With thousands of all-weather miles to his credit, from North America to Europe to Asia, Townsend is the ultimate guide for all backpackers. In an invaluable fusion of expert information and unlimited inspiration, he reveals to hikers the longest trails, the roughest terrains, and the fiercest climates around the globe. 75 photos. 30 illustrations.

An expert long-distance backpacker shares secrets of the world's elite trekkers to make every hiker's adventure safer and more enjoyable.

Hiking & Backpacking: Essential Skills to Advanced Techniques provides backpackers of all skill levels with the fundamental techniques and advanced tricks of trailsmithing needed to plan and carry out an enjoyable and rewarding outdoor adventure.

"The most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to equipment and technique available anywhere."—Backpack (UK) This enormously practical guide includes everything from essential techniques such as map and compass work to the skills needed for more remote wilderness journeys—such as how to ford rivers safely and how to choose a route through untracked terrain. As a gear advisor, this book is unequaled. You'll find the last word on: How to choose packs and footwear—and make sure they fit What clothing to take on the trail Tents, tarps, stoves, water purifiers, and other gear GPS, cell phones, and other electronic devices And much more Now in its third edition, The Backpacker's Handbook also covers desert hiking, ultralight backpacking, and adventure trekking in distant corners of the globe. Indeed, there is little about backpacking Chris Townsend does not cover. This trusted reference will prepare you for the challenges and excitement of backpacking the wilderness. "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)

A companion volume to the PBS-TV series "Trailside" discusses gear, safety, and trail courtesy.

Designed to be taken on the trail, "The Backpacker's Field Manual" is an in-depth handbook that provides backpackers of all levels, from beginners to trip leaders, with all the essential information they'll need. 100 line drawings.

Backpacker The Survival Hacker’s Handbook provides detailed instruction on how to use everyday items to survive in extraordinary circumstances. Sure, the quirk is here. For instance, learn how to make a fishhook out of a beer can, start a fire with hand sanitizer, or purify water with bleach. But it goes beyond the quirk to identify real solutions for real scenarios—with real items you carry with you. The book includes useful tips and tricks from survival experts, and provides step-by-step instructions, along with short stories of survival situations where these modern survival skills have come into play. The book is organized around basic fundamental concepts of survival: finding food, building shelter, securing water, etc.