Backpacking 101: Choose the Right Gear, Plan Your Ultimate Trip, Cook Hearty and Energizing Trail Meals, Be Prepared for Emergencies, Conquer Your Backpacking Adventures

by Heather Balogh Rochfort

From the creator of the Just a Colorado Gal blog comes a guide to help you plan for a fun backpacking experience.

It’s time to take a hike!

In Backpacking 101 , outdoor expert Heather Balogh Rochfort goes step-by-step through the preparation process of hiking—from selecting the right gear to choosing the perfect destination. She also provides useful information for out on the trail, including how to

-Properly read a topographic map
-Set up an environmentally friendly campsite
-Safely interact with wildlife
-Handle being lost in the woods

With Backpacking 101 in your bag, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way during your trek—no matter what skill level you are. It’s the perfect resource for anyone ready for an outdoor adventure!

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Sports

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2017

About the author

Heather Balogh Rochfort is a five-time author and freelance writer based in western Colorado in the heart of the mountains. Her tiny travel blog snowballed into an award-winning writing career built on the outdoor adventures she holds close to her heart. You are more likely to find her sleeping in the dirt on the side of a mountain with her husband and daughter than in any city in America. Heather also has bylines in publications like The Washington Post, Men's Journal, Outside, Backpacker, and Afar magazine as as being The Weather Channel's on-air hiking expert. She has truly carved out her niche as an established adventure writer.

Reviews

[Candice Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of common sense stuff but a good practical guide, too. I'll forever be haunted by the pooping in the woods stuff.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone wanting to try backpacking for the first time.
It’s also a great refresher for people like myself that have been on a handful of backpacking treks and want to make sure they’re remembering all the essential points.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book you need to start your new adventures. It provides good advise on footwear, equipment, food, and general trail advise.

[Gina Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly a 101. This book is chalk full of information but it was still interesting and easy to read. The author talked in detailed about pretty much anything you need to know to start backpacking and also included lots of personal anecdotes that keep things entertaining. I checked this out from the library but it’s one that would probably be good to have in your personal library as a reference work too.

[AHMSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read - Lots of information

Overall this was a great book to read. It's very informative and covers a wide range of topics including gear, preparation, ethics, animal encounters,... etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes the outdoors or anyone thinking about going backpacking.

[Kristieocd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to backpacking. Learned about etiquette, how to use a compass, gear, and how to poop/ wash/ brush teeth etc in the woods. Looking forward to going on my first trip to try it!

[Todd Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read for those of us that are new to backpacking.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Jam packed with tons of useful info on backpacking and camping. I love that it is a female author. It's a rare occurrence in the backpacking community to have female voices.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jamie]

Clear, concise and up to date on modern practices. Has me curiosity searching for backpacks, compasses, and camp stoves.

[Tyler Zentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy read for those interested in getting the basics into hiking and/or backpacking. Really enjoyed the quotes to begin each chapter as well from Muir, Thoreau, and other naturalists.

[Allen Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is mostly about how to select the right gear and making sure you leave no trace on the trail. As a novice backpacker, I found the information very useful.

[iwasbornaramblinsam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good basic introduction for new backpackers.

[Teri Click · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is informative. I listened to the book on the treadmill so you could say it was motivational.