The Backpacker's Handbook, 2nd Edition

The Backpackers Handbook is more informative and easier to read than the other two books I bought recently (Hiking Light Handbook, and Everyday Wisdom). Save your time and read this one alone.

I got three backpacking type handbooks at a library and read all three this is by far the best one. It has the most in depth information and is enjoyable to read.

What I liked most about this book is that it is very up to date with available equipment. This is a very informative book and Mr. Townsend does an excellent job of preparing you for a successful backpacking trip. I sell backpacking gear for a living and this is one of the books that I recommend to customers both novice and experienced.

Being a novice, I wanted ONE book that would answer all my questions and provide me with valuable information I would need. This book was the one! I read a lot of the "editorial reviews" on several backpacking books, but I used the "customer reviews" to make my final selection. Thanks to all the previous reviewers, I'm happy to say that I did indeed choose what is probably the best all-inclusive backpacking guide which I know would follow me from novice through experienced. If you don't want to be saddled with dozens of books just so you can have a wealth of information on an activity you'd like to try, than this is the ONE book to get!

Chris Townsend does a marvelous job of introducing the basics of backpacking to beginners, and offering tips and advice to hikers with more experience. Even though new models of tents, stoves, and backpacks come out almost every month (to suck money out of the wallets of people like me...), the principles that Chris Townsend describes in his book remain true. This book came out more than 3 years ago, and it still remains the standard by which I judge other backpacking books. I recommend it highly...