Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook: Innovative Techniques and Trail Tested Instruction for the Long Distance Hiker
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 January, 1996)
list price: $18.95
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Reviews (7)

Best "How-to" for the PCT, period.
This book completely transformed the way I plan and execute multi-day backpacking trips.What's more is that the transformation was literally overnight.In August of 1998, before I read the book, I hiked 187 miles on the PCT in 14 days and averaged about 13 miles per day.After that hike, I bought this book an went back out on the PCT two weeks later to apply Jardine's methods, which resulted in covering 221 miles in 9 days for an average of almost 25 miles per day.I was able to double my daily mileage just by reading the book!

Its not just the increased mileage that impressed me, but also the increased comfort.Because I was able to lighten my load tremendously, I was more comfortable while hiking and not as worn out when I stopped.No more back pains from huge and heavy packs.

Almost all the techniques that Jardine teaches are simple and easy to learn.Like I said above, in just two weeks, I was able to apply everything in the book that appealed to me and the results were immediate and direct.

Some people do not like Jardine's authoritative writing style, but it didn't bother me in the least.I jsut took the ideas that I liked and didn't bother with the few I found to be unappealing.

Jardine has changed backpacking forever
Being an Eagle Boy Scout, I was prepared for everything.In fact, I was so prepared I could hardly carry my pack.Ray Jardine has shown me a new way:less is more.Less weight is more enjoyment while backpacking.

great book completely un-standard
The book was great if you can keep an open mind.The book can really change your hiking style. ... Read more

Isbn: 0963235923
Sales Rank: 133869
Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Equipment and supplies    3. General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Pacific Crest Trail    6. Special Interest - Adventure    7. Travel    8. Travel - General   

Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 July, 1999)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.57
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (50)

I can't believe I wasted my money on this
After hearing of Ray Jardine's hiking exploits (AT, PCT, CDT), I decided spring for his book. This book is full of Ray Jardine's personal opinions that are packaged as "facts".In particular, his outright slander against all commerical food borders on the absurd, and he provides no evidence for most of it, other than referencing some obscure books by guys who probably wear tinfoil hats.And, the Ray Way is apparently the only way to hike (so says Ray).

Don't waste your time or money.There are far better guides out there that cover lightweight backpacking.

must study
i am an experianced outdoors man and new to the world of backpacking. this book has all the info on how to pack how to organize a extended trek and invaluable concepts for any beginer or seasoned hiker. there is chapters on potential dangers of wilderness packing, ticks poisonous plants, animal danger, hygiene,and how to cope w/ each of the elemants. if you're experianced in backpacking it may change you're point of view or hiking style all together.i highly recomend this book to any one new to this style outdoor adventure. :)

Useful, yet preachy
Ray Jardine was a radical backpacker when Beyond Backpacking was written, or so it seems.
Beyond Backpacking is a great book which covers a varied range of topics - from equipment to food to trail hazards. It offers great advice and tips about backpacking in different conditions and dealing with trail life. The focus of the book is ultra light backpacking, hiking with only the lightest equipment you need. Yet Jardine preaches the entire book against being part of the Western world, including but not limited to endless rants and scowls at manufactures and modern food. This tends to be annoying at first and gets boring later on.
I must warn you not to take anything for granted. Jardine states a lot of "facts" in his book, some of which are untrue, others are not confirmed. Pick and choose as you go - when Jardine wrote this book he worked two-three months every year. While he has to cut and save you can hike in more comfort and struggle with less logistics by spending more money.
Before taking in kind of action influenced by this book I suggest that you (a) figure out what really fits your own hike (AKA Hike your own hike, not Ray Jardine's hike) and (b) search the internet about ultra light backpacking. Jardine simply does not discuss any cons that any of his techniques and methods might hold - while quite a lot of hikers have homepages discussing the pros and cons of certain lightweight techniques.
Beyond Backpacking is an important and inspirational read. Just remember that the situation of gear nowadays is different to five years ago, and most importantly do not to take anything written for granted - do your research before hiking ... Read more

Isbn: 0963235931
Sales Rank: 26804
Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Hiking    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Walking   

The Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California (Pacific Crest Trail)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 2003)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.57
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (1)

Poorly updated edition of excellent book
The earlier editions of this book were one of the best mapping job ever to be found in a trail guide for the West.However, this new edition seems not to have been field-checked.In my neck of the woods (Lassen National Forest) re-routes made a few years ago are left out of the new edition.Specifically, the re-route in Chips Creek is missing.Also, the new view point on Hat Creek Rim is missing, although the old dirt trail was converted to a paved sidewalk for 100 yards.New 1:24,000 maps have been published by the USGS, but Wilderness Press still uses the old 1:62,000 maps in Chips Creek and other places.The earlier editions were nearly flawless, but this effort is Wilderness Press resting on its laurels and re-issuing old material with a new cover. ... Read more

