The Complete Walker III by Colin Fletcher (1984, Paperback, Enlarged)

This is the third "Complete Walker," which updates and expands the material in "The Complete Walker (c. 1968)" and "More Complete Walker."

I'm reviewing this book (c.1984) in 2006, and so you should know that Colin Fletcher and his co-author, Chip Rawlins, have published another update since this one and it's called, as one might expect, "The Complete Walker IV (c. 2002).

Field and Stream Magazine once called this book, "The Hiker's Bible," and in almost every sense, this is true. I have been a mentor to many hikers and backpackers who were just starting out (one of whom was 55 when he started), and the first book I suggested in every case was Colin Fletcher's.

Many of the principles from his original 1960's work have remained unchanged, but the modern fabrics, manufacturing methods, computer aided designs, and changes in the way we view our environment have both mandated changes in his gear recommendations and required modifications to the outdoor strategies he sets forth with that typical dry humor.

For example, about the Moss Heptawing (a hybrid tarp that didn't exist until 1999), he says, "...accommodates three human beings -- or one skunk." This is a thick book, and it covers any almost question you could possibly ask about backpacking -- but his love of this sport, along with some hard-learned lessons (in the Army, we called these, "War Stories") make this a "must read" if you plan to save a myriad of false starts and limit the amount of money you have to spend at your local outfitter...

OK, ask me... "What backpacking boots should I buy?" "Which foods make the best trail meals for long distance backpacking?" "What should I look for in a tent?" "What is the best mix of cooking gear for...?" "What about rattlesnakes?" "Are there special considerations for backpacking in the snow?" Go ahead, read the book, and then we'll discuss these questions further...

Because this is not the most recent of Colin's books on the subject, I highly recommend that you consider buying "The Complete Walker IV" in addition to this one. You could also buy all four of his editions and have fun watching how he applied his long-standing principles of backpacking as the sport and the gear came of age... Enjoy!

UPDATE: I must also tell you that Colin Fletcher passed away recently, at age 85. Although he lived a full life, we'll miss him. No doubt, if "The Complete Walker V" is ever published, his traditions and values will be included, but it'll probably be written by Chip Rollins.