equipment
• Don't Forget Your Hat!
• Gimme Shelter
• The Backcountry Kitchen
• Comfort and Safety
• Navigation

©2014 Happier Outdoors Publishing (P)2014 Happier Outdoors Publishing

Great backpacking information for beginners.

I enjoyed the information delivered in the book. As a beginner backpacker l love the reading.

Over all it was a good book.

I wish the author talked more about shelters and hammocks good starter guide for backpacking.

Good info

Lived it. saving it in my archives. thank you so much. ill give it a fives up

simple and informative

lovley read with the information here. i didnt even know most of the stuff i was listening too before reading this book

good but want more

good high-level overview of what you need to get started – wish it was a little more in depth

Tips for backpacking on trails in the US only

Would you try another book from Timothy S. Morris and/or Joe Hempel?

no

Has Backpacking turned you off from other books in this genre?

I love books about backpacking. This book is basically a pamphlet about US trail backpacking. You could learn what you get from this from walking into an REI, or other outdoors store or by going on a forum.

Here were the key points so you don't waste your money:
Get apps to use on US trails so you don't get lost. Bring a compass just in case and know how to use it.
Get measured for a pack at a store and try it on with weight in it.
Some US trails require permits.
He suggests only using dehydrated backpacking food, I disagree.
Use a camping stove for breakfast and dinner, you probably won't even stop for lunch.
Dress in layers, wear things that dry quickly.
Train in advance by wearing your pack and walking, hiking, or getting on a treadmill if you don't have anywhere else to go. This is good advice. Don't expect the first few days on the trail to harden your body. It wont and you will be miserable.
Pack weight is crucial, every ounce counts.
Bring a first aid kit. Bring extra moleskin.
Keep your feet dry, wetness increases frictions which causes blisters.
Use a lightweight tent that you put up yourself, not a pop up.
Make sure your hiking shoes fit properly, don't slide up to the front when going downhill (you will smash your toe nails off) or scrape the back when going up (your heels will blister.)
Bring a pair of cheap flip flops for camp shoes. This gives your feet and shoes a chance to dry and you wont have to tie laces to go to the bathroom late at night.

A pack between 45 liters and 60 liters is enough for almost any trip. (I personally have a 50 liter osprey atmos that is amazing. It fits enough stuff for a 2 week trip but is light enough for a weekend hike up a mountain. I don't mind having extra space left in my pack though and would rather than than spending money on separate packs for everything.)

If you thought that review was long then I hate to think how long you would find this book.

What character would you cut from Backpacking?

There are no characters in this. It's not a story.

Any additional comments?

Do not waste your money on this. Go to a backpacking forum and get tailored advice for what you are looking to do. Go to a store and look for gear that is specific to what you want to do. The people who work in outdoors stores are very helpful and *should* be well trained. If you feel they are not go back online get more knowledge and go back.