Isbn: 0899973175
Sales Rank: 60619
Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Pacific - California    5. United States - West - Pacific (General)   

The Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon-Washington (Pacific Crest Trail)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 2000)
list price: $24.95
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Editorial Review

Whether you're planning to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail through Oregon and Washington, or just a section or two, this is an essential guide to the sometimes complicated logistics and navigation of a long-distance expedition. The beginning chapters provide planning basics: post-office addresses for mailing food and supplies, suggestions on when to hike which sections and what to bring, and an introduction to the geology, flora, and fauna of the region. But the heart of the guide comprises 12 chapters of trail specifics between Highway 96 in northern California and Highway 3 in British Columbia. Each section begins and ends at a highway--often at or near a town, resort, or park. Chapters contain topographic maps, prehike information (attractions to be on the lookout for, declination settings, elevation and mileage points, permit regulations, and availability of supplies), along with detailed information on navigating your way along the trail. So if you're packing up your rucksack for a modest PCT excursion or the full-bore trek, this is one item you can't afford to leave out. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not great, but the best there is
I through-hiked the PCT in 2002 and like the vast of majority of other hikers, used this guide to navigate my way through Oregon and Washington. Though this book is the source for the data points found in the PCT Data Book, you'd never suspect such a succinct, useful guide like the Data Book could from such a disorganized mess as the PCT: Oregon-Washington guide book.

The principal problem with this book is organization. The book, like it's companion guides for California, are organized into reasonable sections starting and stopping at well-used re-supply points (or end points for section hikers). The problem is each section contains a mixture of editorial and trail-following instructions in the main body of text. So, when you are lost and the need the guide the most, you must re-trace the trail guide instructions while editing out long editorial comments (frequently commenting on where the trail should have gone, but did not) and this frustrates. Why weren't the trail following instructions separated?

This edition did try to make strides forward in readibility by using icons to denote when the text is talking about water access or re-supply. Though this allows you to skim ahead for where water is (useful!), placing such information in sidebars of the trail following instructions would have been best. Again, the current placement of the re-supply and water information fragments the trail follow tips.

On the plus side, when the authors are not complaining about where the trail should have gone, there is a wealth of information on a variety of topics (e.g. geology, botany, biology, politics and the trail among other topics) all of which help you to enjoy the trail more. Sadly, though, each topic is also interspersed with the main body text. Again making the trail following instructions hard to read as the text changes gears from "how to follow the trail" to "PCT story-time."

Unfortunately, the maps are not 100% accurate. A few of the maps suffer printing errors. On these maps, the trails - which are overlaid on old, out-of-date USGS maps - are placed incorrectly. Switchbacks not going with the grades of the landscape easily identify these maps or perhaps you?ll come a trail junction before a river, when the maps show the junction after the river. Also, the trail is disastrously colored blue, making it hard to distinguish from the all the streams and rivers (also in blue).

That said, these trail guides are the best there is for the PCT, but they are far from perfect.

user-friendly, highly practical while hiking
I used this guide to hike the Oregon section of the PCT in 1993 and found it very user-friendly, highly practical while on the trail and full of interesting background information.Among the most important aspect of the guide for me was the quality and reliability of the topographic maps, thoughtfully place by the Publishers so I could take the pages out and use them in a waterproof cover for each stage as I walked it.The hints on water supplies and campsites were essential and I was able to plan my route, timings, food drops and campsites for the entire trail; this was especially important for me as my budget and time free were limited. As far as I remember, the only thing that was incorrect was that there was no longer a bus from Bridge of the Gods into Portland.Not bad. I would recommend this guide to anybody planning to hike the PCT. ... Read more

Isbn: 0899972683
Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Hiking    3. Pacific Crest Trail    4. Pacific States    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. United States - Pacific - Oregon    8. United States - Pacific - Washington    9. United States - West - Pacific (General)   

Pacific Crest Trail Data Book: Mileages, landmarks, facilities, resupply data and essential trail information for the entire Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (31 January, 2005)
list price: $9.95 -- our price: $9.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (1)

Couldn't Be Better
I can't think of anything this guide has left out.It provides not only thorough trail descriptions and maps for each segment that are detailed and clear, but also a history of the trail, both natural and historic, advice on planning your trip, and a complete list of agencies to contact for trail permits.I appreciate the details regarding flora and fauna, as well as advice from everything to supply stations to how to deal with bears.I don't believe that I have ever seen a more thorough and complete trail guide. ... Read more

Isbn: 0899973698
Sales Rank: 44513
Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation   

Suunto Vector Wristop Computer Watch w/ Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, & Thermometer (Red)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $219.99
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Editorial Review

Although the name Wristop Computer may suggest otherwise, Suunto's line of über-watches isn't just for those with a fetish for the latest techno-toys. These rugged time tellers offer a variety of features for outdoor enthusiasts: the Vector watch sports a barometer, altimeter, and compass.

