Trailside Guide: Hiking and Backpacking, New Edition

I read this book as a novice backpacker, and it help take me to the next level.


Awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome...   January 17, 2000
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I bought this book on a whim for my first ever backpacking expedition, and I loved it the second I cracked the front cover. It covers everything and anything a beginning hiker/backpacker could ever need. (It made my excursion with my husband-to-be on Valentine's Day weekend a blast!) While I still think cotton is just as invaluable as all the high-tech materials out there, she definitely makes her "expert" opinion a time and money saver. I give her little section on women and kids an A++ for motivation. Oh, and did I mention it was awesome.


Great for the beginer   December 27, 1999
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is a great book for the newcomer or begining hiker and backpacker. I have been backpacking for some time but I even found very helpfull information inside. I like this series of books so much I am buying the whole series.


Excellend book for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors.   November 1, 1999
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Although I've been backpacking for many years, I felt sure this book could teach an old dog a few new tricks. And it did! Karen Berger does what many others don't do and that is give very specific details about purchasing equpment, technics to hiking and backpacking. Specifics on food selection and preparation along with useful information about camping and leave no trace. Her thoughtful insite is your ticket to a most enjoyable experience in the outdoors.


informative, well organized and fun to read   August 27, 1999
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I've been backpacking for about ten years and continue to find this book a useful tool. The writing, pictures and illustrations somehow manage to get me enthused about backpacking every time I pick up the book.

Great intro book (what equipment you need to get started, how to read a compass, etc...), but also a lot of practical tips on what to look for when buying gear (including how to save $$$, something that backpackers of all skill levels can appreciate!).

The author's "minimum impact" tips are useful reminders for all backpackers and obviously come from a person with great respect for the outdoors. This alone should make this book required reading for new folks on the trail.