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The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools And Techniques To Hit The Trail (2012)

by Andrew Skurka(Favorite Author)

4.01 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1426209207 (ISBN13: 9781426209208)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

National Geographic

review 1: It's been a while since I've done some backpacking. Part of the attraction is the intimate relationship one develops with the gear. Skurka has gone way deeper than I ever will in developing that relationship, and it shows.He shows what he's learned about gear, from how different fabrics work the whole way down to which particular tiny containers he prefers to keep his sunscreen in. And what food he eats. And how to build a super light stove for under $5. And what he'd bring on a variety of sample hikes.He displays a level of obsession that few of us will ever achieve. But we can benefit from it!The book has inspired me to get more serious about backpacking again. We'll see how long it lasts, but I'm trying to plan out a trip. If that's something you're interested in, this ... moreis a book for you.
review 2: Don't ever walk into REI and tell them straight up that you'd like some gear to go on a "quick overnighter with the boys". By the time I walked out of there I pretty much had enough gear to settle a new continent. I'm not sure why I needed a machete, carabiners, harnesses, that figure 8 whatchumacallit for belaying rope, a helmet, or a rain jacket with an integrated avalanche beacon. Oh yes, I also bought Mace, bells, and rape whistles, though I don't understand why a bear would want to rape me. But you never know..... Did I mention this trip took place in the eastern forests, in May?Six miles into the trip I was discovering my traps for the very 1st time. Hey, at least that super-retractable-camp-chair-recliner was useful every 500 yds or so when I needed a break. Sobering experience it was.In all seriousness, this book is essential for those looking to break from the fetters of traditional backpacking and adopting the "ultralight" philosophy. Thru-hiking needn't be a deathmarch anymore.Skurka's research on materials, construction, and their respectives pros and cons are top notch, empowering the reader to make the right decision at the planning stage, thus maximizing efficiency, safety, enjoyment, and reducing needless ounces.But flame-throwing stoves are still cool!I had a fellow hiker tell me that the book sections read like an overpadded magazine article. I believe this is good. The layout is appealing and well organized.If I had to suggest a future improvement, it would be to expand the "techniques" component of the book a bit more. I'm sure Skurka knows plenty more than what he chose to pass on to the readers. Trail hygiene, for instance, is a subject that could defenetely be expanded on. And why not add more personal insights as well?As of now, I'm shooting for a thru-hike of the JMT this August, and I know for a fact that the information I acquired from this book will prove priceless once I hit the trail. less

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