The Backpacker's Field Manual

Informationen zum Autor Rick Curtis is the director of the Outdoor Action Program at Princeton University, one of the largest and most successful college outdoor programs in the country. He lectures regularly on topics ranging from outdoor leadership to risk management. Rick has been backpacking around the world for more than twenty-five years. Klappentext When it was first published in 1998, The Backpacker's Field Manual set the standard for comprehensive backpacking books. Now exhaustively updated to offer a more complete view of backpacking today, it covers the latest developments in gear-such as Global Positioning Systems and ultralight hiking equipment-first aid, and Leave No Trace comping, and includes a chapter devoted to outdoor leadership resources and basics. Beginners and experienced hikers alike will find this book indispensable for trip planning strategies and also as a quick reference on the trail for: BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS-how to forecast the weather, identify trees, bear-proof your campsite, wrap an injured ankle, and more--illustrated with more than 100 line drawings. TRICKS OF THE TRAIL-time-tested practical lessons learned along the way GOING ULTRALIGHT-downsizing suggestions for those who want to lighten up Every traveler knows that space in a backpack is limited, so on your next trip, carry the only guide you'll ever need-this one-and take to the great outdoors with confidence. Chapter 1: Trip Planning BASIC TRIP PLANNING •Group Size and Ability •Activities •Location and Weather •Expect the Unexpected •Equipment •Food •Costs •Skill Development TRIP PREPARATION CHECKLIST •Pre-Trip •During the Trip •On Your Return ROUTE DIFFICULTY •Trip Difficulty Rating PLANNING A ROUTE •Guidebooks •Travel Logistics •Choosing Campsites •Estimating Travel Times •Time Control Plan LONG-DISTANCE TRIPS •Resupply Issues GOING ULTRALIGHT BASIC TRIP PLANNING Planning a trip requires more than simply deciding where to go and when. Whether it’s a weekend trip with friends, a formal outdoor program, or a major expedition, you need to evaluate your trip across a number of categories and develop a solid plan. One or two people may take on the role of planner, or the process of planning can be spread out among the entire group. I’ve planned and run trips for thousands of people both around the United States and around the world. Here are the elements you should keep in mind when planning any trip. GROUP SIZE AND ABILITY Whenever you’re planning a trip, you need to determine if the route should fit the group or the group fit the route. The group may have a range of experience levels, physical conditions, and goals, in which case, your goal should be to plan a trip that is appropriate for everyone. Other times, you may have a specific trip you want to do that may be challenging or require special skills. For this kind of trip, you need to select a group that has the right qualifications to participate. Here’s a checklist of questions to ask when planning a group trip: •What kind of group is it? Is it an informal group of friends or a formal group like an outdoor education program? Are the participants friends, students, volunteers, or paying customers? Formal groups may have specific policies and protocols that must be followed. •What are the goals of each group member? Are people required to attend? (This factor can have a significant impact on how committed or not the group is to the wilderness experience.) Does the group have collective goals? •What is the experience level of each member? What is the average experience level? •Are there people in the group with the necessary skills to lead and manage the group or do you need to find other people to provide leadership? (See App...

Product details

• Authors: Rick Curtis
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 24.05.2005
• EAN: 9781400053094
• ISBN: 978-1-4000-5309-4
• No. of pages: 448
• Dimensions: 135 mm x 205 mm x 24 mm
• Series: Crown
• Subject: Guides > Nature