What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail
Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka shares his hard-earned knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker , Skurka recounts what he’s learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance adventures, most recently a 4,700-mile 6-month loop around Alaska and Canada’s Yukon.
Whether you’re a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior or a seasoned long-distance trekker, you’ll love this guide. Learn exactly what you need to carry – both on your back and between your ears – for all seasons and circumstances through a show-and-tell of clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, and more, as well as through detailed articles on foot care, campsite selection and hiking efficiency. Skurka’s practical and priceless recommendations give you all the tools and techniques you’ll need to hit the trail.
Whether you’re a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior or a seasoned long-distance trekker, you’ll love this guide. Learn exactly what you need to carry – both on your back and between your ears – for all seasons and circumstances through a show-and-tell of clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, and more, as well as through detailed articles on foot care, campsite selection and hiking efficiency. Skurka’s practical and priceless recommendations give you all the tools and techniques you’ll need to hit the trail.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
278 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Skurka
1 book16 followersAndrew Skurka is an accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer. The 35-year-old is most well known for his solo long-distance backpacking trips, notably the 4,700-mile 6-month Alaska-Yukon Expedition, the 6,875-mile 7-month Great Western Loop, and the 7,775-mile 11-month Sea-to-Sea Route. In total, he has backpacked, skied, and packrafted 30,000+ miles through many of the world’s most prized backcountry and wilderness areas—the equivalent of traveling 1.2 times around Earth’s equator! He is the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Tips to Hit the Trail and guides about 15 trips per year under his company.
Skurka has been named “Adventurer of the Year” by both Outside and National Geographic Adventure, as well as “Person of the Year” by Backpacker. National Geographic described him as “a superman among trekkers” and “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet.” He has been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News Channel, National Public Radio and dozens of local media outlets.
Skurka was born and raised in Seekonk, MA, and now resides in Boulder, CO. He enrolled in Duke University in 1999 with plans of a lucrative Wall Street career but made a mid-course correction after working at a high-adventure summer camp and hiking the Appalachian Trail. Today, he’s fortunate to have made his adventurous lifestyle into an occupation.
In the process of trying to travel mega distances over rugged terrain in relatively short periods of time, and also trying to somehow enjoy that experience, Skurka helped to define light-and-fast backcountry travel. His typical 3-season pack cumulatively weighs between 8 and 10 pounds, sans food and water; and he regularly logs 30+ miles per day, even off-trail.
When not hiking, Skurka occasionally dabbles in ultra-running. He has run two 100-mile races, placing second in the renowned Leadville Trail 100 and third in Run Rabbit Run, as well as multiple 100k, 50-mile, and 50k races. His PR for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, which is 42 miles long and features 21,420 feet of vertical change, is 8 hrs 2 min.
While his trips and PR’s are quantitatively noteworthy, Skurka finds much more motivation in the qualitative experience. It’s not about covering miles, being the first, or conquering Nature — rather, for Skurka it’s about stepping outside his comfort zone, and learning about himself and the lands through which he travels. At times the experiences are uncomfortable, stressful, and even frightening—but the resulting personal growth is ultimately worthwhile.
Skurka has been named “Adventurer of the Year” by both Outside and National Geographic Adventure, as well as “Person of the Year” by Backpacker. National Geographic described him as “a superman among trekkers” and “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet.” He has been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News Channel, National Public Radio and dozens of local media outlets.
Skurka was born and raised in Seekonk, MA, and now resides in Boulder, CO. He enrolled in Duke University in 1999 with plans of a lucrative Wall Street career but made a mid-course correction after working at a high-adventure summer camp and hiking the Appalachian Trail. Today, he’s fortunate to have made his adventurous lifestyle into an occupation.
In the process of trying to travel mega distances over rugged terrain in relatively short periods of time, and also trying to somehow enjoy that experience, Skurka helped to define light-and-fast backcountry travel. His typical 3-season pack cumulatively weighs between 8 and 10 pounds, sans food and water; and he regularly logs 30+ miles per day, even off-trail.
When not hiking, Skurka occasionally dabbles in ultra-running. He has run two 100-mile races, placing second in the renowned Leadville Trail 100 and third in Run Rabbit Run, as well as multiple 100k, 50-mile, and 50k races. His PR for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, which is 42 miles long and features 21,420 feet of vertical change, is 8 hrs 2 min.
