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BACKPACKING

Backpacker's Bible, Your Essential Guide to Round the World Travel - The Backpacker's Bible, the result of extensive research and first-hand experience, is crammed full of advice for the first time traveller - from planning the journey to packing your bags, from organising money to keeping in touch with home. There are helpful tips on finding work abroad, obtaining travel insurance, being a responsible eco-traveller and much more. Crucially, you'll find information on personal safety and potential health risks, with newly revised and updated chapters to cover the increased international safety measures and the growth of internet-related travel assistance and social online networking. To help you find out more about destinations, the best guidebooks are recommended, together with a comprehensive selection of insightful travel reads. There's even an alphabetical guide to diplomatic contacts for each country, complete with details of typical regional climates. This book truly is the bible for modern backpacker. Published Nov 10

Lighten Up! A Complete Handbook for Light and Ultralight Backpacking, D Ladigan - Short, to the point, and humorously illustrated by outdoor illustrator Mike Clelland, this book presents everything hikers and backpackers need to be safe, comfortable, and well-fed while carrying a very small and lightweight pack. Published June 05

Smarter Backpacking: Or How Every Backpacker Can Apply Lightweight Trekking and Ultralight Hiking Techniques, Jorgen Johansson - Smarter Backpacking is a book that aims to make better hikers through use of ultralight hiking techniques, rather than create more ultralight hikers. It distils the complexity of wilderness travel into its simplest core concepts, allowing the reader to enjoy the freedom of backpacking rather than be encumbered by it. It is a book for day-hikers and thru-hikers, newbies and experienced backpackers or travellers alike. Everyone benefits from a lighter load. Published Nov 10

Ultralight Backpackin' Tips -  153 Amazing & Inexpensive Tips for Extremely Lightweight Camping, Mike Clelland. Published May 11

Allen and Mike's Backpacking Book - Allen O'Bannon and Mike Clelland - Allen O'Bannon and Mike Clelland combine their years of experience into a hilarious and informative book on the art of backpacking, providing information on dressing and packing, equipment, travel techniques and outdoor hazards. Published April 02

Backpacking Safety Tips - The transient life of a backpacker promises staggering landscapes and inspiring adventures, but the fun is all too often cut short by a stolen wallet or 'Delhi belly'. Instead, you can be aware and be prepared. These useful tips will help you put your mind at rest. Published Feb 06. Limited availability.

The Advanced Backpacker, A Handbook for Year-round Long-distance Hiking, Chris Townsend  - This work is a handbook for the backpacker that provides detailed discussions on everything from researching and planning a hike anywhere in the world to planning, equipping and supplying oneself en route. Published Dec 00

Backpacker's Pocket Guide, Chris Townsend - Like a seasoned outfitter for hire (at a fraction of the cost), Ragged Mountain Press Pocket Guides give outdoors people the straightforward, reassuring advice they need for a successful foray in the field. Designed for quick reference and to fit easily in the backpack, pocket or dry bag, The Pocket Guides are perfect, knowledgeable companions for all skill levels. The "Backpacker's Pocket Guide" is a valuable field reference, a portable, packable tool offering quick access to no-frills advice on hiking skills, navigation, campcraft, food and drink, safety and first aid, and field repairs. Published July 01. Limited availability.

Go Backpacking, M. Stone - Matt Stone has provided the would-be hiker, and the hiking enthusiast alike, with a readable reference and practical handbook for rewarding outdoor adventures. With the author's advice and gentle prodding you may find yourself back on the trail again and again. From tents, maps, shovels, you'll learn what helps and what hinders your backpacking experience. Published Jan 05. Limited availability.

NAVIGATION AND MOUNTAINCRAFT

Navigation, Pete Hawkins - A handy practical guide to help you get the most from your Map and Compass. Aimed at Walkers and other users of the outdoors, the book systematically
takes you through the essential skills of navigation. It includes lots of practical exercises to help you back up your new found knowledge. Published Jan 07

Advanced Outdoor Navigation: Basics and Beyond, Gregory J. Davenport - This guide takes readers well beyond the basic skills of map and compass, moving them to a level of complete understanding of navigation in the outdoors, regardless of terrain, time (day or night), or travel (rock, ice, desert, river, open sea, or jungle). As one of the most thorough books on the subject, Advanced Outdoor Navigation complements Falcon's successful list of navigation titles by going beyond the basics and offering readers the most comprehensive study of navigational skills ever published. Published Jan 06

Mountaineering, The Essential Skills for Mountain Walkers and Climbers, Alun Richardson - Mountaineering is aimed at anyone interested in outdoor pursuits on hills and mountains - including hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and members of adventure expeditions. The book contains step-by-step guidance to every skill that you need in order to be safe on the mountain, including: navigation weather rock climbing Via Ferrata big wall climbing winter climbing Alpine climbing snow shoeing ski mountaineering. Each skill is clearly explained and supported with illustrations and stunning 'on location' photography. It will cover skills and techniques of all levels of activity, making it suitable for beginners and experienced climbers. Published Sept 08
 

