Table of Contents Chapter 1: Get Started with Day-Hiking Getting started with shorter hikes that allow you to sleep in your own bed at night. Chapter 2: Hiking for All Ages and Types Finding a satisfying trail whether you hike by yourself, with a partner, or in a group. Chapter 3: Camping Overnight The complete guide to a comfortable night's sleep at parks, campgrounds, and backcountry tent-sites. Chapter 4: Backpacking Basics Getting deeper into the woods, mountains, or wherever you want to explore by carrying everything you need on your back. Chapter 5: Training Your Body for the Trail Everyday fitness routines to get you in shape for any level of hiking. Chapter 6: Never Get Lost (Again) Easy-to-follow map, compass, and GPS tutorials to keep you on the right trail. Chapter 7: Essentials for Every Trip The lifesaving gear you should never leave home without. Chapter 8: Welcome to Gear World Expert advice on how to buy high-quality and long-lasting equipment. Chapter 9: Footwear Fundamentals Finding hiking boots or trail shoes guaranteed to keep your feet happy and blister-free. Chapter 10: Outdoor Clothing 101 Smart layering advice for weather that's either fair or foul. Chapter 11: Hauling Your Gear: Daypacks and Weekend Packs The surefire guide to finding and loading the ideal backpack. Chapter 12: Shelter from the Storm Building the perfect sleep system by combining tents, sleeping bags, and ground pads. Chapter 13: The Outdoor Kitchen Cooking advice and recipes to fuel every hike and hiker. Chapter 14: Liquid Refreshment Where to find water and how to make it safe to drink. Chapter 15: Hygiene on the Trail Sensible strategies to keep clean on the trail. Chapter 16 How to Survive The no-panic plan on how to respond when trouble arises. Chapter 17: First Aid The on-trail prescription to fix blisters, bumps, and bruises. Chapter 18: The Wild Things Keeping encounters with poisonous plants and wildlife at a safe but exciting distance. Chapter 19: High-Country Hazards Hiking and camping tips for more challenging trails and terrain. Chapter 20: Expanding Your Skills Where to seek your next great adventure. Appendixes A Glossary B Resources C Equipment Checklists