The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide, Second Edition: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail Kindle Edition

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.

The first edition of this book was my first real introduction to Ultralight backpacking. I read it through multiple times. I highlighted and annotated it. I even did further study by going to his online blog to have Skurka answer my questions.I didn't think Skurka had anything else to teach me, I was wrong. Since being awarded National Geographic Adventurer of the Year for his Alaska-Yukon trip, Skurka has spent his time designing backpacking gear for Sierra Designs, leading guided trips and holding backpacking clinics, and designing and hiking off-trail routes in the Wind River mountains and Kings Canyon High Basin.Those experiences really show in this book. It's much more fleshed-out and relevant than the 1st edition. The writing and editing is also a lot better, making it much easier to read.It's a must-own for every otudoors enthusiast from novice day-hikers to veteran expedition backpackers and trekkers.

I bought the book on Kindle, and it has taught me much, and saved me far more than it cost.I'm planning to thruhike the Colorado Trail this summer, after being away from backpacking for awhile. I'm 65, and want to give myself every chance to succeed, so I'm replacing all my heavy gear with lighter stuff. And less stuff.This book really helped me choose gear, and also to realize how much I can do without.

Imagine hiking 33,000 miles! Andrew Skurka has accomplished this and his experience is very informative, filled with trial and error and he presents his opinions and reccomendations in a non dogmatic manner. His advice has credibilty because he is truly a successful hiking outdoorsman. With so many opinions from retail sales people with marketing sratagies as an objective it can be difficult and expensive to make informed choices. Avoid buying redundant, unnessecary and overweight items and learn how not to put yourself in dangerous and life threating situations in the great outdoors by heeding the magnificent, hard earned lessons outlined in Mr Skurka's ultimate hikers gearguide!

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!

The author covers all aspects of gear and planning. But, the advice is ill suited for the novice and occasional hiker/camper. Rather, I believe, it is better suited to the high end hikers who are totally into their sport. I have been hiking and camping for decades and the lessons I have learned regarding acceptable gear and clothing don't appear to meet the authors standards (and costs) with a very few exceptions. Basically the book is practically worthless for myself and the people I hike and camp with.It may be beneficial to individuals who travel and hike in multiple climates and terrain and have the resources to support those interests.

This book is both a good gear review and a discussion of best practices with respect to its use. Andrew Skurka's extensive long-range trekking experience is encapsulated here. While there is good information on the internet, this book is a good place to start winnowing the wheat from the chaf. Keep in mind that he is a long distance Hiker. If you are a car camper, you will have very different gear choices than someone who only carries a backpack.

I really enjoyed the narrative arc of this guide. I was concerned that it would be all tech specs and gear info that was over my head, but it was very readable and easy to comprehend for an extreme amateur.

I cannot recommend this book too strongly. If there is a better single book on hiking equipment I have yet to find it. This book is remarkably honest and is clearly based on years and miles of experience.Pros:well written and an invaluable reference,up to date and lots of good quality colour photos. Cons none really, but some may be irritated by the fact that the vast majority of the examples are from US companies and all prices are in US dollars.

Bought this as a present for my sister, as she was getting into walking. Found it was a bit too in depth for your average Joe, just doing a couple of hours up the mountain or around a park. It's aimed at the serious walker doing hundreds of miles or camping for weeks at a time.

Lots to think about here, not totally convinced that all techniques can be employed in our changeable weather here in uk.

Good guide for hiking gear. Easy read.

Brilliant