Map and Compass: The Art of Navigation, Pete Hawkins - Having the skills of navigation at your disposal is a liberating experience. Getting away from the crowds, inventing your own routes, discovering new areas, and perhaps most importantly giving you the confidence to do it yourself, is all part of making your outdoor experience more enjoyable. Why to learn navigation, various navigation techniques and navigating around the world? Explanations on the different type of tools available to help in finding your way. Fully illustrated with the author's own photographs and OS and other mapping. Appendices outlining further practice techniques and useful sources of information. This comprehensive guide to navigation is aimed at giving you the incentive to do this. With the author's own anecdotes and handy hints close by, those new to using the map and compass, and those who have already mastered navigational skills, will find this guide inspiration enough to get 'out there' and experience the outdoors safely and with fun. Published July 08.

Rucksack Guide - Mountain Walking and Trekking Rucksack Guide, Alun Richardson -  Mountain Walking and Trekking is your essential handbook for when on the mountain. It offers concise guidance and support for whatever situations you might find yourself in, including: technical skills - tips and reminders on the key techniques weather - from interpreting weather maps to dealing with thunderstorms navigation - various techniques including using a compass the setting the map safety - essential procedures to ensure the safety of yourself, your party and others on the mountain emergencies - guidance on what to do in extreme situations. The book is colour-coded for easy reference and all information is presented in lists and tables, making it simple to understand interesting conditions. The Rucksack Guide series is taken from Mountaineering: The essential skills for mountain walkers and climbers - the definitive handbook for hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers.  Published September 08

Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine, Drs Jim Duff and Peter Gormley - This long established guide to first aid in the wild when you depend entirely on your own knowledge and resources now joins the Cicerone stable. It is written by doctors with major outdoor experience. This guide to first aid sets out clearly the protocols and procedures to follow. It talks about: preparation of first aid kits, and good preventative practice; dealing with life-threatening emergencies; specific injuries, such as head injuries, burns, broken bones, sprains; and problems associated with location, such as cold or hot weather, altitude, dehydration, food poisoning and digestive disorders, infectious diseases, bites and stings, rashes and respiratory problems. All topics are clearly referenced, and easy to refer to. It is an invaluable point of reference for all who travel and take part in outdoor, wilderness and mountain activities. Published Feb 07

Safety on Mountains: Clothing, Equipment, Navigation, Hazards, Camping, Environment, Emergencies, John Garside - For new and experienced hill walkers, "Safety on Mountains" is full of advice for hill walkers. Whether planning a short summer walk or a multi-day winter trip, "Safety on Mountains" highlights the essential skills and techniques. Topics covered include: clothing and equipment, hazards, mountain weather, navigation, walking in winter - including axe & crampon use, camping in the hills, access and conservation, emergency procedures and first aid. Published by the British Mountaineering Council, "Safety on Mountains" has been in print for over thirty years. This concise new edition is excellent value and packed with up to date information, making it the perfect hill walker's handbook. Published Oct 10

Winter Skills: Essential Walking and Climbing Techniques, Andy Cunningham and Allen Fyffe - This is a reference book for winter walkers and climbers. This is a reference manual for mountaineers and those who wish to instruct, coach and lead others. Written by a mountain guide and a mountaineering instructor, its functional design with easy-reference colour-coded pages and full colour images that complement the text and accurate relief and line maps make it an indispensable guide to the skills required for winter walking and climbing. Packed with essential information and techniques for climbers and walkers, this book is Mountain Leader Training UK's official handbook for the Mountaineering Instructor (MI) and Winter Mountain Leader (WML) Schemes. Published Jan 07

The Hillwalker's Guide to Mountaineering: Essential Skills for Britain's Classic Routes, Terry Adby and Stuart Johnston - A guide to the techniques, gear and skills that the ambitious hillwalker needs to tackle Britain's classic mountaineering challenges - from the tricky step of Broad Stand on the traverse from Scafell Pike to Sca Fell, to the mighty Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis - competently. There was a time when climbing and walking were completely distinct activities. But as the number of people getting out to enjoy the wonders and challenges of Britain's mountains has grown, the definition of a mountain 'walk' has changed. The book guides the hillwalker through technical terrain where the unaware can all too easily fall off. Use of the rope to abseil, belay and protect ascents and descents on steep ground, the placement of protection, gear selection, navigation, survival, scrambling and first aid skills are all dealt with as are the basic skills required for safe travel by the winter hillwalker. Features 12 great British mountaineering routes - such as the Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe, Pinnacle Ridge in the Lake District, the Cneifion Arete in Snowdonia, and Skye's wonderful Cuillin Ridge - where the practical skills may be applied when the necessary techniques, abilities and confidence have been acquired. Published Oct 03

