A Guide to Lightweight Backpacking in Olympic National Park

Hike the wild Olympics with less! Many backpackers prepare for the diversity of habitat, topography, and weather in Olympic National Park by overloading their packs with unnecessary clothing and gear. In this book, ecologist and wilderness advocate Aleta Erickson shares her field-tested equipment and techniques for multi-day lightweight backpacking trips into the wild Olympics. Follow her advice to reduce the size and weight of your backpack--without sacrificing safety or comfort. With this book you'll learn: 1) how to carry less than 27 pounds on a 5-day Olympic backpacking trip, including a tent, water, and a bear canister packed with food, 2) the best times to hike in the park's diverse regions, 3) where and when to choose a tent over a tarp shelter, 4) how "shoulder" seasons and trail choices will affect our gear needs ... and more.