<DIV>A guide so thorough it will send you packing...<br> Backpacking remains one of the most popular, and inexpensive, outdoor activities in America. <I>The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Backpacking and Hiking</I> helps anyone prepare and plan for a rewarding adventure.<br><BR> ?Covers planning, training, shopping, and packing for the trip<br> ?How to live on the trail<br> ?First aid and other safety tips<br> ?Practical time- and money-saving hints<br> ?What gear is necessary-and what isn't<br> ?Special considerations when traveling with groups or pets<br><BR> <B>Table of Contents</B><br><BR> Chapter 1: Get Started with Day-Hiking<br> <I>Getting started with shorter hikes that allow you to sleep in your own bed at night.</I><br><BR> Chapter 2: Hiking for All Ages and Types<br> <I>Finding a satisfying trail whether you hike by yourself, with a partner, or in a group.</I><br><BR> Chapter 3: Camping Overnight<br> <I>The complete guide to a comfortable night's sleep at parks, campgrounds, and backcountry tent-sites. </I><br><BR> Chapter 4: Backpacking Basics<br> <I>Getting deeper into the woods, mountains, or wherever you want to explore by carrying everything you need on your back. </I><br><BR> Chapter 5: Training Your Body for the Trail<br> <I>Everyday fitness routines to get you in shape for any level of hiking.</I><br><BR> Chapter 6: Never Get Lost (Again)<br> <I>Easy-to-follow map, compass, and GPS tutorials to keep you on the right trail. </i><br><BR> Chapter 7: Essentials for Every Trip<br> <I>The lifesaving gear you should never leave home without. </I><br><BR> Chapter 8: Welcome to Gear World<br> <I>Expert advice on how to buy high-quality and long-lasting equipment. </I><br><BR> Chapter 9: Footwear Fundamentals<br> <I>Finding hiking boots or trail shoes guaranteed to keep your feet happy and blister-free. </I><br><BR> Chapter 10: Outdoor Clothing 101<br> <I>Smart layering advice for weather that's either fair or foul. </I><br><BR> Chapter 11: Hauling Your Gear: Daypacks and Weekend Packs<br> <I>The surefire guide to finding and loading the ideal backpack.</I><br><BR> Chapter 12: Shelter from the Storm<br> <I>Building the perfect sleep system by combining tents, sleeping bags, and ground pads. </I><br><BR> Chapter 13: The Outdoor Kitchen<br> <I>Cooking advice and recipes to fuel every hike and hiker. </I><br><BR> Chapter 14: Liquid Refreshment<br> <I>Where to find water and how to make it safe to drink. </I><br><BR> Chapter 15: Hygiene on the Trail<br> <I>Sensible strategies to keep clean on the trail. </I><br><BR> Chapter 16 How to Survive<br> <I>The no-panic plan on how to respond when trouble arises. </I><br><BR> Chapter 17: First Aid<br> <I>The on-trail prescription to fix blisters, bumps, and bruises. </I><br><BR> Chapter 18: The Wild Things<br> <I>Keeping encounters with poisonous plants and wildlife at a safe but exciting distance. </I><br><BR> Chapter 19: High-Country Hazards<br> <I>Hiking and camping tips for more challenging trails and terrain. </I><br><BR> Chapter 20: Expanding Your Skills<br> <I>Where to seek your next great adventure. </I><br><BR> Appendixes<br> A Glossary<br> B Resources<br> C Equipment Checklists<BR><BR></DIV>