The Mountain Skills Training Handbook, Pete Hill, Stuart Johnston - The book delivers an interactive learning style that enables a broad selection of users to relate to its content, and will become invaluable for both instructors and enthusiasts. The techniques, methods, and tips described and illustrated have derived from the authors' own experiences of delivering quality instruction at the highest level, and from studying and discussing good working practices from a broad range of other active top level practitioners. New Edition. Published April 09

The Natural Navigator, Tristan Gooley - Get ready to put away your map and look up from your GPS with this glorious introduction to the art of finding your way using natural clues. Published March 10

Hill Walking: The Official Handbook of the Mountain Leader and Walking Group Leader Schemes, Steve Long - This is a major reference book for every walker as well as for those who wish to lead groups in the British hills. It's functional design with easy reference colour coded pages, striking illustrations that complement the text and accurate mapping make this book an indispensable guide to the skills required for summer hill walking. The publisher (Mountain Leader Training) has been at the forefront in the development of walker's skills for forty years. This book is the first of a series of manuals for walkers and climbers and has been produced by collaboration between the authors at the Mountain Training Trust's centre, Plas y Brenin, and experts within Mountain Leader Training. Published April 03

The Hillwalker's Manual, Bill Birkett - This is the second edition of this guide, fully updated and printed in colour. The manual describes what to wear, how to use the right equipment, how to navigate terrain, scale and traverse the hills, and imparts an overall awareness of the concept of survival. It also includes information on hillwalking photography. Published May 04

Mountaincraft and Leadership, Eric Langmuir - Although the book does contain quite a bit of information useful to beginners, it is most useful for those who already have basic skills and want to learn a leader's perspective on backcountry activities. The beginner's perspective is certainly there, and respected, but mostly for the purpose of encouraging empathy and foresightedness in expedition leaders. Those who already have leadership experience in other areas will find the book vital to learning how to apply their skills to specific backcountry situations. Complete beginners should start with another book. Buyer Review. Published July 11

Mountain Safety, Kevin Walker - A pocket-sized reference book for everyone who visits the mountains. Covers vital areas such as clothing, footwear, equipment, navigation, walking and camping skills, weather and emergency procedures. Published March 97. Limited availability.

GPS

GPS for Walkers: An Introduction to GPS and Digital Maps, Clive Thomas - This easy-to-use guide, written by experienced mountain leader and navigation trainer Clive Thomas, uses non-technical language to introduce you to choosing and using a gps receiver to enhance leisure walking and make it safer. It includes everything you need to know, with expert tips, reliable advice, valuable information and practical guidance. Using the basic entry-level Garmin etrex, the guide includes: how a gps functions; how to navigate using a gps; its practical uses when walking; using a gps with a PC; using a gps with Pathfinder® walks; the use of digital Map Products; map reading, useful websites and answers to FAQ; the treasure-hunt game geocaching. Published May 09

Getting to Grips with GPS, Peter Judd and Simon Brown - This book has been written specifically for the UK market. As well as addressing the technology associated with GPS receivers, the authors look at how this interacts with the various digital mapping products available. Expert tips and learning exercises will help consolidate your learning as you increase your understanding. Using step-by-step screen shots as a reference tool you will find quick solutions to: Setting up your GPS; marking a waypoint; saving a tracklog; navigating a route and using your GPS abroad. Published March 06

Geocaching (Techniques), Terry Marsh - Geocaching, or high-tech treasure hunting, only became possible in 2000 with the release of accurate GPS technology for non-military use. It first began in the US and since then has grown to such an extent that there are almost one million caches worldwide. Local groups hold regular events throughout the UK and it's a great way to share your love of the outdoors with others. This is the first UK-oriented guide to this most addictive of outdoor pursuits. Primarily designed as an introduction for those new to geocaching, it also offers lots of advice and information for anyone already bitten by the bug. It is a step-by-step guide to a new, accessible, family-friendly outdoor pursuit. Published Jan 11

Outdoor Navigation with GPS, Stephen Hinch - This is the most complete, easy-to-use GPS book available written by an acclaimed GPS instructor and aimed at outdoor adventurers of all kinds, covering the fundamentals of navigation and the latest in GPS receivers and technology, including GPS-enabled phones. For outdoor adventurers who hike, fish, kayak, cross-country ski, or mountain bike in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help them reach their destination and return safely - but only if they know how to use it! Here is the guide to getting the most out of a GPS receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. Published Nov 10

 