While his trips and PR’s are quantitatively noteworthy, Skurka finds much more motivation in the qualitative experience. It’s not about covering miles, being the first, or conquering Nature — rather, for Skurka it’s about stepping outside his comfort zone, and learning about himself and the lands through which he travels. At times the experiences are uncomfortable, stressful, and even frightening—but the resulting personal growth is ultimately worthwhile.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 17, 2022
Most gear guides and backpacking advice tries to catch every style under the sun, which means you’re likely to be overburdened, carrying crap you don’t need. Skurka has a clear point of view—the point of backpacking is hiking—and makes his recommendations based on keeping the hiking experience as pleasant as possible. That means bringing less crap.
I appreciated that he went into depth on fabrics and materials details. There were many places where I knew I didn’t like a particular option, but didn’t know why. And the places where I “disagreed” with his recommendation, it was usually because of a tradeoff that he had listed.
I appreciated that he went into depth on fabrics and materials details. There were many places where I knew I didn’t like a particular option, but didn’t know why. And the places where I “disagreed” with his recommendation, it was usually because of a tradeoff that he had listed.
July 4, 2017
Everything you wanted to know about ultra-light backpacking, delivered by someone who puts hiking first and all the rest as incidental. This guy is one serious walker; it's as if camping were only a means to an end. But it describes a charmed if challenging life. I wonder if the author isn't heir to a fortune; when does he have time to work?
March 6, 2014
opening: On every backpacking trip I need clothing, footwear, shelter, a sleeping bag and pad, food and water, and various other items. But my exact selections—whether I take a long-sleeved shirt or a short-sleeved one, an A-frame tarp or a pyramid-shaped one, two 1-liter water bottles or three 2.4-liter ones, et cetera—are informed by two hugely important considerations: 1) My objectives—i.e., Why am I going on this trip? and 2) Environmental and route conditions—i.e., When and where am I going?
If I neglect these considerations, it’s difficult to be prepared appropriately. I may pack too much for a hiking-dominated itinerary or too little for a camping-dominated one. I may leave behind items that would have improved my safety, comfort, or fun or carry ones that end up being dead weight.
In this section I differentiate possible objectives for a backpacking trip and demonstrate methods of determining environmental and route conditions that affect gear choices
See this on the Ultimate Backpacking Novels listopia. Dut-Doo!
“Fast” hikers can average up to about 40 miles
per day for the length of a long-distance trail.
Each of their days can be reduced to the equation
Distance = Rate x Time, where Distance = Miles
per Day (MPD), Rate = Miles per Hour (MPH),
and Time = Hours per Day (HPD). To become a fast
hiker (i.e., more MPD), then, you must hike quicker
or hike longer.
"I successfully combated the Arctic’s fierce mosquitoes with a visor, a bandana, and a head net, in addition to biteproof nylon clothing and DEET"
page 115: 'The primary benefit of trekking poles—which are very similar to alpine ski poles—is to give arms an opportunity to assist legs in propelling me forward and upward and to help with braking on descents. This helps to prevent overuse injuries and to delay fatigue; one academic study found that trekking poles reduce the stress on legs by about 25 percent. I notice their benefit most in mountainous terrain and/or when carrying a heavy pack—basically, when I am working hardest against gravity. But I have also seen my stride get some extra oomph courtesy of my arms while walking down the flattest-of-flat roads in eastern North Dakota.'
#30 TBR Busting 2013
July 13, 2025
The TITLE is a terrible misnomer. A "gear guide" implies you'll just get outdated reviews about brands. This book is a lot more useful than that. And it's not just for "hikers": to a lesser extent, canoeists, kayakers, rafters, skiers, and cyclists (bikepackers) can learn from Skurka's insights. Don't worry that this 2017 edition is old. You can get his updated thoughts about gear from his online blog. Remember: this is not a traditional "gear guide" and not just for "hikers."
The book is full of good ideas to glean from Skurka. You'll get tips about cooking, clothing, shelter, bugs, food, and so on. Skurka doesn't push his own style: if you want to go heavier/lighter, slower/faster, that's up to you. He's just laying out a variety of options and a philosophy to go with. He certainly has his preferences, but he's not dogmatic about them. So the book offers plenty of ideas for the intermediate and advanced backpacker (beginners: this book is just okay for you).
