Customer Reviews

Power Packing: Principles of Lightweight Long Distance Backpacking

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Calling this slim volume a book is a major stretch. Containing 72 pages and bound by a plastic binder, this tome promises much in the title and delivers very, very little. I counted about 7 pages devoted to lightweight packing for backpacking trips. The remainder is fluff about the Zone diet and cardiovascular/weight training for hikers. The information that is provided is general and patently obvious: get a light pack, etc. Any reader could gather much more pertinent information in 15 minutes on the internet. All in all, a major disappointment.

The author has hiked the AT and is certainly knowledgeable about backpacking. His strategy seems to be to "go without" in order to go farther, faster and longer. The book covers gear (including some directions for making your own stuff), training, nutrition, and techniques. I'm sure it all works, but I believe even the Spartans had more pleasantries. If moving swiftly, eating "fuel" instead of food and suffering are part of the regimine you are willing to accept, this book will give you plenty of ideas.

A good portion of the material is different than Jardine's, but if you are looking for an ultralight guide and can only afford one book, go with Jardine's.