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The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide, Second Edition: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail Paperback – March 7, 2017

by Andrew Skurka (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 720 ratings
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Whether you're a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior, or a seasoned long-distance trekker, this guide is a must for any backpacking, hiking, or camping trip. Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka—accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer—shares his knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Skurka recounts what he's learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance hikes, including the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails, and the 4,700-mile Alaska-Yukon Expedition.

A show-and-tell guide to clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, camp stoves, and more, as well as tips on foot care, campsite selection, and hiking efficiency, this single book contains all the knowledge you'll need to hit the trail.

This second edition features 16 new pages (including food on the trail and other essentials), and updates all gear recommendations.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    National Geographic
  4. Publication date
    March 7, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.24 x 0.47 x 8.36 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781426217845
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1426217845
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Breath of fresh air” “I learned most of this backpacker voodoo the hard way, wasting hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on the wrong gear for the conditions I had to hike in. Instead, Andrew distills the knowledge you need in a very readable book that is chock full of war stories, gear recommendations, and sample gear lists.” – sectionhiker.com
 http://sectionhiker.com/the-ultimate-hikers-gear-guide-2nd-ed-by-andrew-skurka/
 
“So does Skurka pass the Comparative Standard test? Yes, and with flying colors…The book is well laid out, presents a ton of solid and useful information, is easy to read and understand.” –Popular Backpacker
http://popupbackpacker.com/book-review-the-ultimate-hikers-gear-guide-2nd-edition/

About the Author

ANDREW SKURKA is an accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer. He was named Adventurer of the Year by Outside and National Geographic Adventure magazines and Person of the Year by Backpacker. When not living out of his backpack, Skurka resides in Boulder, Colorado.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1426217846
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic; 2nd edition (March 7, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781426217845
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1426217845
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.24 x 0.47 x 8.36 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 720 ratings

About the author

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Andrew Skurka

Andrew Skurka

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Andrew Skurka is an accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer. The 32-year-old is most well known for his solo long-distance backpacking trips, notably the 4,700-mile 6-month Alaska-Yukon Expedition, the 6,875-mile 7-month Great Western Loop, and the 7,775-mile 11-month Sea-to-Sea Route. In total, he has backpacked, skied, and packrafted 30,000+ miles through many of the world’s most prized backcountry and wilderness areas—the equivalent of traveling 1.2 times around Earth’s equator! He is the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Tips to Hit the Trail.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
720 global ratings
This guy knows his stuff!
5 Stars
This guy knows his stuff!
I was looking for some hiking info and found this guy Andrew Skurka on YouTube. Wasn't sure who he was until I would watch his seminars. Didn't take him very seriously since everyone has an opinion, until I learned of the time he spends in the elements and how varying the conditions he hikes in are. After that I knew I could learn a lot. He has an honest approach even though he seems to be sponsored by Sierra Designs. When I learned about his guide book I wanted to learn more. I picked it up and it was a very informative right from the first page. His focus isn't on brand or style but on application and ease of use. He really wants to help you get the most out of your hiking experience and not sell you anything (other than this book) He narrows down the type of person you are and focuses on that part of you. A great purchase.
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Top reviews from the United States