Some examples of his insights: use a plastic trash bag inside your pack instead of a pack cover; use a lighter and energy bar wrapper for your fire starter; bear hangs are basically useless (but hangs to avoid "mini-bears"--rodents--are important); don't worry about nutrition, only about calories and food weight; use chlorine dioxide to treat water; use cheap plastic ground cloths instead of a tent footprint; use trekking poles; bring a paper map; etc.
The book is easy to read, easy to browse/skip/glean from. There's a good chance you'll take away some useful tips and tactics to get more from your backcountry trips.
The book is full of good ideas to glean from Skurka. You'll get tips about cooking, clothing, shelter, bugs, food, and so on. Skurka doesn't push his own style: if you want to go heavier/lighter, slower/faster, that's up to you. He's just laying out a variety of options and a philosophy to go with. He certainly has his preferences, but he's not dogmatic about them. So the book offers plenty of ideas for the intermediate and advanced backpacker (beginners: this book is just okay for you).
Some examples of his insights: use a plastic trash bag inside your pack instead of a pack cover; use a lighter and energy bar wrapper for your fire starter; bear hangs are basically useless (but hangs to avoid "mini-bears"--rodents--are important); don't worry about nutrition, only about calories and food weight; use chlorine dioxide to treat water; use cheap plastic ground cloths instead of a tent footprint; use trekking poles; bring a paper map; etc.
The book is easy to read, easy to browse/skip/glean from. There's a good chance you'll take away some useful tips and tactics to get more from your backcountry trips.
April 25, 2024
Truly An Ultimate Hiking Gear Guide
This is an excellent guide for preparing and planning all the gear you need for a variety of different hikes.
As someone who only recently got into hiking, this is a wonderful book for making sure you have all the right gear for the treks.
Check it out if you are a hiker - and you too will likely find some gear you need!
4.8/5
This is an excellent guide for preparing and planning all the gear you need for a variety of different hikes.
As someone who only recently got into hiking, this is a wonderful book for making sure you have all the right gear for the treks.
Check it out if you are a hiker - and you too will likely find some gear you need!
4.8/5
August 2, 2021
A wonderfully complete guide to backpacking. I should’ve read this before I learned the lessons the hard way. The only negative are the gear recommendations that are out of date in some parts, but his general advice still stands.
March 31, 2022
Helpful, Hilarious, and Inspiring. I think anyone at any stage of their hiking experience can get a lot from this book. It’s only getting a 4 because it’s outdated a bit. An updated edition would likely get a 5.
June 3, 2022
Extremely helpful, will definitely review some of the information again when I decide to go on longer hikes
June 6, 2025
I found this book to be very useful. It took me a long time to read because it really isn’t meant to be read start to finish, it is more of a dictionary on backcountry gear to be referenced in specific situations. I used it on several occasions when deciding what gear to buy and I will definitely use it again in the future. The author was clearly an expert on all things gear related, but the book felt a little commercial-y at times when it suggested certain brands/projects. He was also a little preachy about his philosophy on backpacking. I agreed with his ideas for the most part but could definitely see how it might be a turn off for some people.
December 29, 2020
Excellent reference.
June 17, 2012
This is a great book for someone interested in long-distance backpacking or ultralight hiking/backpacking. I read through most of this book and found it readable and well organized even though some sections are quite technical.
One thing that really disappointed me was I was hoping for some advice on what to wear on days that are cold and wet as we have 90% of the time where I live in SE Alaska. I flipped immediately to the section on clothing for different climates upon purchase of the book and found that the author states that this climate is the most difficult to dress for and doesn't have many suggestions for improving comfort under these conditions. However, this book shines in many other areas and it was actually somewhat reassuring to know I wasn't missing anything in my quest for comfortable hiking clothes.
In retrospect I wish I had purchased a hard copy of this book rather than a kindle version because some of the formatting and ease of flip-through is lost in the kindle version. I'm still getting used to the kindle so this was a good learning experience of what type of book is better as a hard copy.
I consider myself an experienced hiker and backpacker in my own climate and where I really found this book useful was in preparing for trips outside my regular climate zone. This book does a great job of describing the type of gear needed for different climates as well as the systems that make them work.
