Hiking Light Handbook by Karen Berger

[Douglas Frick]

This is a great intro to lightweight backpacking. She covers all of the major gear areas in an uncomplicated fashion, giving overviews of what, why and how to lighten up. The book includes strategies, tips, and suggestions for getting more out of your gear and gear weight. I read the book through, then immediately read it again. This is the first book I recommend to friends who are interested in switching to lightweight backpacking.

[Glenn Roberts]

I also think this is a very good book, but she really dropped the ball at the end of the book, in the chapter on packs. While it describes the various types of packs well, that section could have been lifted out of any other how-to-backpack book from the last 10 years. There’s really no useful information about ultralight packs – in fact, the only mention of Glen Van Peski is in the chapter on food, commenting about the calories per ounce ratio of his menus; no mention whatsoever of his (or Ron Moak’s, or anyone else’s) innovative packs. Re-do that next-to-last chapter, and you might have a 5.

[Craig Shelley]

If you’ve never backpacked, never thought about backpacking, never talked to others about backpacking, and never read a book on backpacking, this book will not be a complete waste of time. It is very “light” on content. Although the author appears to be an experienced backpacker, she could not have significant experience with lightweight backpacking and write this book. There are far better books on lightweight backpacking. An excellent short book, is Don Ladigin’s book, Lighten Up!

I really don’t understand how the reviewers above came up with their comments. After two years of backpacking, reading lots of books, reading backpackinglight.com and the internet extensively, trying out lots of packs, sleeping bags, shoes, etc. I came back and read this book again. In my opinion, it is the worst book that I have read on the subject.

[Author]

Posts