Catherine Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars Great hiker/backpacker book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023
Verified Purchase
I have just returned to backpacking after many years away! This book has been VERY helpful in my journey to get there! I love all the pictures and illustrations! Great, comprehensive book for the newbie or experienced backpacker! I keep going back and looking at it for more insight. The author has a great style of writing and makes understanding the information easy.
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NK
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't say enough good things about this book -- a must-own in my opinion!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2017
Verified Purchase
Put simply, Skurka’s gear guide is the most efficacious written compilation of hiking and backpacking knowledge for outdoor enthusiasts (not just hikers!) of all levels and ages that I have come across. The focus is not just on the gear, but also on how and when to use it, in addition to expert tips and techniques from trip planning to campsite selection. I have learned a great deal from perusing the first edition and have referred back to it on countless occasions. I have recommended it to many friends and acquaintances, gifted several copies, and even included it in a raffle for BigCityMountaineers. And if you already own the first edition, the second one is still worth getting as it offers a comprehensive update that makes this guide the most up-to-date on the market (e.g. to Cuben fibre, or not to?). Sure, there are other good hiking books and plenty of free online advice (Chris Townsend's meatier "Backpacker's Handbook" and SectionHiker.com come to mind), but few sources are as concise, insightful, comprehensive, and well presented as this one. Best of all, you will save hundreds of dollars on future gear purchases by making more informed decisions--the book pays for itself many times over!
5 people found this helpful
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cal48boy
4.0 out of 5 stars Good overall with a few Ommisions!
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
#1, No mention of common and 2week very painful itchy rash from POISON OAK on W Coast and POISON IVY on E Coast and POISON SUMAC all "leaves in 3s" so carry TECNU super concentrate soap to add a few drops to hand soap washcloth or dog shampoo. My experience: 13 days rafting Colorado River in 5pax raft with ARR in mid Summer 120F in shade TOO HOT!! Should have gone early Spring or late Autumn. Neither NPS nor ARR warned me of non-native POISON IVY planted along river in GCNP, "it is not native". So I did not bring 2wks supply of TECNU in a better Nalgene bottle. Caught the RASH the first day, arms and legs, very itchy! Cooled in 36F river and rubbed raw the scabs with sand. Utter Misery.

POISON OAK is very abundant on West Coast even at Muir Woods or Ano Nuevo. "It is a native", so no warning signs! Also abundant in Sierra "foothills" with "rattler" VENOMOUS rattlesnakes!! As a child I almost stepped on one at Florence Lake, a FRIGHT I will never forget.

Another CAUTION: The weather in the mountains like the Sierra Nevada can completely change in 1 hour! In 1970s I XC skied the Yosemite Glacier Point Road set tracks as the NPS forecast was "blue skies all day and high winds in E crest peaks." WRONG. Within 1 hour, the sunny warm populated area turned to a WHITE OUT, the "worst storm of the decade"! I dug a snow cave but a MD ahead of me curled up at the base of a tree... and died.

Suggest rookies and newbies practice lots camping on the lawn in their backyard. So fun!
Or try Glamping lots before going Backpacking overnight or Horse packing or River rafting!

The Spring and early Summer, versus late Summer and Autumn MOSQUITOS can be unbearable in huge black cloud swarms (Evolution Valley). Also the notorious BLACK FLIES of Ontario Canada in Summer!!

I totally agree about avoiding stiff leather (crampon) boots for dry Summer hiking and also avoid WATERPROOFING, sweaty moist feet will BLISTER! I sold Pivettas 2 years at Curry. Yes, I know it is extremely hard to find stitched Vibram soles and leather to fabric uppers that are BREATHABLE, but it can be done. Many glued sole boots are expected to only last a year of use, or Much Less!!

As for the smaller "black bear" of the Lower 48, I lived in Yosemite 10 years and always sprinkled red hot chili pepper and red pepper flakes, bought cheap in bulk, around my car doors;.I saw 1000s of nightime bear attack pulled down doors and there are zero fenced, gated parking lots to stop bears from doing this in Yosemite or any NP I've ever been too. Lots of warnings about food in cars, but not enough about car- bear DESTRUCTION. How's your car insurance? Most trailheads are not patrolled daily or fenced gated or have security cameras.

Also, pricing in our National Parks is Not by local rates but "park to park" very inflated, not competitive! Curry tent cabins are up to $160/ night. $80 was outrageous. So I have a year/ Senior Pass now and stay in Oakhurst on W or Lee Vining on E side in motels, as I am not Rich.
My dear Dad took his only son out of school very often and my 3 sisters mostly chose to stay home, so I am very experienced.