One thing that really disappointed me was I was hoping for some advice on what to wear on days that are cold and wet as we have 90% of the time where I live in SE Alaska. I flipped immediately to the section on clothing for different climates upon purchase of the book and found that the author states that this climate is the most difficult to dress for and doesn't have many suggestions for improving comfort under these conditions. However, this book shines in many other areas and it was actually somewhat reassuring to know I wasn't missing anything in my quest for comfortable hiking clothes.
In retrospect I wish I had purchased a hard copy of this book rather than a kindle version because some of the formatting and ease of flip-through is lost in the kindle version. I'm still getting used to the kindle so this was a good learning experience of what type of book is better as a hard copy.
I consider myself an experienced hiker and backpacker in my own climate and where I really found this book useful was in preparing for trips outside my regular climate zone. This book does a great job of describing the type of gear needed for different climates as well as the systems that make them work.
March 22, 2020
Borrowed the first edition of this book from my neighbor, that had seen Andrew give a presentation. I liked this enough that I've got a copy of the second edition on the way that I can now use as a reference, as well as brush up on what's new between the editions. It's also fairly inexpensive on Amazon.
This is way more than just a gear guide. When I first saw the cover, I assumed it was going to be reference material, consisting of a list of products with reviews and pro/con lists. It has that, to be sure, but most of the book is written in prose, full of stories and anecdotes, helpful tips, and explaining why he chooses certain products over others. I read this book cover-to-cover, which I never would do with your typical "gear guide." I really enjoyed it, start to finish, and learned a ton. Even though I only plan to be an "Ultimate Camper," I still benefited from learning about the trade-offs of various products, and it helped inform my upcoming trip. In particular, the "Fancy Feast" stove is something I plan on adopting, and I'm happy to not have to spend a lot of money on a camp stove. This is a great resource for all hikers, campers, Scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts, even if you don't take it to some of the extremes in the book.
This is way more than just a gear guide. When I first saw the cover, I assumed it was going to be reference material, consisting of a list of products with reviews and pro/con lists. It has that, to be sure, but most of the book is written in prose, full of stories and anecdotes, helpful tips, and explaining why he chooses certain products over others. I read this book cover-to-cover, which I never would do with your typical "gear guide." I really enjoyed it, start to finish, and learned a ton. Even though I only plan to be an "Ultimate Camper," I still benefited from learning about the trade-offs of various products, and it helped inform my upcoming trip. In particular, the "Fancy Feast" stove is something I plan on adopting, and I'm happy to not have to spend a lot of money on a camp stove. This is a great resource for all hikers, campers, Scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts, even if you don't take it to some of the extremes in the book.
March 14, 2017
When I started this I did not intend to read the whole book, I thought I would flip through and look at a few things and be done. However, Skurka starts with a compelling story from his novice days as a hiker, and peppers the full book with similar enticing vignettes from his own life and a few from friends to illustrate the hows and whys of different gear and techniques that I found myself reading the whole book with interest. The main disappointment in this book is that it is written from only a man's perspective and although he discusses women a little (in sleeping bag and pack fit) he does not address things like bras and feminine hygiene issues.
Popsugar 2017: a book involving travel
Popsugar 2017: a book involving travel
July 4, 2019
Lots of the content was familiar just from reading the blog. I thought there would be more specific brand reviews. And I probably need something a lot less extreme. But it was still a helpful guide.
December 26, 2019
Invaluable resource for backpackers everywhere
January 16, 2020
I've been following Andrew Skurka for some time already. He has much experience with hiking in all kind of terrains and climates and he is also a pretty good runner (he has run the Marathon in less than 2:30h). The biggest question for me was if the book is still useful since it has been published in 2012. All recommendations are with concrete brand names, models etc., which might not be available anymore. The answer is a clear yes.
(Only later I found out that there is an updated 2nd edition. Alas, my library only had the first.)
What I liked most was that the author compares the different materials for the gear and gives a recommendation (skurka's picks) what is best under which condition. Everything is covered and after finishing the book I feel over-prepared for what I plan to do (mostly day hikes). There is a strong focus on ultralight backpacking and at the end you will find easy-to-use lists for different trips that can also be applied to areas in Europe.
These days you can get a lot of information for free (Adventure Alan comes into my mind, https://www.adventurealan.com/, or "Erik the Black", https://blackwoodspress.com/blog/). However, Andrew Skurka is very experienced and this shows especially in his tips for wet weather.
