JohnK

Browsing the camping section of a local bookstore I came across The Complete Walker IV. This fourth edition of Colin Fletcher's classic work was co-written with Chip Rawlins, who was brought on board due to his more current knowledge of equipment.

The sheer size of this book, 845 pages if you include the index, initially was a detractor; however, once delving into its pages and realizing that it is written in a truly engaging and humorous style, the voluminous nature became a plus!

Anyway, these guys' love of the outdoors is infectious and their anecdotes very entertaining. Has me wishin' I could do my third Guadalupe Mountains trip sooner than my planned dates in early June!

As the book was published in 2002, some of the equipment reviews are already obsolete; however, still worth reading just for the humorous stories that are included, but also the principles of equipment selection are good. Ultimately, as they repeatedly point out, equipment reviews are what they are and the hiker must find what works for him/her and fits into his/her style of hiking and the nature of the specific hikes being undertaken.

Bottomline, on a 5 star scale, I'd give this one an unwavering 5 stars. Afterall, you can always find current equipment reviews online.

JohnK

DayTripper

If you enjoyed Fletcher's Complete Walker, then you will probably enjoy The Man Who Walked Through Time, which recounts his memorable walk along a continuous route through the Grand Canyon in 1963. He was the first person to do this. It's a very good read if you enjoy this sort of thing -- and I do.

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DayTripper

toejam

The technical aspects of backpacking are secondary to the mental and emotional state you need to be in (IMHO). Books that speak only of how to use gear are missing the main point and aren't going to turn anyone into a backpacker. Nights spent in quiet, beautiful places are what turn you into a backpacker.

I need to read "The Complete Walker" sometime. I also want to read Edward Abbey's book.

JohnK

The Complete Walker IV is encyclopedic in scope with regard to the technical aspects of backpacking; however, the authors definitely address the mental components as well. The initial chapter is titled "Why Walk?". Also, as I mentioned, they include stories and opinion throughout the book that convey their love for the outdoors. Anyway, toejam, if you read it, I suspect you'd feel it's a worthwhile read.

DayTripper, thanks for recommending The Man Who Walked Through Time. It's definitely on my reading list. Colin Fletcher is such an engaging author I'm really looking forward to reading this and possibly some of his other books.

JohnK

DayTripper

Toejam, which Abbey book are you referring to? I've read Down the River, Desert Solitaire, and The Monkey Wrench Gang. Although Desert Solitaire definitely deals with spending time alone in quiet, beautiful places, none are about backpacking per se.

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DayTripper