Backpacking Wisconsin

This is a great book. I am into backpacking but never recieved good info about it in our state (I choose to save it for vacations out west - not anymore). I really like how the authors put the book together with ratings of trails and persoanl experience. Excellenet organization. Unlike the other reviewer I think the personal accounts are much needed as they help describe exactly what it was like when the authors were there. This is exactly what Wisconsin backpackers need. I didn't want to make the mistake of going backpacking in Wisconsin and having it turn into something that was too civilized. This book describes what kinds of things are at the campsites or if campsites exist at all(then one must wilderness camp--my favorite). It acts as a guide as to which places will better suite your particular taste for backpacking so you aren't wasteing your whole summer trying to find good places to go.

This is a pretty darn good book. I live in Milwaukee and am pretty familiar with most of the places described. The info is accurate, and there's enough of it. A lot of good maps, too. The authors have divided the state into 5 backpacking regions and in each region they've listed many of the best backpacking parks and trails. It's satisfying to know that the authors have themselves backpacked most of the areas they describe. A lot of good stuff in this book, including general backpacking "how-to" info in the first part, but... There is one piece of advice that I think is poorly thought out. On page 25, their advice is to not bring a cell phone into the woods and that it is of little potential help. They talk of the subject in somewhat unrealistic terms, and only of getting lost in the woods and completely ignore other potential problems such as a medical emergency. As an experienced backpacker, I can tell you as they do... DON'T go into the woods if you aren't prepared for emergency and what to do if you get lost, but, if things do go bad and you have a cell phone with you (especially one of those really small, lightweight ones with a wide coverage area) you could be darn glad you brought it. Keep it turned off, use it only in emergencies and pray that it sends and receives OK from your location. This is the biggest potential problem with cell phones in an emergency, but coverage is getting better and technology is giving us more reliability. Their advice should have been (as it is in many other backpacking articles)...Bring a cell phone (with a fresh battery) if you want to, but understand that it is NOT guaranteed to work, keep it turned off except ONLY for emergencies and it is NO SUBSTITUTE for knowledge and smart preperation. Having said that (it's a small point that I made a big deal of)... DO buy this book if your'e looking at a backpacking trip in this wonderful state.

Wonderfully illustrated throughout with maps and b/w photos, Backpacking Wisconsin is a comprehensive guide and informative overview to the best Wisconsin has to offer the outdoor enthusiast and hiker. For each recreational excursion surveyed the aspiring backpacker will find complete directions for getting there; information on entrance fees and permits, campsites, and contacts; detailed trail maps with keys to roads, parking, trail shelters, water supplies, and outhouses; ratings for trails, scenery, quiet, solitude, and points of interest; background information on history, geology, and terrain; trail notes describing trees, shrubs, wild flowers, birds, and mammals. Backpacking Wisconsin is an indispensable, success enhancing, outdoor recreation and travel guide. Enthusiastically recommended for hikers, campers, bird watchers, and nature lovers.