BACKPACKING

Gibbs eases the first few steps for beginning hikers with tips on the care and selection of boots, clothing, sleeping bags and tents, packs and frames, food (go freeze dried) and cooking equipment. As might be expected Gibbs emphasizes traveling light and includes weights of all items in his appended equipment checklist. He cautions against overexertion, hiking alone, littering the landscape and bears, and advises on using topographic maps and the trusty Boy Scout compass. There is an appended list of five more specialized books, where serious backpackers might prefer to start.