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The Backpacker's Field Manual, Revised and Updated: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills
This thoroughly researched yet accessible backpacking book offers a complete view of backpacking today, exploring everything from how to plan a trip and select gear to emergency procedures and first-aid care in the field
A revised, updated, and comprehensive guide to backpacking with a complete view of modern-day backpacking, The Backpacker’s Field Manual covers the best in gear, first aid, and Leave No Trace camping, and also includes chapters dedicated to trip planning, cooking and nutrition, hygiene and water purification, and more.
Whether you’re about to set off on your first hike or have been camping for decades, The Backpacker’s Field Manual is an indispensable guide for trip planning strategies and also works as a quick reference on the trail
• Back-country skills : how to forecast the weather, identify trees, bear-proof your campsite, wrap an injured ankle, and more—with over one hundred illustrations to guide you
• Tricks of the trail : time-tested practical lessons learned along the way
• Going ultra-light : downsizing suggestions for those who want to lighten up
Every traveler knows that space in a backpack is limited, so on your next trip, carry the only guide you'll ever need—this one—and take to the great outdoors with confidence.
A revised, updated, and comprehensive guide to backpacking with a complete view of modern-day backpacking, The Backpacker’s Field Manual covers the best in gear, first aid, and Leave No Trace camping, and also includes chapters dedicated to trip planning, cooking and nutrition, hygiene and water purification, and more.
Whether you’re about to set off on your first hike or have been camping for decades, The Backpacker’s Field Manual is an indispensable guide for trip planning strategies and also works as a quick reference on the trail
• Back-country skills : how to forecast the weather, identify trees, bear-proof your campsite, wrap an injured ankle, and more—with over one hundred illustrations to guide you
• Tricks of the trail : time-tested practical lessons learned along the way
• Going ultra-light : downsizing suggestions for those who want to lighten up
Every traveler knows that space in a backpack is limited, so on your next trip, carry the only guide you'll ever need—this one—and take to the great outdoors with confidence.
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 1998
323 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 28, 2017
*Addendum* Now I truly have finished the book. It's an e-book and it did a crazy thing where I managed to skip a big chunk of the middle section, and so I went back and read it. I wouldn't change my opinion of the book, except to say that it's actually more comprehensive than I originally thought.
This is a good guide to backcountry hiking and camping, with a lot of information and tips for survival and minimal-impact life in the wilderness. I am not an expert on this subject, so it gave me my money's worth in information. Of particular note are the sections on clothing functionality, different types of gear (such as stoves) and a very comprehensive section on first aid in the field that goes to a great depth, more than the usual first aid discussion because the backcountry explore doesn't have help just a 911 call away.
The humour is a bit dry and sparse, and I think it could have been hilarious had the author chosen to approach it that way. There are some errors, namely in imperial-to-metric conversion (2.2 kg to the pound?), and some inconsistencies regarding leave-no-trace camping and hiking (for example, the book first admonishes you to pack out your toilet paper and tampons instead of burning them, then in the next section recommends using these items as fire starters). But that didn't undermine my trust in the information.
This is a good guide to backcountry hiking and camping, with a lot of information and tips for survival and minimal-impact life in the wilderness. I am not an expert on this subject, so it gave me my money's worth in information. Of particular note are the sections on clothing functionality, different types of gear (such as stoves) and a very comprehensive section on first aid in the field that goes to a great depth, more than the usual first aid discussion because the backcountry explore doesn't have help just a 911 call away.
The humour is a bit dry and sparse, and I think it could have been hilarious had the author chosen to approach it that way. There are some errors, namely in imperial-to-metric conversion (2.2 kg to the pound?), and some inconsistencies regarding leave-no-trace camping and hiking (for example, the book first admonishes you to pack out your toilet paper and tampons instead of burning them, then in the next section recommends using these items as fire starters). But that didn't undermine my trust in the information.
April 3, 2011
In the early 1970s, Princeton University launched a program where incoming freshmen would hike together in the wilderness to get to know each other before classes started. This quickly became popular among American universities, and over the years a large body of collective experience arose. THE BACKPACKER'S FIELD MANUAL was conceived as a compendium of advice for guides leading hikers through America's state and national parks. It was written by Rick Curtis, director of Princeton's program for many years.
When I first heard of this book, I imagined it would be a survival guide, but in fact, the book generally covers the mundane aspects of walking a trail instead of what to do if something goes horribly wrong. The sort of advice you'll find here is what food to bring along to cook for a group of people with diverse diets (including vegans and Jews who keep kosher), how to use a camping stove, where to dig latrines and how to avoid bears. There's exhaustive guidance on Leave No Trace hiking. But even if you aren't leading a big group, there's plenty of information to interest you. The explanation here of how to use a sighting compass is the most clear of any of the guides I've read to date, and the comparison of down and synthetic fabrics has more information to help you choose than some other resources.
