Customer Reviews

Backpacking: One Step at a Time

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have tried numerous backpacking books and this is the best one. It has a lot of information and should help you get started in backpacking.

Before I ever set foot into the wilderness, I read Harvey Manning's book cover to cover (several times). It prepared me for a lifetime of low environmental impact adventures in the ever more crowded wild parts of the country. Though the equipment advice may now be dated, his approach to living and playing in the great outdoors is timeless. "TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS" is more important now than ever before. Mr. Manning's book teaches/reminds us that there is a limited amount of wilderness out there to be enjoyed by an always growing number of people. Following the advice in this book will help prepare the reader for a more safe, comfortable and, ultimately, more enjoyable experience outdoors.

Sure, there are more up-to-date guides on equipment. Buy the ultimate hiking boot and six months later there's a new, improved model available. Equipment guides are that way. The wilderness, however, is different. Trash a meadow, cut down a 500 year old tree, scrawl your name on a rock face and the special feeling that you are in a pristine, untouched place is gone. That place has been ruined for every backpacker and hiker who follows. This book shows how to enjoy what is out there without destroying the reason we escape into the wilderness in the first place!

I purchased one of the first editions of this classic way back in 1973 or 1974. I still have that book, dog-eared pages and all and consider it the best book on the subject ever written. The hilarious cartoon drawings hit the nail on the head in how they demonstrate visually what the author was trying to convey in words. My edition is somewhat dated now, but the concepts and techniques never really change. This book in my opinion set the standard. During those times I am confined to house and home, I often pull this book off the shelf and thumb thru it. Just looking thru it is enough to get one fired up about getting out. It is a well done...well thought out book with wonderfully creative writing highlighted with comical illustrations. It goes beyond the mechanical technical aspects of backpacking and explores the how and why of the endeavor. I most highly recommend this book for the beginner or experienced hiker.

Manning's book covers everything you need to know about venturing into the out of doors. From equipment selection to breaking camp, this book is packed with information for beginners and experience outdoorsmen alike. -Mike Harmer, Editor of Scouting Onlin

Ok, I wasn't sure how to rate this item. Yes it is outdated (I think the last (updated) printing was 1985, I have that one and the First Edition). Nevertheless, like the artwork of an old master, it's beauty isn't spoiled by time. In addition, certain things haven't changed at all. Sure the manufacturers would like you to think you can hike with only expensive state-of-the-art gear, but that simply is not so. Manning has a pleasant writing style so you can read this cover to cover, or you can use it as reference since it is very well organized. The cartoons are splendid. He gets into technical aspects to an adequate degree without dragging down the flow of information. Now Fletcher/Rawlins' "The Complete Walker IV" (2002, Knopf)is an excellent reference also, but treats the subject from a different perspective, so while it duplicates much of Manning, it doesn't cover everything Manning covers, at least in the same style. So in conclusion, you can't go too far wrong with Manning's "Backpacking one Step at a Time" as your guide to backpacking. If you want to know more up to date information you can find all that on the internet at hundreds of sites and forums.

I bought this book ar EMS in Boston in 1973 when I first started backpacking. the priciples he teaches this book still hold true today. I strongly recomend this book to any novice backpackers, along with Karen Berger's new Hiking and Backpacking. My grandson is learning and enjoying from this edition now. This book is timeless. It is a must read!

I am on my second copy of Backpacking One Step At A Time, and have used it for years on end to help fine tune the art of whittling down my weight, and improving the art of backpacking. When friends ask what I would reccomend gear wise, I toss them a copy of this book. But there have been so many advances in ultralight gear over the last 20 + years since the release of this book, that it is woefully behind the times. I love the book, I love the writing style of Mr. Manning, I just wish that there was a 5th or so Edition. I would hate to see the wonderful, and helpful information in this book go to waste because gear technology has changed. There is just too much priceless information to let it slide into oblivion.

The book is a bit dated, but there are plenty of great tips in the book. If you are a newcomer to the sport of backpacking I recommend picking up this book.

This isn't the most recent book on backpacking by any means, but, except for SOME of the advice about specific brands of gear, it is by no means dated. The gear hasn't change THAT much since it was written ( I can't say the same for prices), and the book does an excellent job covering backpacking basics and the ethics of enjoying the great outdoors. I also greatly enjoy Manning's writing, and plan on looking for other books that he has written.

The information about general hiking and first-aid tips is very useful. Sections on clothing/sleeping bag fabrics is VERY out of date. Too much has changed with fabric technology since this book was written. I agree that post-1995 backpacking books have more accurate information about modern materials.