Karen Berger

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Hiking Light Handbook: Carry Less, Enjoy More

by Karen Berger

Published by the Mountaineers Books
in cooperation with Backpacker Magazine.

Safe, Sane Strategies for Enjoying the Wilderness with LESS on your Back

If you've ever carried a too-heavy pack up a too steep hill, you'll want to know:

* How much should your pack weigh?
* How can you tell if you're carrying too much stuff, too little stuff, the right stuff, or the wrong stuff?
* Is ultralight hiking safe?
* What lightweight strategies will work for you?
* What new gear can reduce your packload?

Lightweight hiking is the hottest trend to hikt the trails since Vibram. It started with long-distance hikers, who need to reduce packweight in order to maximize mileage. But weekend hikers soon noticed that those svelte feather-weight packs looked comfortable.

But if you're going to minimize packweight, you've got to be sure that what you DO carry is earning its way in your pack. You've got to consider terrain, safety, your skills, and fitness, as well as the climate and the season. The goal is to reduce the weight on your back, without risking your safety or making your hike an uncomfortable endurance test.

This book is written for anyone who wants to lighten the load sanely and safely. It covers new gear, lightweight skills, and camping strategies that will help you shed pounds -- and gain enjoyment.