As the guide was written for an American audience who were hiking within the US, all measurements for e.g. food are not metric, which limits a bit the usefulness of this book for people traveling internationally.
It's still good to go on and read a real survival manual after this, like the SAS Survival Handbook, as Curtis stops short on many useful tips. For example, he only briefly mentions the building of shelters and does not even describe how to make a snow shelter. Still, this book is full of practical advice and budding trekkers are sure to learn something from it.
When I first heard of this book, I imagined it would be a survival guide, but in fact, the book generally covers the mundane aspects of walking a trail instead of what to do if something goes horribly wrong. The sort of advice you'll find here is what food to bring along to cook for a group of people with diverse diets (including vegans and Jews who keep kosher), how to use a camping stove, where to dig latrines and how to avoid bears. There's exhaustive guidance on Leave No Trace hiking. But even if you aren't leading a big group, there's plenty of information to interest you. The explanation here of how to use a sighting compass is the most clear of any of the guides I've read to date, and the comparison of down and synthetic fabrics has more information to help you choose than some other resources.
As the guide was written for an American audience who were hiking within the US, all measurements for e.g. food are not metric, which limits a bit the usefulness of this book for people traveling internationally.
It's still good to go on and read a real survival manual after this, like the SAS Survival Handbook, as Curtis stops short on many useful tips. For example, he only briefly mentions the building of shelters and does not even describe how to make a snow shelter. Still, this book is full of practical advice and budding trekkers are sure to learn something from it.
February 26, 2018
It was interesting, but very beginner level stuff. It basically made me realize I need more details on a lot of the sections included. It's a good overview for you to realize, "oh, okay, now I need to go buy books that specifically talk about how to read maps, etc".
I haven't read a whole lot of backpacking books, but I would imagine that are more comprehensive ones out there.
I haven't read a whole lot of backpacking books, but I would imagine that are more comprehensive ones out there.
October 14, 2018
Pretty interesting read, and a handy manual.
January 2, 2012
About as expected: a field guide on all of the ins and outs of backpacking, and really goes from soup-to-nuts on the process: from preparing and packing, through equipment descriptions and travel, all the way through first aid, and even a bit on outdoor leadership. Solid guide. After hiking and camping for several years, I still found some useful parts here, tricks on the trail, a remind of what the heck declination is anyway, that sort of stuff.
The read was pretty dry and straight forward, and the author has more than a little fascination with go-light-and-leave-no-trace (I'm not interested in packing out my poo, thanks), but overall this covers just about everything about everything with backpacking.
The read was pretty dry and straight forward, and the author has more than a little fascination with go-light-and-leave-no-trace (I'm not interested in packing out my poo, thanks), but overall this covers just about everything about everything with backpacking.
October 28, 2019
Super, super helpful. They have information for all levels, whether you are just starting or are a seasoned hiking. I found myself skimming a lot of the basic information in the beginning, then re-reading skills I never thought about.
Definitely going to be re-checking this out before every trip. It has endless timps and tricks to help you.
Definitely going to be re-checking this out before every trip. It has endless timps and tricks to help you.
February 12, 2023
When I read the acknowledgements and all of the contributors to the book were dudes, it raised a big red flag for me - which started flapping hard in the breeze of the 1 paragraph on "women's hygiene" which amounts to 'pack out your tampons'! Some of this book is interesting and useful, but beware of the outdated and benignly misogynistic content and take it with a grain of salt.
November 29, 2019
Lots of stuff but on the basic side
Good info here if you have no experience but if you were a Boy Scout or camped/hiked more than a few times, you don’t need this.
Good info here if you have no experience but if you were a Boy Scout or camped/hiked more than a few times, you don’t need this.
December 12, 2024
How do you read a reference book? Certainly it’s most efficient to flip to what you need at the moment - especially in an emergency! But how do you know where to flip to unless you’ve already been through in advance?
Such is the question after reading Curtis’ through guide to backpacking. It was only halfway through that I started highlighting - I’m still unaccustomed to marking up books - and I regret not starting sooner. Because there’s no way I’m going to retain these hyperspecific clutch tips without memory jogs. Ex: there’s some hack about how to deftly remove an impaled fishhook. I don’t remember HOW to remove the fishhook. But I do remember that how to do it is in the first aid section somewhere and has my scribbles next to it. Seven months on and I have only a vague idea that the UTM coordinate system exists. Not a clue how to use it anymore. Despite studying that chapter in-depth.
