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I've been happily plowing my way through the latest edition and incarnation of 'The Complete Walker IV', Colin Fletcher's book on hiking and backpacking. What a great source of common, and not so common, sense and backcountry info. Even if you think you already know-it-all, you'll find some great tips in this tome, even how-to's on foot sanding! . When I was in my ute, I remember perusing the first edition some thirty years ago and now Fletcher and co-author Chip Rawlins have updated the book with many, many new products and ideas. At 2 lbs. 10 oz. and 845 pages (and that's the paperpack!) it's hardly packable, at least not in my backpack. But plan to spend some time in this goodie and you'll come away with at least a daypack-full of new insights and ways to enjoy our sport. Amazon has it and I've seen it at the local Costco stores too. Happy reading.

-Nealz

I too have enjoyed thumbing through the pages (especially at work!) I used the space blanket idea as a ground cloth and no tent for the first time, because of practicing tarp skills in the backyard.

I need to get it Nealz. When I was up in Canada this summer I took my Snowpeak gigpower stove but couldn't take fuel on a commercial flight as you know. I found a source in NY on the computer but when I arrived they really had none. I ended up using an MSR cartridge and built up the seal area with a little duct tape. It worked fine. After the trip I saw the CWIV and it had some info on this very problem. I'm sure there is a lot of more valuable info.

I started reading it at Borders over the weekend...I've read most of Fletcher's other books, and enjoy his style, plus, he's a total stud who at present is recovering from being struck by a car while out on a walk...He is the master, I like the idea of being able to tap into his knowledge...as soon as I finish the other 2 books I'm reading, Complete Walker IV is next!

ck1 wrote:I've read most of Fletcher's other books, and enjoy his style,

Yup. Both he and Chip are funny, eloquent writers. It's an easy, entertaining read and like you said, it's a privilege to be able to tap their combined outdoor experience. I just learned last night why it's a good idea to clip the cord and fabric doodads off my pack zipper pulls.

-Nealz