The Hiking Companion: Getting the most from the trail experience throughout the seasons: where to go, what to bring, basic navigation, and backpacking (Paperback)

~ (Author) "WHY GO HIKING?..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Mexico, Appalachian Trail, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Before you head out to tackle the terrain, leaf through The Hiking Companion for advice on avoiding classic beginner pitfalls.” — Self

 

“[C]onsider this hiking guide from Michael Robbins. He tells you how to hike smart, what to bring and where to go, as well as basic navigation, and trail etiquette.” — New Orleans Times-Picayune

 

“… easy to read and almost small enough to fit into a back pocket. It is an excellent reference for the beginning hiker or someone planning his/her first backpacking trip.” — Trail Walker

 

“ … the perfect combination of hardcore, down-to-earth, expert advice, with exciting stories of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await you in the wild.” — Colgate Scene

 

“… the author entertains and informs. In addition to some basic advice, there’s the voice of experience suggesting historical research prior to your adventure … “

— Sweat

 

Product Description

When it comes to hiking, Michael W. Robbins is all about the experience. "You can see and hear a lot in just one mile of hiking in a mature deciduous forest," he says, "or just one mile of rocky switchbacks up the face of serious mountain." The way Robbins sees it, someone who is trying to maximize mileage during a day hike is missing the point.

Drawing from his personal experience hiking major trails throughout North America, Robbins offers an overview of the hiking experience in various terrains, from forests to fields, waterside to mountains. He discusses common mistakes and how to avoid them, giving recommendations on trip planning, pacing, appropriate gear, and the basics of navigating, such as how to use a compass. There's even a chapter on extending the day hike to become an overnight backpacking trip.

Interwoven with Robbins's expert advice on how to plan and equip yourself for a hike are first-person accounts of his own experiences on trails in Glacier National Park; near Harper's Ferry, West Virginia; and in the Hudson River Valley. His encounters with wildlife, his discovery of forgotten historical or unexplored archaeological sites, his exultation at coming upon a truly magnificent vista - all are a real inspiration to both beginning and experienced hikers. THE HIKING COMPANION is the perfect combination of hardcore, down-to-earth, expert advice, with exciting stories of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await you in the wild.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; illustrated edition edition (May 5, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580174299
• ISBN-13: 978-1580174299
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,195,754 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy the walk!, June 21, 2003

By A Customer

Really pleasant read about the author's experience and subsequent advice for day hikers and backpackers ( I appreciated his distinguishing the two). I'm just starting out hiking again after 20 years away from it, and he covers the fundamentals and inspires with his stories. Just what I was looking for; a quick read and some pointers to some great hikes across the United States.