GPS: The Easy Way, David Anthony Brawn - GPS The Easy Way is the only GPS manual that discusses the use of GPS in UK and Europe, and the only one using Ordnance Survey examples for the practical exercises. An essential book for anyone thinking of buying a GPS, or who wants to get the best from their GPS unit. Published Jan 06

GPS Made Easy, Lawrence Letham - A popular book and it's broad perspective that goes from beginner to expert tells us why. All the basics are covered and are easy to understand yet it does not patronise and leaves few stones unturned. Even better you can pick this up a beginner and put it down an expert. It's both technical and well written in an accessible way. Published June 08

GPS Navigation for Dummies, Joel McNamara - Offers down-to-earth guidance for hikers, cross-country skiers, ATVers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who own or are thinking of buying a GPS receiver, as well as people interested in digital map-making. Published Oct 08

A GPS User Manual: Working with Garmin Receivers, Dale DePriest. Published June 03

How to Do Everything with Your GPS, Rick Broida - Locate this perfect teaching guide to GPS, and master GPS receivers and software. Technology guru Rick Broida, who has written many best-selling books in the How to Do Everything series, maps out the guts of GPS in a friendly, helpful way that shows you how to get the most from this new technology. Master GPS receivers and software, use GPS in cars, PDAs, and laptops, and even go GPS golfing or try geocaching, the new game featuring GPS. Published Dec 03

Hacking GPS, Kathy Kingsley-Hughes - This is the "user manual" that didn't come with any of the 30 million GPS receivers currently in use, showing readers how to modify, tweak, and hack their GPS to take it to new levels! Crazy-cool modifications include exploiting secret keycodes, revealing hidden features, building power cords and cables, hacking the battery and antenna, protecting a GPS from impact and falls, making a screen protector, and solar-powering a GPS Potential power users will take the function and performance of their GPS to a whole new level by hacking into the firmware and hacking into a PC connection with a GPS Fear not! Any potentially dangerous mod (to the device) is clearly labeled, with precautions listed that should be taken Game time! Readers can check out GPS games, check into hacking geocaching, and even use a GPS as a metal detector. Published March 05

The GPS Handbook: A Guide for the Outdoors, Joseph E. King, Robert I. Egbert - Since the original publication of "The GPS Handbook" in 2003, advances in GPS technology have expanded the usefulness and flexibility of these now-essential devices for any outdoorsperson. This revised edition includes all the latest models of hand-held GPS units from Garmin, Magellan, Brunton and other major manufacturers and discusses new features (such as enhanced downloadable maps) that help make time in the outdoors safer, easier, and more fun with GPS. Also included is information on how GPS works, linking to laptops, cell phones and PDA's, co-ordinating with maps, software options, and much more. Published Aug 09

MAPPING

Map Reading, Robert Matkin - A concise guide enabling the map user to gain a practical understanding of map navigation and answer questions such as 'where am I?', 'which way do I go?', 'how steep is it?' and 'how far is it?'. Published March 97

Compass and Map Navigator, Michael Hodgson - Explains how to read a map, find your location, orient the map without a compass, pick a compass, navigate at night, use a map and compass in tandem and achieve advanced navigational skills. Enables you to navigate the wilds. Published April 01

Be Expert with Map and Compass: The Complete Orienteering Handbook,  Bjorn Kjellstrom - GPS devices are great, but they can break, get lost, or easily be hampered by weather conditions, making basic map and compass skills essential for anyone who spends time outdoors. This popular, easy–to–use orienteering handbook has been helping people find their way for more than fifty years. Now updated to include information on GPS as well as current Web sites, references, sources, and photographs, it remains the book of choice for professional outdoorsmen, novice orienteers, and outdoor organizations as well as teachers, scout leaders, recreational hikers, hunters, and others around the world. Published Dec 09

WEATHER

Mountain Weather: A Practical Guide for Hillwalkers and Climbers in the British Isles, David E. Pedgley - Do you want to get weather wise? This third edition of the successful "Mountain Weather" helps hillwalkers and climbers to plan their activities so as to avoid the inconvenience, or even danger, posed by bad weather. The book provides an understanding of our complex and ever-changing weather that will enhance the mountain experience for all outdoor enthusiasts. Based on the latest weather research, and illustrated with maps and satellite imagery, the guide helps you to understand weather maps and forecasts and to 'read the weather' on the hills. With experience, you can develop the skills not only to interpret forecasts, but to anticipate changes in the weather by reading the environment around you. Published March 06

Weather for Hillwalkers and Climbers, Nick Banks (Foreword), Malcolm Thomas -
Primarily aimed at hillwalkers and climbers, this book provides a basic understanding of weather terminology, of depressions, warm and cold fronts and airmasses, as well as hints on observation for making short-term forecasts. Published Jan 97