Andrew Skurka is an acclaimed adventurer, speaker, guide, and writer, renowned for his solo long-distance expeditions. His philosophy centers on pushing personal boundaries and gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the landscapes traversed. He excels in light-and-fast backcountry travel techniques, emphasizing minimal gear and the capacity to cover vast distances over rugged terrain. Skurka's motivation stems not from setting records, but from the personal growth that arises from challenging and sometimes frightening experiences.
Outdoors enthusiasts and buyers of the National Geographic Survival Manual snapped up 70,000 copies of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka, Outside magazine's Adventurer of the Year. This second edition will feature 16 new pages (including food on the trail and other essentials), and update all gear recommendations.
Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka shares his hard-earned knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker, Skurka recounts what he’s learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance adventures, most recently a 4,700-mile 6-month loop around Alaska and Canada’s Yukon. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior or a seasoned long-distance trekker, you’ll love this guide. Learn exactly what you need to carry – both on your back and between your ears – for all seasons and circumstances through a show-and-tell of clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, and more, as well as through detailed articles on foot care, campsite selection and hiking efficiency. Skurka’s practical and priceless recommendations give you all the tools and techniques you’ll need to hit the trail.