Introduction

Rewards

Image E

The ultimate antidote to modern living is the outdoors. Natural surroundings speak of beauty, eternity and true origins. There’s an ageless order that sorts out the mundane and creates a primary perspective.

Simply put, it’s a place to become recharged and refreshed. It’s more than that, but it’s difficult to describe very well because the spiritual refurbishment sounds like religion. And that misses the mark. For folks who allow themselves to know, the natural world is an enormously comforting place to be. Comforting to know how great it is and how small we are in it.

Roving about in a natural place yields a number of rewards: physical challenge, wondrous sights, breathing sweet and fresh air, sharing space with wild creatures. Moments you take back and cherish in your mind one thousand times. The profound satisfaction of self-reliant behavior runs deep. Tiny triumphs feel Olympic. Like lighting a match in damp weather. Character is built and rebuilt in a place that demands every moment of your attention. And that you succeed. (Image F)

Image F

Backpacker’s Start-Up is an introduction to this roving about for modern people. Hiking and camping in the wild requires an attitude and a load of preparation. This book covers the essential gear, preparations, precautions and techniques required for dayhiking and short backpacking trips. Stuff is straight to the point and backed with insightful first hand experiences that beginners can relate to easily.