The barometric mode of the Vector displays the current barometric pressure and temperature, as well as recent barometric trends. The trend display can be used for rough weather forecasts if you won't be changing altitude. After we'd made the initial setting, the Vector provided accurate barometric readings compared with the readouts to Internet weather reports for our region.

We did run into a problem with the temperature display of the barometer mode, as it can be affected by body heat. Suunto recommends removing the watch from your wrist for 15 minutes for a more reliable temperature reading--not exactly the handiest of options.

The altimeter, which uses barometric readings to measure altitude, isn't exact, either. And, depending on the weather, we needed to reset the altimeter at least once a day. But it proved useful on local hikes, noting altitude to an accuracy margin of 10 feet after being reset, and also letting us note in the Vector's logbook how quickly we increased or decreased in altitude (the log holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is its digital compass. After we'd made an initial calibration (we found that using a watch this powerful requires a lot of tweaks), it kept us headed in the right direction with readouts in both direction and degree. We just had to remember to keep the watch level--holding it at the normal angle for chronometer reading skewed the compass results.And, oh yeah, the Vector keeps time as well. Its time mode displays day and date with 12- or 24-hour time. It also has three daily alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Even while you're using its other modes, the Vector shows the current time at the bottom of the display.

The Vector has a bright backlit display and is also waterproof to 100 feet--as long as you don't press any buttons. We didn't take it down that far, but it surfaced without a problem from the bottom of our 12-foot-deep pool.You'll know this large watch is on your wrist, but if you're an avid adventurer who loves techno-gadgets hardy enough for the outdoors, the Vector's for you. It's the timepiece Grizzly Adams would have worn. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Ruggedly designed--great for the outdoor adventurer
• Compass and altimeter are handy on hikes
• Easy to switch between modes

Cons:

• Large size can be unwieldy on wrist
• Takes a lot of resets

... Read more

Features

• 3 alarms, stopwatch, and countdown timer
• Stylish design, waterproof to 100 feet
• Watch, altimeter, barometer, and compass in one
• Altimeter with 24-hour memory and logbook
• Bubble level for accurate compass readings

Reviews (9)

Suunto vector
I had previously owned a Nike Altimax watch, which I kept having problems with.The wristband would come off it, the altimeter would drift by hundreds of feet.The only function that was actually usefull (besides the altimeter sometimes) was the weather forecasting function.I eventually gave up with it and looked around for a better watch.I wanted a good watch, but didn't want to spend the money on the x3 series.I soon came across the Suunto Vector.
The Vector is larger in size then the x3 or nike.I have read many reviews that say the watch is uncomfortable because of its large size.However, from my experiences you will quickly grow used to the size of it.
I have had the watch for about a year now, and I am still finding out about it.many people complain about the accurateness of the altimeter.If you calibrate it regularly and keep it in the altimeter mode when you need it (if you leave it in when you don't it will drain your battery fast) your altimeter will rarely be off by more the 30-40 feet.
The barometer is very useful, and have found it accurate when compared the barometer readings of weather.com.The box in the upper corner is useful because it is there now matter what mode your in.I tested the temperature against a digital thermometer and it is accurate to 2 degrees F.

Pros
Altimeter accurate
Accurate barometer and thermometer telling what the air pressure has been doing
Battery easy to replace
Only 4 buttons for easy use

Cons:
No computer telling you the forecast
You have to push the buttons harder than most watches
Plastic Screen

Overall, if you are getting this for the altimeter, I highly recommend it.It has much better quality than the Nike Altimax.

what the others say it is
this watch does what the other reviewers say.BUT, don't get it wet.i had mine replaced for $75 after an online complaint to the company.the watch fell into 5 feet of water and was trashed by the water leak.i like the compass, barometer the best.the trend line is helpful on the weather forcasting.the temperature is only good if you take the watch off and leave it on the ground.
besides the compass, it functions the best if you leave it in one place and refer to it daily at your tent...not all that convenient, eh?

I wish I'd read these reviews before I bought this watch.
I bought the Suunto Vector primarily because of the altimeter.I appreciate that it works off barometric pressure and that there will be discrepancies.However, I did not expect to return home to find that I was living 10 metres below sea level!

The remaining functions are OK but can be purchsed in a watch for 70% less than what I paid for the Vector.

Very disappointing.

John Sloan. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ML7W
Subjects:  1. Outdoor Gear (Out Door)    2. Digital compass (compasses)    3. Handheld (Hand held)