Not an "essential" book but very useful to understand what the gear can do for you - and what not.
(Only later I found out that there is an updated 2nd edition. Alas, my library only had the first.)
What I liked most was that the author compares the different materials for the gear and gives a recommendation (skurka's picks) what is best under which condition. Everything is covered and after finishing the book I feel over-prepared for what I plan to do (mostly day hikes). There is a strong focus on ultralight backpacking and at the end you will find easy-to-use lists for different trips that can also be applied to areas in Europe.
These days you can get a lot of information for free (Adventure Alan comes into my mind, https://www.adventurealan.com/, or "Erik the Black", https://blackwoodspress.com/blog/). However, Andrew Skurka is very experienced and this shows especially in his tips for wet weather.
Not an "essential" book but very useful to understand what the gear can do for you - and what not.
June 4, 2017
Over the past 5-10 years, I have slowly learned how to car camp, then backpack, then light-weight backpack.
This book is perfect for different types of backpackers. If you are learning how to backpack, have some experiences and want to take it to the next level, or are experienced and want to fill in the gaps, it is perfect.
A great example is the section on layering. If you are not sure where to start, Andrew explains all the different types, including the pros and cons. If you know how to layer already, he breaks down the different layering type and offers examples of what he recommends - which doesn't always match the conventional knowledge. In other areas, it has added to my confidence on decisions I am about to make in preparation for a 7 day trip in the high sierras.
Despite the fact the book was written in 2012, it is still completely relevant. I even added some of the items in in my Amazon wish lists.
This book is perfect for different types of backpackers. If you are learning how to backpack, have some experiences and want to take it to the next level, or are experienced and want to fill in the gaps, it is perfect.
A great example is the section on layering. If you are not sure where to start, Andrew explains all the different types, including the pros and cons. If you know how to layer already, he breaks down the different layering type and offers examples of what he recommends - which doesn't always match the conventional knowledge. In other areas, it has added to my confidence on decisions I am about to make in preparation for a 7 day trip in the high sierras.
Despite the fact the book was written in 2012, it is still completely relevant. I even added some of the items in in my Amazon wish lists.
July 14, 2018
"It was liberating - and humbling - to know that my safety, comfort, and success were fully dependent on what I was carrying between my ears and inside my backpack."
Both authoritative and comprehensive, I would without hesitation recommend this great guide to anyone who like to or wants to backpack. Writing in an informal, expert voice, Skurka uses his vast experience to cover every aspect of backpacking - from gear selection to trip planning.
Skurka certainly is on the ultra-light, lots of miles per day side of the backpacking spectrum, but even we more casual hikers can learn a lot from this book. He does like the expensive, name-brand equipment and by naming models the book may soon feel dated.
I will keep this on my shelf for ready reference.
Both authoritative and comprehensive, I would without hesitation recommend this great guide to anyone who like to or wants to backpack. Writing in an informal, expert voice, Skurka uses his vast experience to cover every aspect of backpacking - from gear selection to trip planning.
Skurka certainly is on the ultra-light, lots of miles per day side of the backpacking spectrum, but even we more casual hikers can learn a lot from this book. He does like the expensive, name-brand equipment and by naming models the book may soon feel dated.
I will keep this on my shelf for ready reference.
January 25, 2022
I actually read the second edition of this book. I consider it an indispensable resource that will aid in safety and comfort for my backpacking.
There were portions of the book where I felt validated in the techniques that I naturally used, and parts where I felt behind-the-times. Some parts of the book irritated me when a high-quality, high-end product was recommended for certain activities. However, lower-cost solutions were presented for most situations, which is key for the minimalist backpacker trying to get away.
Overall, I learned several new techniques and have already put them to the test. However, beware, you will probably spend some extra money after reading this to upgrade your backpacking kit. This should improve the overall experience!
There were portions of the book where I felt validated in the techniques that I naturally used, and parts where I felt behind-the-times. Some parts of the book irritated me when a high-quality, high-end product was recommended for certain activities. However, lower-cost solutions were presented for most situations, which is key for the minimalist backpacker trying to get away.
Overall, I learned several new techniques and have already put them to the test. However, beware, you will probably spend some extra money after reading this to upgrade your backpacking kit. This should improve the overall experience!
