📸 Quick Look (Images)
🇺🇸 USA Buyer Note: Comparing hiking gear helps beginners avoid wasting money. Below is a simple, fast comparison so you can pick what fits your needs.
💰 Current Amazon Price
Price: $39.00 - $20.62
(as of Dec 17, 2025 04:55:36 UTC –
Details
)
⚖️ Quick Comparison
| Best For | Beginner hikers, day hikes, weekend trips (USA) |
| Value | Great value vs. similar Amazon options |
| Comfort | Designed for long walks and trail use |
| Durability | Suitable for common U.S. hiking conditions |
| Ideal Use | Parks, local trails, national parks, travel hikes |
🆚 How It Compares
- Vs. cheaper options: often better comfort + longer lifespan.
- Vs. premium options: similar core features, usually lower cost.
- For beginners: easier setup and fewer “extra” features you don’t need.
📝 Product Details
What you need to know before you hit the trails
Whether you are backpacking for the first time or a veteran follower of the trails, this enormously practical guide includes everything you need to know, from essential techniques such as map and compass work to the skills needed for more remote wilderness journeys. The Backpacker’s Handbook also gives you the latest information on gear. You’ll find the last word on:
How to choose packs and footwear―and make sure they fitWhat clothing to take on the trailTents, tarps, stoves, water purifiers, and other gearGPS, cell phones, and other electronic devicesAnd much more
Reviews from previous editions
“The most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to equipment and technique available anywhere.”
–Backpack (UK)
“A clear and comprehensive primer on backpacking gear. Townsend’s knowledge is immense.”
–Sierra
“Belongs in every bookcase dealing with outdoor topics. . . . Chockablock full of useful, practical, commonsense info. . . . If you tramp the outdoors, get this book.”
―Maine Sportsman
“For those thinking of taking a backpack journey, The Backpacker’s Handbook is required reading.”
―Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
From the brand
As a leading global education company, our mission is to partner with educators, learners, and professionals to help them access all the value that education can offer, no matter where their starting points may be.
For over 130 years, we have never stopped innovating to meet the ever-changing needs of educators and learners around the world – and will continue to support and celebrate their efforts every step of the way.
Publisher : International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
Publication date : October 10, 2011
Edition : 4th
Language : English
Print length : 480 pages
ISBN-10 : 007175489X
ISBN-13 : 978-0071754897
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 7.3 x 0.73 x 9.1 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #587,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #478 in Camping (Books) #875 in Hiking & Camping Instructional Guides #1,576 in Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (243) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
⭐ Summary (Why We Recommend It)
Customers say
Customers find this backpacking guide comprehensive and well-written, covering everything from beginners to seasoned hikers. The book includes lots of pictures and diagrams, and one customer notes it’s written by a gear tester. They appreciate its easy readability and consider it one of the best books on the subject, with one review highlighting how it covers every aspect of backpacking and hiking.
- ✔ Beginner-friendly (no learning curve)
- ✔ Strong value for money (Amazon USA)
- ✔ Comfortable for day hikes & weekend trips
- ✔ Good choice for most U.S. trail conditions
👉 Check Today’s Price on Amazon
❓ Quick FAQ
Is this good for beginners?
Yes. It’s a practical pick for first-time hikers who want dependable gear without overspending.
Who should buy this?
- • New hikers building a starter kit
- • Budget-focused shoppers in the USA
- • Anyone wanting reliable gear for trails and parks
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