WALKING SOFTLY IN THE WILDERNESS: The Sierra Club Guide to Backpacking

by John Hart ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 27, 1977

An exceptionally thoughtful, precise guide which recommends ""low impact"" methods intended to forestall land abuse. As wilderness use increased dramatically in the Sixties, evidence of previous tenants--old garbage and latrine sites, crushed grassy areas--became regrettably commonplace. What Hart urges are practical alternatives which, although they may run counter to personal preference, are designed to preserve the wilderness. For example, giving up soft-meadow campsites and opting for ground without vegetation prolongs those picture postcard views for other campers. Or packing along a stove (now considered de rigueur) eliminates dependence on firewood which ought to remain at the scene. In addition to such farsighted suggestions, Hart discusses the obvious topics--equipment, phnning, making camp, common troubles--presenting typical pack lists, providing long sections on major purchases (boots, packs, bedrolls), and indicating the advantages of, say, different sleeping bag construction methods or top-grain vs. split-grain leather for boots. And he advises a check about local conditions: ""What spares the land in one place may harm it in another."" Essential.

Pub Date: June 27, 1977

ISBN: 1578051231

Page Count: -

Publisher: Sierra Club

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1977

Categories: NONFICTION