The Advanced Backpacker by Chris Townsend (2000, Paperback, Illustrated)

Chris Townsend has backpacked, literally, around the world. If Colin Fletcher's "Complete Walker IV" is a standard reference for backpacking in the United States, perhaps "The Advanced Backpacker" should be considered such for worldwide backpacking.

I like that he mentions some far-off places such as Norway, and keeps his various backpacking considerations rather generic, because, let's face it, International Backpacking calls for international strategies...

Whereas Colin tends to focus on the gear itself, Chris' focus tends to be on wilderness route planning [with or without a trail to guide one] and backpacking preparedness in general. Don't get me wrong -- both books are worth their price just for the examples and "War Stories," but this book deserves a place in your library if only to remind you that backpacking takes place outside of the United States and Canada...

I like it and I have a copy in my library. Did I think it deserves the word, "Advanced," in its title? I'm still thinking about that. I recommend that you read it too and then we can discuss it.