Hugh McManners, who served for 18 years in the British Army, mostly with 3 Commando Brigade, shares his knowledge and experience in offering very practical and useful advice, with examples, full-color illustrations and photographs, in this
handbook for
backpackers, whose preferred pastime is getting away from the civilized world and enjoying nature first-hand.
The handbook is broken down into sections - Preparations,
Equipment and Techniques,
Hiking,
Camping, Hazards and Emergencies, to prepare and guide backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts through all aspects of an outing.
The Introduction describes the great advantage of a well-designed backpack as the freedom of movement it provides – never being tied down to a fixed base. Backpacking allows you to get off the beaten path and explore places which would otherwise be out of reach. Backpackers are free spirits, and can even get to the point where they can live more happily in the outdoors rather than at home, when they know how to improvise and do things differently.
The handbook describes how to choose a destination based on the activity, taking into account the climate, terrain, natural attractions, and social factors, including culture and religion when traveling to other countries. Practical advice is given on preparing for a trip abroad, respecting people and their culture and identity, acclimatizing, and understanding the risks.
The importance of preparing yourself physically for the demands of the outing is discussed, with examples of exercises that increase endurance and strength, along with advice on how to take care of your health.
In discussing equipment, McManners points out the importance of choosing the right equipment for your needs, and not wasting money on unnecessary items. Constant technological advances have made camping equipment increasingly lighter. Clothing that offers greater protection and dries out more quickly has significantly enhanced backpackers’ experience. He points out the best fabrics to insulate against the cold and protect the body against the loss of heat and from moisture, and describes the layering system.
McManners describes the different types of backpacks, and how to pack in terms of organization, and weight distribution, with a detailed illustration. He compares sleeping bags according to their design and composition, and the different types of tents and the conditions to which each type is best suited.
The handbook describes how cooking can be done using basic utensils – a pot with a cover, a wooden stirring spoon, cup, plate, and small stove, with weight being the most important factor. Food for the trip includes
dried foods with high caloric content, including powders, dried fruits, oatmeal, nuts, lentils, beans, rice, granola bars, chocolate, instant coffee, powdered milk, powdered chocolate, dehydrated foods, canned foods, and dried meat. McManners explains the best types of containers for food and water, as well as types of water purifiers.
Regarding equipment, McManners points out that articles that serve multiple functions are especially valuable. He explains what should be in your first aid kit, and how to put together your own survival kit in a small tobacco can, including fishing line, hooks and weights, scalpel, saw cable, safety pins, reflector, fine wire, needle and thread, plastic bag, salt, band-aids, compass, antibiotics, matches, magnifying lens, candle, sterilizing pills, and potassium permanganate.
McManners emphasizes that being comfortable in the wild depends more on self-sufficiency and good organization than on superior quality equipment.
In describing the excursion itself, the handbook points out hiking techniques, overcoming difficulties such as wind chill and difficult terrain, rope handling and knot tying, crossing snow and ice, and water.
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