May 2023 MBR The Sports Shelf

The Sports Shelf

Hiking Safety Handbook
Art Hogling
Colorado Mountain Club Press
c/o Mountaineers Books
mountaineersbooks.org
9781937052867 $22.95 pbk / $21.80 Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Safety-Handbook-Art-Hogling/dp/1937052869

Synopsis: Hiking Safety Handbook is a comprehensive resource that teaches you the skills you need to stay safe. Seasoned hiker and expert safety instructor Art Hogling brings experience, knowledge, and the latest research to bear on crucial safety topics, such as weather, fire, and altitude sickness; what to do if you're lost; developing situational awareness; and more. Combining research with useful tips, intel, and relatable, real-life stories, Hiking Safety Handbook gives you the confidence to get out and explore, knowing that you can take care of yourself as well as help others in need.

Hiking Safety Handbook teaches core skills, such as dealing with weather, fire, altitude, animals, water crossings, and staying found. Vital safety information is combined with relatable, real-life "teachable moments".

With more people discovering the excitement, beauty, and tranquility of the outdoors, hiking participation is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, so too are hiking accidents. Knowing what to do in an emergency and--even more important--how to keep yourself out of trouble in the first place are crucial.

Critique: Hiking Safety Handbook is an absolute "must-have" for hikers of all skill and experience levels. Full-color photographs intersperse this practical-minded guide filled with safety advice ranging from wearing proper clothing, to dealing with water hazards or hostile weather, what to do when lost, reacting to forest fires or animal encounters, and much more. "Remove your vehicle registration from your glove box or leave a version without an address on it. Hikers have reported being subject to break-ins where the crooks stole garage door openers and addresses from registrations left in vehicles. Knowing the owners are out on the trail and not at home, the thieves compound the misery by quickly driving to the victims' home and robbing it as well." While no guide can make outdoor activities completely safe, Hiking Safety Handbook is a superb reference and resource to arm oneself with "outdoor street smarts" before hitting the trail! Hiking Safety Handbook is worthy of the highest recommendation, and of a spot in every trail hiker's backpack. It should be noted for personal reading lists that Hiking Safety Handbook is also available in a Kindle edition ($21.80).

Backpacking with Children
Malia Maunakea
Colorado Mountain Club Press
c/o Mountaineers Books
mountaineersbooks.org
9781937052874 $22.95 pbk

https://www.amazon.com/Backpacking-Children-Lightweight-Have-Trail/dp/1937052877

Synopsis: Backpacking as a family creates memories to last a lifetime and can be the start of a child's lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors. But hiking successfully with kids takes planning. Knowing how to start, where to go, and what to bring are crucial to everyone's enjoyment. The benefits of going lightweight with kids are huge, since the easier it is to hike, the more fun everyone will have!

Lightweight Backpacking for Families teaches the basics of backpacking with kids--how to make it easy, fun, and as comfortably lightweight as possible without breaking the bank. With intel on gear, meals, games, choosing a route, and dealing with weather, animals, accidents, and more, Lightweight Backpacking for Families is an indispensable resource for any family seeking to share their love of the outdoors together.

Backpacking with Children features un, safe, cost-effective ways to get out overnight with kids; crucial intel on gear: what to splurge on, what to save on, and DIY projects; and information on route selection, games, meals, handling weather challenges, and other tips and tricks.

Critique: Backpacking with Children: How to Go Lightweight, Have Fun, and Stay Safe on the Trail is a "must-have" for families and anyone else planning outdoors activities with children. Chapters cover how to prepare, including what clothing, footwear, and other gear to bring; how to select an ideal campsite and leave no trace upon the environment; how to avoid or deal with obstacles ranging from biting insects to life-threatening safety hazards; and much more - such as personal hygiene on the trail. "In heavily used areas, you may start to see more requirements to pack out your poop. Some places offer free human waste bags and encourage backpackers to take everything out with them. Be sure to research area specific requirements before you head out." Backpacking with Children is a thoroughly invaluable reference, resource, and safety guide, worthy of the highest recommendation.

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