Read
April 24, 2019This is a good, reliable source of information about hiking gear. It’s thorough without being overly technical and, though it starting to show it’s age (some gear mentioned is no longer available), it’s still relevant. Skurka shares his professional knowledge without being condescending. I’m ditching my heavy, framed pack for something much more light-weight. Skurka’s anecdote about all the unnecessary crap he brought on his first long hiking trip hit a little close to home for me (**hides heavy pump water filter in shame**).
September 25, 2023
I have read this book four times, and I feel I am still getting something new out of it. Although the author would go into extensive detail about the mechanics of a piece of equipment or clothing, one can sift through the jargon and determine what is best for their trek. The book's sections were easy to follow, and I enjoyed the author's description of personal trips. As a female hiker, I wished the author went into more detail about our specific needs, rather than referring readers to an online article.
April 23, 2024
The book has a ton of information on how to pack for a hike but for some reason it made hiking seem way more complicated than it is. The book is also quite outdated and the gear recommendations don’t necessarily hold true today, although an equivalent with the same characteristics can be found. Nevertheless, if someone wants to truly be prepared for their long hike and what that peace of mind, then take the advice in this book. For all others, just learn on the go as long you have the basics covered.
April 6, 2019
I am not a hiker, but cyclist who does self-contained camping tours. I am reading the book for ideas on how/what to pack. The introductory chapter is philosophical: "Ultimate hiker" vs. "ultimate camper". The former is one who makes lots of progress every day and sacrifices everything else to make that; the latter has other goals (such as fishing, photography, etc.), and ranks making progress only as part of that. Author taught himself how to become the ultimate hiker and wrote this book for them. Though I am more an ultimate camper than ultimate hiker (cyclist), I'm hoping to pick up ideas to make things a little easier.
Author divides fun into three types, type I fun vs. type II fun vs. type III (un)fun. The author describes these as "fun to do, fun to talk about afterward", "not fun to do, fun to talk about afterward", and "not fun to do, not fun to talk about afterward". He proclaims himself a fan of type II, I like type I.
Author divides fun into three types, type I fun vs. type II fun vs. type III (un)fun. The author describes these as "fun to do, fun to talk about afterward", "not fun to do, fun to talk about afterward", and "not fun to do, not fun to talk about afterward". He proclaims himself a fan of type II, I like type I.
April 1, 2020
Brilliant book by one of the best in the biz. The author has a very readable take on a more technical manual on how to help you be prepared and comfortable when hiking and exploring the outdoors. He helps you understand the process and idea of using gear as a tool rather than something to acquire. Some incredibly good information and checklists are present in the appendices.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the outdoors, beginner or advanced.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the outdoors, beginner or advanced.
June 20, 2024
This is really more of a reference book than anything but I read it cover-to-cover in preparation for an upcoming backpacking trip in the Sierras with the author's guided tripping company. Andrew Skurka is a definitive expert on this matter (look him up!) and this book was a helpful reference as I decided what gear to upgrade in my kit and to think more conscientiously about where I could lose weight from my pack.
September 26, 2020
Andre Skurka is much more of an ultra hiker than I’ll ever be but his advice is useful for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. He’s especially good at comparing the advantages/disadvantages of all kinds of hiking gear, from boots to cooking systems. I appreciated that he’s willing to cut through a lot of popular misconceptions about “necessary” gear to help readers travel lightly.
August 16, 2022
Helpful for my upcoming backpacking trip. Even though it was written 10 years ago, I think almost everything in the book is still applicable. At times I wish there was more explanation on why he does things a certain way and I wish there were more images and diagrams for recommended items and how to do things.
January 14, 2024
Good, practical advice from an expert on backpacking gear, safety, efficiency, and route preparation. Highly recommend for anyone from novice to expert backpacker to use as a reference when planning the next trip. Only flaw is that due to older release date, could use an updated version due to some outdated gear recommendations.
August 26, 2019
This book makes you think about how you pack your pack and what you bring. It is a great read, even if you don't want to carry as little as Skurka. He brings up great points about why we carry certain things and the less you carry the more comfortable you can be walking.
April 29, 2018
More of a reference than something to read cover to cover unless you are planning a trip. Super useful, though. Basically several years of Outdoor mag reviews, but not tainted by ads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews