liked to use “backcountry” instead, but the editors at National Geographic apparently thought ultimate had more appeal. In any case this is a book about enjoying the “hik- ing” component of your outdoor adventures, targeting the beginner and intermediate backpacker.
Major themes covered:
your adventure by looking at your goals, destination, and expected climate.
clothing, footwear, sleeping gear, shelters, navigation, trek- king poles, food, cook systems, water, essentials, and packs. I especially like his “Core 13” list of clothing: a mix and match set of every piece of clothing you’d need for every environment you could face.
depending on the climate and time of year.
Guide? Gear is always changing and evolving and so it seems is Skurka. For me, reading between the lines, it was fun to learn about his maturing. He was single and going on wife he’s led over 50 backcountry group trips which all have led to new insights which he shares in this updated edition. The most reworked and updated section is the sample gear lists. This was my favorite part of the book as I’m an avid list maker. I’ve always kept check lists for each type of trip I take— backpacking, van camping, or bikepacking. Depending on the adventure I have planned and time of year I pull out the check list and start packing. Being able to download sample check lists from Skurka’s website was very helpful, and what a service to the backpacking community. Give it a try; you may fall in love with check lists as I have.
I’d say pick up a copy of this second edition. The new and updated knowledge and advice based on the experience he’s gained since the last book was published is worth a easy to read cover-to-cover or keep on your book shelf as a reference for your next adventure. To sum up Skurka’s philosophy, the Ultimate Hiker stays safe and comfortable with a focus on 1) time spent hik- ing relative to camping, 2) environmental and route condi- tions, and 3) what gear, supplies, and skills are best for the objectives. Now get outdoors and enjoy yourself and remember to be safe wherever your adventure takes you.
Jim Schmid has been State Trails Coordinator for South Carolina and Manager of The Florida Trail for the U.S. Forest Service. See his own trail travels at
jimstrailresources.wordpress.com.
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