My town has an annual family tent in the park weekend every year with a big pancake feed, so fun! Your town could too on a big big tree shaded HS lawn. Not everyone "enjoys" the many hardships and hazards of Overnight Backpacking. Don't feel bad, you may not be missing much for Your tastes and wallet and healthy. One lung old diabetic at 9000ft had to be quickly driven lower! Check out huge casinos at Lake Tahoe instead! Use your car to hide from the early Spring mosquitoes or flee! Enjoy, don't get stuck SUFFERING or DYING(snow field sliding, close!). Hazards are real and numerous. Women are being Assaulted!
7 people found this helpful
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Luke
5.0 out of 5 stars This guy knows his stuff!
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
I was looking for some hiking info and found this guy Andrew Skurka on YouTube. Wasn't sure who he was until I would watch his seminars. Didn't take him very seriously since everyone has an opinion, until I learned of the time he spends in the elements and how varying the conditions he hikes in are. After that I knew I could learn a lot. He has an honest approach even though he seems to be sponsored by Sierra Designs. When I learned about his guide book I wanted to learn more. I picked it up and it was a very informative right from the first page. His focus isn't on brand or style but on application and ease of use. He really wants to help you get the most out of your hiking experience and not sell you anything (other than this book) He narrows down the type of person you are and focuses on that part of you. A great purchase.
Customer image
Luke
5.0 out of 5 stars This guy knows his stuff!
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2017
I was looking for some hiking info and found this guy Andrew Skurka on YouTube. Wasn't sure who he was until I would watch his seminars. Didn't take him very seriously since everyone has an opinion, until I learned of the time he spends in the elements and how varying the conditions he hikes in are. After that I knew I could learn a lot. He has an honest approach even though he seems to be sponsored by Sierra Designs. When I learned about his guide book I wanted to learn more. I picked it up and it was a very informative right from the first page. His focus isn't on brand or style but on application and ease of use. He really wants to help you get the most out of your hiking experience and not sell you anything (other than this book) He narrows down the type of person you are and focuses on that part of you. A great purchase.
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23 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great overall gear breakdown
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
I don't agree with everything that Skurka says in his gear breakdown. He definitely has a bias towards things that worked for him and also towards the gear that he helped create (complete with shameless advertising), but as with anybody that gives you advice on something as personal as gear, what works for one may not work for all. This book has excellent information, but the advice should be tested before relied upon. I enjoyed reading this and will use it to test out some of his tips to see if I can add to my personal repertoire of outdoor skills. Thanks for producing such an intensive guide!
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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James T Tayler
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and very informative
Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
Well illustrated and covers key maneuvers that will raise your chances of survival and comfort in the wild.
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Elias
5.0 out of 5 stars Está bien, está entretenido.
Reviewed in Mexico on February 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
Es un libro ligero, no es tanto como un manual de campo si no como un libro de preparación para un viaje, yo no lo cargaría durante el trayecto pero sí vale la pena leerlo de vez en cuando para aprenderse de memoria lo que se necesita en la mochila. La edición es muy buena también.
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Eduardo
5.0 out of 5 stars Para cualquiera que ande en busca de conocimiento y material de senderismo
Reviewed in Spain on May 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
Hay otros más detallados sobre temas específicos, pero no conozco ninguno con una visión general tan completa y tan fácil de leer. En él Skurka analiza en base a su larga experiencia el material actualmente en el mercado y algunas de las habilidades necesarias para ir ligero y seguro. Leyéndolo, uno puede ahorrarse muchos errores y euros, no teniendo que fiarse de la buena voluntad del vendedor de la tienda, sino aprendiendo de un gran profesional.
Lo más enriquecedor es que permite a uno mismo ir formándose un criterio propio, que irá evolucionando con la experiencia y otras lecturas, para que en base a su estilo y objetivos pueda escoger el equipo más adecuado.
En mi caso personal aprendiendo de este señor y la gente del subreddit r/Ultralight conseguí bajar el peso de mi mochila para 3 días de más de 15kg a unos 9kg, yendo más cómodo y seguro.
One person found this helpful
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Elo
5.0 out of 5 stars Guide Randonneur
Reviewed in France on March 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
Un indispensable qui trône dans ma bibliothèque. J’adore ce bouquin tout y est, matériels, conseils, le tout accompagné en images. Attention livre en anglais
One person found this helpful
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Felix
5.0 out of 5 stars Die beste (und am besten erste) Investition in euer Outdoor Equipment
Reviewed in Germany on May 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
Alles was ihr hier zu lesen bekommt wurde auf zehntausenden Kilometern am eigenen Leib erprobt. Daher ein höchst authentischer Ratgeber und die wohl Beste Investition, welche man un die eigene Ausrüstung machen kann. Mich hat es zudem fürs Ultralight backpacking begeistert - weniger Gewicht mehr Qualität der Reise. Sehr zu empfehlen!
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