National Geographic The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide

National Geographic The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide — by Andrew Skurka. Comprehensive handbook covering gear selection, clothing systems, food & nutrition, navigation, and lightweight packing for hikers and backpackers of all levels.

Written by renowned long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka, The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide is the gold standard reference for hikers and backpackers. Covers gear selection, layering systems, trail nutrition, navigation, campsite selection, and lightweight packing methods drawn from thousands of miles of trail experience.

Key specs

• SKU: NGBK001
• Author: Andrew Skurka
• Publisher: National Geographic
• Topics: Gear selection, clothing systems, food & nutrition, navigation, lightweight packing, campsite selection
• Format: Paperback

Why it works

Most gear guides tell you what to buy — this one tells you why, and how to evaluate gear for your specific conditions, trip length, and experience level. Skurka's framework for building a gear system (rather than just a gear list) is the most practical approach available for hikers who want to move efficiently and safely in the backcountry. The food and nutrition section alone is worth the price for anyone planning multi-day trips.

Ideal for

Hikers and backpackers of all experience levels who want a comprehensive, authoritative reference for gear selection and trail preparation — from day hikers to multi-week expedition planners.