The Backpacker's Handbook, 4th Edition Paperback – October 10, 2011

This comprehensive text is great for those looking to broaden and deepen their knowledge of backpacking. However, those who are looking for a “sound-bite” version of Learn to Backpack will be disappointed. You have to put some effort into reading this; it’s written as a coherent, well-organized book rather than being a compendium of sidebars, “hacks,” or random factoids interspersed with lots of marketing photos. So, if you’re a reader, you’ll like it; if you’re a skimmer, you won’t.No one can hold a candle lantern to Colin Fletcher’s Complete Walker series - but Townsend is a worthy successor. His text isn’t as colorful as Fletcher’s, but he still includes numerous stories and experiences that expand and illustrate the topic he’s covering. His knowledge of gear details is extensive, and he is able to discuss gear in the context of its historical development as well as noting the technical details of how to choose and how to use gear. He also puts ultralight in the spectrum of approaches to backpacking, and intelligently discusses its advantages and disadvantages (unlike many ultralight disciples.)If you’re just learning to backpack, there are adequate books to get you through your first trip - provided the sun is shining and you’re not going to be out for more than a couple of nights. Anything beyond that, and you really need this book.

It's been about 9 months since I read through the book so it's no longer fresh, but I did make some notes as I read it on things that stuck out or that I questioned. Overall, it's well written and the author is quite well-known and experienced. However, his experience is mainly with long trips with a fair bit of off-trail work, which corresponds to maybe 1% of the backpackers out there. Unlike Andrew Skurka, another accomplished long distance, off-trail backpacker, Chris Townsend has unfortunately not fully embraced going lighter so he's carrying more weight than necessary. For example, on his 75-day trip on the Pacific Northwest Trail (runs near the border with Canada) his base pack weight (everything carried in or on the pack including it) was about 20 pounds, which is pretty light compared to 20 years ago. However, Skurka's base weight never reached 20 pounds during his 6-month Yukon-Alaska trek and included almost 7 pounds of packrafting gear in some seasons.While I did enjoy and appreciate Townsend's anecdotes, he had this annoying habit of saying he preferred various gear items that have long been discontinued. While I understand any "gear" book would quickly become outdated anyway, I didn't find it at all helpful to know about all this great stuff I can never get. He did at least give a fairly comprehensive overview of the various options available and provide some pros and cons. Unfortunately, he passed over or dismissed a few important things. One example is Frogg Toggs (or more commonly the even lighter DriDucks), which are very good rainwear for the average backpacker that won't be doing off-trail bushwhacking. The only disadvantage is they snag easily which is enough for Townsend to essentially dismiss them. Another glaring omission IMHO is no mention of any of the cool gear that can easily be made yourself except for a pot cozy.He did have a small section on vapor barrier clothing, and even though it "performs well" he hasn't used it in years for psychological reasons. Hike Your Own Hike (HYOH) as they say. Some other things he said seem to go against everything else I've read like down losing loft with each washing. All other sources indicate you'd regain the lost loft with washing (properly, of course). He seems to take an inordinate amount of food (35 oz/day) vs the typically recommended 24 oz per day, but one would consume more on avg during a thru-hike. He also seems to use an inordinate amount of water saying he can "get by" on 2 quarts/night (for just food/drink, not washing/bathing) but prefers to have 4 or more quarts!One thing I did learn was to seal the stitching on my shoes to help prevent abrasion. I had also never read that one could develop immunity to giardia. What probably struck me the most though was this statement on p 402: "Useful though it is, I would not like to see waymarking increase. I'd rather find my own way through the wilderness, and I don't build cairns or cut blazes, let alone paint rocks. In fact, I often knock down cairns that have appeared where there were none before, knowing that if they are left, a trail will soon follow. Painting waymarks in hitherto unspoiled terrain is vandalism." This sparked a lively debate on a forum I frequent when I asked how others felt this related to LNT practices.So while it may seem that I'm being overly critical (it's easier to pick out the flaws), it still is a good book with lots of good info. He's had 4 chances now to get it right. :) However, I would recommend Skurka's instead of this one even though it has a couple errors. It is much easier to read, but packs a lot into fewer pages. It is more suitable to newbies whereas the Handbook is overwhelming and recommendations are not as easy to discern. Skurka also explains how to go lighter without being "stupid light". Having gotten into backpacking 3+ years ago in my early 40s (and being an engineer), I appreciate the common sense in doing more with less.

I have read a lot of books relating to my favorite outdoors addiction and can honestly say that I rarely close the cover thinking that I had spent my time well. Not the case with this one. Make sure that you get the latest edition. Because, one of the really great things about this book is that the author does a lot of comparison and contrast between the different offerings for each of the critical items that you need to have a safe and satisfying excursion. I am a bit of a gear-head (as it seems most serious trekkers are these days) and I give a lot of thought to what I buy and what I take with me. It is very difficult to sort the marketing reviews/reviewers from the honest and experienced people these days and this author takes a chance that not many do these days. He actually talks about what he uses and prefers, instead of just a bunch of dribble about everything he mentions. Add to that many pictures and illustrations and you actually have a "manual" that helps you to sort through the many, many offerings that are out there to select the ones that are likely to be the best suited for you.Very nice job Mr. Townsend. Keep up the great work and rest assured that it has assisted some of us that share your passion for the solitude of back country wandering!

I did not expect to read the entire book, thinking it would be a nice reference and at a good price, but I'm not that interested in backpacking anymore, mostly car camping, with the occasional overnight trip with the younger guys from my church.Chris Townsend has given us a great reference with current information on what's out there to make your outdoor stays easier and more enjoyable. He speaks from experience, only telling us about gear he actually used/uses, and he let's us know how much it weighs. While he is not fanatical about ultralight, he makes a good case for lightening your load and gives you the info you need to do it. Plus, he provides us (I know I'm switching persons as I write, but I'm not getting graded on my writing style for this.) with references, including web sites we can use to get more details or additional information.All in all, I am finding myself reading an entire book I bought for reading a single chapter.

Tons of commonsense advice and recommendations... comprehensive.

Guía muy completa, con buenos consejos y muchas referencias de material. Me está sirviendo mucho. Eso sí, se centra mucho en EEUU.

The book is excellent, I found out so many new informations and the author is a down to earth guy, realistic and passionate. Some equipment you will not find in Germany but for sure Globi has alternatives.

Really a massive amount of knowledge! To put it simply, it's the sum of expertise one gains over decades, summedup in a book. Exactly what i needed. Not always fun to read but when u love backpacking, this is a must-read.

Over the last few months I've been reading through the latest edition of the Backpacker's Handbook and its a great addition to any outdoorsman's or women's library. Its updated from the last edition with new information and photographs. A few photos and words are carried forward.The only minor downside is that only ounces and pounds are given. No grams and kilos. But that's very minor and doesn't detract from the knowledge enclosed. And Chris probably has more knowledge on this subject than most. I'm pretty sure he has pitched more shelters than most of us have had hot dinners!Its an excellent resource of information. If you want detail on lights or choosing a shelter or boot fitting its all there, navigation and spending a night out camping. Info on back-country walking and safety. The new revelation of lightweight walking is also covered, as is cuben fibre.468 pages are divided into 9 chapters and illustrated throughout with the authors photographs.Preparing for the Trail.The Load on your Back.Footwear and Wilderness Travel.Carrying the Load.Keeping Warm and Dry.Shelter.The Wilderness Kitchen.Comfort and Safety in Camp and on the Trail.On the Move.The index at the rear is very thorough.If you are looking for an encyclopedia on backpacking, hiking, camping I think you will be very happy to start here.A worthy update.