I’m just getting into hiking / backpacking / climbing. What do I need to know?
Here’s your assignment (don’t worry, it’s enjoyable): read the following two books. The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins Many call it the hiker’s bible. Now in its fourth update since Fletcher’s 1968 original, it covers everything from “why walk?” to trip planning, hiking and camping equipment and clothing, wildlife, repairs in the field, and dangers (real and imagined). Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills published by The Mountaineers With sections on belaying, leading on rock, and glacier travel, this one is the climber’s bible. But, it also has extensive information on backcountry travel and gear, navigation, camping and food, first aid, geology, and even group leadership and decision-making.
