The Backpacker's Handbook

0 Comments | Insight on the News, June 12, 1995 | by Rex Roberts

Americans have become so focused on urban survival - keeping our jobs, families and homes under control - that getting away from it all has become the stress-reducing anthem of our age, says Walter Halee of Dorling Kindersley Publishing, which has issued The Backpacker's Handbook by Hugh McManners, a former jungle-warfare and combat-survival instructor.

The book, directed at the novice but earnest camper, covers basics such as map reading and knot tying, as well as buying and caring for equipment. "If time is short, soak leather boots and wear them until they dry," the author advises on-the-go Type A's looking to relax in the great outdoors, "but do not attempt this on the trail!"

For the day tripper, the author offers a brief treatise on walking sticks; for those more adventurous, he provides tips on pack animals, including camels, llamas and burros: "Burros travel slowly, so you must be prepared to walk at their pace."

When choosing a campsite, look for a spot sheltered by trees, yet not so close as to be endangered by falling deadwood. "Even in the driest conditions, never pitch your camp directly on a riverbed"' cautions McManners. "You could fall victim to a flash flood." Dig a channel around the base of the tent to drain water, and suspend your food about 10 feet above ground to protect it from animals. Position campfires close enough to the tent to smoke out insects. Softwoods such as fir, apple and holly burn fast and provide warmth; hardwoods burn slowly and evenly and are good for cooking; avoid chestnut, willow and poplar, which are resinous and spit "quite fiercely in a fire."