Backpacking (Paperback)

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Female Backpacker

What is backpacking?

What it takes?

Who backpacks?

Why backpack?

Chapter 2: How to Be a Good Beginner

Getting started

Mental preparation

Be a low-maintenance woman

Chapter 3: Fit for Backpacking

Building fitness

Ouchless hiking

How long does it take?

Chapter 4: Equipment

Choosing and buying gear

Footwear

Carrying the load: backpacks

Shelter

For a sound sleep: sleeping bags and mattress pads

Wilderness wear

Chapter 5: Tricks of the Trail

Before you go: packing your pack

On the trail

At camp

Chapter 6: The Backcountry Kitchen

Approaches to food

Water

Kitchenware

Chapter 7: Safety and Comfort

Safety

Hyperthermia

Hypothermia

Animals

Hunters

Personal safety

Comforts of home

Hygiene

Sanitation

Chapter 8: Where to Go Backpacking

Planning your trip

Forest, desert, and alpine environments

Chapter 9: Loving the Land: Low-Impact Backpacking

Delicate ecosystems

Water

Land

Plants and animals

Chapter 10: Backpacking with the Family

Before you go

On the trail

Chapter 11: Planning Longer Trips

Getting started

Food and supplies

Final words

Chapter 12: Resource Directory

Appendix: An Equipment Checklist

Index