Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25052 in Books
• Published on: 1995-10-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Customer Reviews

Ideal for intermediate or experienced.
Although the book does contain quite a bit of information useful to beginners, it is most useful for those who already have basic skills and want to learn a leader's perspective on backcountry activities. The beginner's perspective is certainly there, and respected, but mostly for the purpose of encouraging empathy and foresightedness in expedition leaders. Those who already have leadership experience in other areas will find the book vital to learning how to apply their skills to specific backcountry situations. Complete beginners should start with another book.

(Almost) Everything you need to know...
I say "almost" because it can't possibly contain everything you would ever need to know!

This book sets forth, in an easy to understand manner, the basics you will need to know to go out in the hills, either on your own, or leading a group. It is however, NOT a substitute for experience.

It also includes very little on ropework, which some may consider to be part of mountaineering.

I also own the earlier edition of this book, the new one, as well as its funky pink cover has a couple of new chapters, other than that it is virtually identical to the older one, down to the illustrations.

Scout Association recommended
This book is the one to read if you are thinking of taking Scouts onto the hills. All of the information needed for D of E is in this book, as well as Chief Scout and Queen Scout challenges. A "must have" for any expedition leader.