The best metaphor may be language learning. You retain almost none of it immediately, in the absence of the need to apply it. But in the future when that need arises, you know enough to suspect the right answer and have a resource to look it up.
I was a first-time camper and then a trip leader within Rick Curtis’ landmark Outdoor Action program at Princeton University. Thanks, Rick, for teaching me then and now the language of the outdoors, of which you have been a passionate student and professor for many years. 🙏🏻
Such is the question after reading Curtis’ through guide to backpacking. It was only halfway through that I started highlighting - I’m still unaccustomed to marking up books - and I regret not starting sooner. Because there’s no way I’m going to retain these hyperspecific clutch tips without memory jogs. Ex: there’s some hack about how to deftly remove an impaled fishhook. I don’t remember HOW to remove the fishhook. But I do remember that how to do it is in the first aid section somewhere and has my scribbles next to it. Seven months on and I have only a vague idea that the UTM coordinate system exists. Not a clue how to use it anymore. Despite studying that chapter in-depth.
The best metaphor may be language learning. You retain almost none of it immediately, in the absence of the need to apply it. But in the future when that need arises, you know enough to suspect the right answer and have a resource to look it up.
I was a first-time camper and then a trip leader within Rick Curtis’ landmark Outdoor Action program at Princeton University. Thanks, Rick, for teaching me then and now the language of the outdoors, of which you have been a passionate student and professor for many years. 🙏🏻
July 8, 2025
Thank you to @crownpublishing and the author for the #gifted book.
This book serves as the ultimate and indispensable guide for every passionate backpacker. Each chapter is meticulously organized into well-defined categories, offering you an intuitive roadmap to enhance your outdoor adventures. From trip planning and essential gear to cooking techniques, water purification methods, wilderness navigation, weather considerations, safety precautions, and first aid essentials, every section is packed with in-depth insights designed to elevate your experience.
The nutrition chapter features mouth-watering recipes tailored for outdoor cooking, ensuring you stay energized on your journeys. The wilderness section immerses you in real-life scenarios, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate challenging environments. With an extensive focus on first aid specifically for wilderness situations, this guide is also invaluable for day hikes and any outdoor activity.
Whether you're an avid hiker, camper, or backpacker, this book is a vital addition to your outdoor toolkit—empowering you to explore the great outdoors with confidence and safety. Don't miss out on this essential resource that will transform the way you embrace nature! This book is available now!
This book serves as the ultimate and indispensable guide for every passionate backpacker. Each chapter is meticulously organized into well-defined categories, offering you an intuitive roadmap to enhance your outdoor adventures. From trip planning and essential gear to cooking techniques, water purification methods, wilderness navigation, weather considerations, safety precautions, and first aid essentials, every section is packed with in-depth insights designed to elevate your experience.
The nutrition chapter features mouth-watering recipes tailored for outdoor cooking, ensuring you stay energized on your journeys. The wilderness section immerses you in real-life scenarios, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate challenging environments. With an extensive focus on first aid specifically for wilderness situations, this guide is also invaluable for day hikes and any outdoor activity.
Whether you're an avid hiker, camper, or backpacker, this book is a vital addition to your outdoor toolkit—empowering you to explore the great outdoors with confidence and safety. Don't miss out on this essential resource that will transform the way you embrace nature! This book is available now!
March 28, 2020
This book could be used (and I'm sure it is) used as a textbook to accompany an outdoor hiking class in high school or college. I mean this both as a warning and a complement to the author.
My first thought when finishing this book was that the author did a great job of reviewing a ton of the components of backpacking, but did little to tie everything together to give the reader a step-by-step process for readying for a trip. After a little reflection and review, I realize that you really could start with no equipment or idea of where you'd like to go and after reading/applying everything contained in this book, you would be able to successfully start with an overnight trip or perhaps a 3-day swing through a very basic primitive area. Shouldn't that be the goal of a text like this one?
Be warned the text is VERY dry. Specifically the first aid chapter. With that being said, all the knowledge that Curtis is bestowing upon the reader is very useful.
I read the paperback of this book but plan on getting the kindle version to have with me in ebook form while on hikes. Great material.
My first thought when finishing this book was that the author did a great job of reviewing a ton of the components of backpacking, but did little to tie everything together to give the reader a step-by-step process for readying for a trip. After a little reflection and review, I realize that you really could start with no equipment or idea of where you'd like to go and after reading/applying everything contained in this book, you would be able to successfully start with an overnight trip or perhaps a 3-day swing through a very basic primitive area. Shouldn't that be the goal of a text like this one?
Be warned the text is VERY dry. Specifically the first aid chapter. With that being said, all the knowledge that Curtis is bestowing upon the reader is very useful.
