5 thoughts on “Backpacking: One Step at a Time”

1. This is a perfact book, ya for the sixties or seventies. But it is outdated and old. Stick with the modern books, from 1995, and on. There are some exceptions, like buying 1986 cooking books, or classical fiction books, but every month there are new stoves, backpacks, etc. There is more technology now, then there was, and backpacking books have become more updated. I recommend buying The Backpacker’s Handbook, by Chris Townsend, or books by Karen Berger. If you rade garage sales for old gear this might be the perfact book. Otherwise stick with more updated information on how-tos to backpacking!
   Rating: 2 / 5

2. The information about general hiking and first-aid tips is very useful. Sections on clothing/sleeping bag fabrics is VERY out of date. Too much has changed with fabric technology since this book was written. I agree that post-1995 backpacking books have more accurate information about modern materials.
   Rating: 2 / 5

3. This isn’t the most recent book on backpacking by any means, but, except for SOME of the advice about specific brands of gear, it is by no means dated. The gear hasn’t change THAT much since it was written ( I can’t say the same for prices), and the book does an excellent job covering backpacking basics and the ethics of enjoying the great outdoors. I also greatly enjoy Manning’s writing, and plan on looking for other books that he has written.
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. Ok, I wasn’t sure how to rate this item. Yes it is outdated (I think the last (updated) printing was 1985, I have that one and the First Edition). Nevertheless, like the artwork of an old master, it’s beauty isn’t spoiled by time. In addition, certain things haven’t changed at all. Sure the manufacturers would like you to think you can hike with only expensive state-of-the-art gear, but that simply is not so. Manning has a pleasant writing style so you can read this cover to cover, or you can use it as reference since it is very well organized. The cartoons are splendid. He gets into technical aspects to an adequate degree without dragging down the flow of information. Now Fletcher/Rawlins’ “The Complete Walker IV” (2002, Knopf)is an excellent reference also, but treats the subject from a different perspective, so while it duplicates much of Manning, it doesn’t cover everything Manning covers, at least in the same style. So in conclusion, you can’t go too far wrong with Manning’s “Backpacking one Step at a Time” as your guide to backpacking. If you want to know more up to date information you can find all that on the internet at hundreds of sites and forums.
   Rating: 4 / 5

5. I bought this book ar EMS in Boston in 1973 when I first started backpacking. the priciples he teaches this book still hold true today. I strongly recomend this book to any novice backpackers, along with Karen Berger’s new Hiking and Backpacking. My grandson is learning and enjoying from this edition now. This book is timeless. It is a must read!
   Rating: 5 / 5