This page is for the beginning hiker/camper/backpacker. Below you will find some direct links to specific information: the fast track for those with no extra time on their hands. (You're the ones who really need to get out there!)

Basics

• thebackpacker.com Beginner's Corner
• A Beginners Guide to Camping
• Camp Clueless
• Go Take a Hike Hiking 101

Tips

• Wilderness Backpacker: Beginning Backpacking Tips
• 101+ Hiking Tips
• Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society: Hiking Tips
• Chuck's Tips
  • On Food
  • On Gear
  • On Techniques

Techniques

• USGS Finding Your Way with Map and Compass
• Get Knotted (animated demonstrations)
• Brochures from Marin Outdoors Online
  • Compass Know-How
  • Layering clothing
  • Low Impact Camping
  • Hygiene
  • First Aid
• Adventure Sports Online Fire Basics

Buy your gear

• On a budget? Try mail order from Campmor
• Wanna lay your hands on the goods before you buy? Go to Travel Country Outdoors (Altamonte Springs/Orlando)

Bibliography

Visit your local library or bookstore for these interesting reads:

Alden, Peter et al. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida. New York: Knopf, 1998.

Curtis, Sam. Harsh Weather Camping. Birmingham, AL: Menasha Ridge P, 1983.

Deuerling, Richard J. and Peggy S. Lantz. Florida's Incredible Wild Edibles. Orlando: Florida Native Plant Society, 1993.

Fletcher, Colin. The Complete Walker. 3rd ed. New York: Knopf, 1984.

Gibbons, Ewell. Stalking the Wild Asparagus. New York: David McKay Co., 1962.

Isaac, Jeffrey. The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook. New York: Lyons P, 1998.

Jacobson, Cliff. Camping's Top Secrets. 2nd ed. Old Saybrook, CT: Globe Pequot P, 1998.

Jardine, Ray. The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook. 2nd ed. LaPine, OR: AdventureLore P, 1997.

Kjellstrom, Bjorn. Be Expert with Map and Compass. New enlarged ed. New York: Scribner's, 1976.

Lerner, Richard. Hiking with your Dog. Birmingham, AL: Menasha Ridge P, 1994.

Manhoff, David. Mosby's Outdoor Emergency Medical Guide. St. Louis: Mosby-Yearbook, 1996.

McDougall, Len. Made for the Outdoors. Lyons & Burford, 1995.

McManners, Hugh. The Backpacker's Handbook. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1995.

Smith, Cheryl S. On the Trail with your Canine Companion. New York: Howell Book House, 1996.

U.S. Dept. of the Army. FM 21-76 U.S. Army Survival Manual. New York: Dorset P, 1998.

Wiseman, John. SAS Survival Guide. Collins Gem ed. Glasgow: HarperCollins, 1993.

Wood, Robert S. The 2 oz. Backpacker. Berkeley: Ten Speed P, 1982.

Please address praise, scorn, and other comments concerning the design of this and other personal web pages to Ken McCoy (kmccoy@stetson.edu)

January 25, 2003