I read the paperback of this book but plan on getting the kindle version to have with me in ebook form while on hikes. Great material.
March 7, 2021
Solid book to cover the basics of handy skills & important info for backpacking. Could be 4 stars because it’s a solid read, but I give it 5 stars because I see myself coming back to some pages for a quick refresher on information.
I see a lot of lesser reviews because the book didn’t cover enough detail in all of the areas... This book wasn’t meant for that & the author clearly states there is too much information in every area he touches upon to be included in the book. For any in-depth reading on the numerous facets of backpacking such as Leave No Trace, navigation, backpacking first-aid, and weather risks, there are PLENTY of other books dedicated to each of the many backpacking subjects with insane detail; some are listed that the author even encourages the reader to check out 👍🏼
I see a lot of lesser reviews because the book didn’t cover enough detail in all of the areas... This book wasn’t meant for that & the author clearly states there is too much information in every area he touches upon to be included in the book. For any in-depth reading on the numerous facets of backpacking such as Leave No Trace, navigation, backpacking first-aid, and weather risks, there are PLENTY of other books dedicated to each of the many backpacking subjects with insane detail; some are listed that the author even encourages the reader to check out 👍🏼
May 10, 2017
Good overview of backpacking but not something I think would be worth the weight to carry out into the field, so I'm not sure I'd really agree with the "Field Manual" title. Much of the first half of the book is preparation, equipment etc.
July 2, 2019
This book has lots of great information for anyone planning a backpacking or camping trip. The author covers it all, from what clothing to wear, to how to select a sleeping bag, to first aid, and survival in every type of situation.
January 13, 2023
A truly comprehensive guide to the outdoors. I did not expect how fully comprehensive it was. From how to prep meals to how to place a bone back into the body this book has it all. A slog to read cover to cover but I will be getting paperback to keep with me on my trips.
August 25, 2025
Too much repeating himself. I understand the emphasis on leave no trace, but the reader doesn’t need to have leave no trace reiterated on every page. Reading this book in its entirety is a complete waste of time
January 16, 2018
Above average (yet not the best) survival book. It has a rather large/nice section on first aid
May 28, 2018
Everything you could ever want to know about backpacking, from the merits of different types of clothing materials, to how to read several different kinds of maps, to emergency medical care.
May 24, 2018
Thorough and helpful...
April 14, 2021
I would recommend it for anyone just getting started, or those with experience who just want a handy manual to keep at the ready.
May 15, 2021
I read about 25% straight through and will read the rest as reference. This was great and really informative.
July 1, 2021
Super helpful for a general rundown of backpacking techniques. Kind of outdated in the age of technology in the wilderness, but the practices are applicable nonetheless.
February 28, 2023
It's a resource book, so of course it is dry. However, it is chock full of really good information, I can see how I will come back to this one often.
August 13, 2023
I highly recommend this for anyone who is new to backpacking. This guide is straightforward and incredibly useful.
December 3, 2023
Good resource.
February 19, 2025
Dense as heck! Lots of excellent info though
April 18, 2025
Leave No Trace
This book did an amazing description of how to hike, camp & navigate in the wild. This is a great book for those new to the outdoors or even if they have done some basic backpacking.
This book did an amazing description of how to hike, camp & navigate in the wild. This is a great book for those new to the outdoors or even if they have done some basic backpacking.
August 6, 2025
The Bible.
August 15, 2015
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to backpacking and covers both preparation and the skills needed for wilderness hiking and camping. The book is topically arranged and easy to navigate. Throughout the book, it refers back to other sections to provide a handy reference for field use. The manual includes helpful information on safety and an extensive section on first aid and emergency care. The book prepares the reader for the various things one might experience in the back country and provides guidance in "leave no trace" wilderness travel. It's small enough that I will probably take it along and use it as intended by its title: a field manual.
September 29, 2015
An absolutely excellent book on the basics of backpacking and being outdoors.
Each section was copiously detailed with the general knowledge and more in depth knowledge where needed. The author provided many tertiary resources to continue the learning.
In particular, I loved the middle of the book the most. This included the Leave No Trace chapter, Wilderness Travel chapter, and the Weather chapter. I learned the most from them as I was the most ignorant in those areas.
I highly recommend this book if you have gone on a few trips or looking to backpack.
Each section was copiously detailed with the general knowledge and more in depth knowledge where needed. The author provided many tertiary resources to continue the learning.
In particular, I loved the middle of the book the most. This included the Leave No Trace chapter, Wilderness Travel chapter, and the Weather chapter. I learned the most from them as I was the most ignorant in those areas.
I highly recommend this book if you have gone on a few trips or looking to backpack.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews