BASIC ILLUSTRATED BACKPACKING Expert hikers Harry Roberts and Russ Schneider take readers step-by-step through planning a trip for each skill level, selecting the proper gear and provisions (including the right boots), how to find you way through wilderness, prepare a good meal, and much more.
I'm a novice, and I still found this incredibly fluffy, containing almost no new information. Maybe if I'd never hiked at all, ever, or been exposed to backpacking in any way. Star for the tone and anecdotes.