Honest Backpacker

The Baby Boomer's Handbook for Hitting the Trail "e;Keep close to nature's heart . . . and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."e; - John MuirThe soul-stirring majesty of watching the sunrise from the top of a mountain. The simple pleasure of getting drinking water from a cool, crystal-clear woodland stream. The warm camaraderie that you only find on the trail. Backpacking is a magical pursuit. It's not only an excellent way to achieve lifelong fitness and health, but it can also be a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience. It sparks something primal inside us and allows us to connect with nature on a deeply personal level. But preparing for a trip into the great outdoors can seem like a daunting task for the first-time adventurer, especially those of us approaching and rebelling against our "e;golden"e; years. Fortunately, you don't have to go it alone. In The Honest Backpacker: A Practical Guide for the Rookie Adventurer Over 50 seasoned backpackers Jim and Nicole Klopovic share a step-by-step plan for preparing for your first backpacking trip tailored to the novice, mature adventurer. They provide essential advice and trail-proven tips on a wide variety of topics, including: Getting your body, mind, and spirit in shape for your trip Planning your hike (what, where, when) What gear you'll need and how to select it Creating healthy menus and purchasing food for the trail What to pack and how to pack it Trail safety and etiquette And much, much more You'll learn everything you need to know to have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable backpacking experience . . . and want to do it again. Plus, to inspire and motivate you, Jim shares stories of the spectacular sights and fascinating people he met while trekking across northern England on the England Coast-to-Coast Walk.