Welcome to Backpacking in California!
You may already be an avid packpacker. You may wonder what all the fuss is about. You may be interested in backpacking, but fear the work and discomfort involved. You may be an armchair traveler. To all of you, welcome! I hope you enjoy this site.
Backpacking is pretty much what it sounds like. A backpacker carries everything needed for sleeping, eating, and surviving in the wilderness, and hikes to a destination. Wikipedia provides an excellent overview of what backpacking is all about.
Here are some general resources to get you started in planning backpacking trips:
- Wilderness Press
In addition to a wonderful collection of outdoor books and maps, Wilderness Press has a comprehensive and outstanding collection of links to packbacking websites.
- Backpacking California
This guidebook, edited by Paul Backhurst, contains detailed information on 62 choice backpacking routes in California written by 17 authors.
- Backpacker Magazine
This is the only magazine in the U.S. devoted solely to backpacking. Check your local library -- they may carry it.