Backpacking: A Woman's Guide

This is an excellent "how to" book which is geared towards the novice backpacker. But it's also fun to peruse even if you're a veteran of the trails. Hall writes well and has a good sense of humor about the topic. The way the book is organized is exceptional: each chapter is fairly brief, and there are small "side bars" with additional information on various subjects, such as hydration, bears, food preparation and tending to your gear. If you have never backpacked previously, this is essential reading. I can't imagine attempting any lengthy trek without knowing the info presented here. While much of it is common sense material, there is an abundance of other topics which don't seem to be addressed in other backpacking guides. As for the title, it's misleading. Men can get just as much enjoyment from the book as the ladies. There really is not much gender-specific commentary in the book. If you want a funny, yet absorbing, look at backpacking, this is your book.

I bought this book before my first backpacking trip, and it was extremely usefull. It covered every topic from getting fit before you leave to gear selection and first aid. A super usefull "what to bring" checklist, to make sure you don't forget anything before you leave, is included at the end of the book, as well as an excellent resource directory. I love the emphasis on specifics for women, as well as the quotes all through the book. Although I think it is true that no book can cover all there is to know about the subject, overall, the book is awsome and a must for beginners. It offers tips that I haven't seen in any other book, so it could be usefull to experienced hikers as well.

This book is tailored for the beginner, with enough specifics to make you feel ready to tackle the outdoors. But it also includes information you won't find in other books, like an at-home exercise regimen you can use to prepare your muscles for backpacking and how to pack your backpack to provide balance and stablility and how, exactly, do you walk with a backpack without hurting your joints? These are things you can only learn by taking to the trail with experienced guides, or by reading this book.

I read this book in preparation for a summer in the backwoods of western Massachusetts and it provided all of the information that I had hoped for and more! It is written in a way that makes it both fun to read as well as very educational. It addresses both the everyday backpacking subjects as well as those specific to women. I believe that anyone who is considering going out on a backpacking trip -- whether it be day hiking or thru hiking of the AT -- should read this book in preparation for their excursion!

THis book is a perfact starter book, and one for experts..It includes many know- hows and an enexpensive approach to backpacking. Ms. Hall even includes a section for menu planning and the amount of calories needed. This book also has three recipes from a book, which I found extremly helpful. In the back of the book she included some information on other interesting books for getting stated, backcountry cooking, and gear. This is a wonderful book for beginners and old timers alike!