When it was first published in 1998, <i>The Backpacker's Field Manual</i> set the standard for comprehensive backpacking books. Now exhaustively updated to offer a more complete view of backpacking today, it covers the latest developments in gear&mdash;such as Global Positioning Systems and ultralight hiking equipment&mdash;first aid, and Leave No Trace comping, and includes a chapter devoted to outdoor leadership resources and basics. Beginners and experienced hikers alike will find this book indispensable for trip planning strategies and also as a quick reference on the trail for:<br><br>BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS&mdash;how to forecast the weather, identify trees, bear-proof your campsite, wrap an injured ankle, and more--illustrated with more than 100 line drawings.<br><br>TRICKS OF THE TRAIL&mdash;time-tested practical lessons learned along the way<br><br>GOING ULTRALIGHT&mdash;downsizing suggestions for those who want to lighten up<br><br>Every traveler knows that space in a backpack is limited, so on your next trip, carry the only guide you'll ever need&mdash;this one&mdash;and take to the great outdoors with confidence.