Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Hiking 5 Chapter 1: Hiking and Backpacking 101 7 Chapter 2: Finding Your Hiking Style: Solo, Group, Family, and Canine Adventures 13 Chapter 3: Planning Your Journey into the Wild 23 Chapter 4: Building Strength and Stamina for Hiking 29 Chapter 5: Leave No Trace Hiking and Camping 41 Chapter 6: Trip Checklists: Day Hikes and Backpacking Excursions 45 Part 2: Gearing Up 51 Chapter 7: Using Gear to Hike, Not Hiking to Use Gear 53 Chapter 8: Choosing Your Big Four: Backpack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag, and Sleeping Pad 61 Chapter 9: Selecting Clothing and Footwear for Hiking 85 Chapter 10: Packing for Your Trip 97 Part 3: Setting Out on the Trail 107 Chapter 11: Optimizing Your Hiking Day 109 Chapter 12: Finding Your Way in the Wilderness 117 Chapter 13: Encountering Animals in the Woods 131 Chapter 14: Five Essential Hiking Skills 145 Chapter 15: Dealing with Mother Nature's Curveballs 165 Part 4: Creating a Home Away from Home 171 Chapter 16: Finding and Setting Up Your Campsite 173 Chapter 17: Evening and Morning Camp Routines 183 Part 5: Prioritizing Health and Safety 189 Chapter 18: Eating Well on the Trail 191 Chapter 19: Hydrating and Purifying: Wilderness Water Solutions 199 Chapter 20: Staying Clean(ish) While Hiking and Backpacking 211 Chapter 21: Navigating Bites, Stings, and Skin Conditions 221 Chapter 22: Regulating Body Temperature in the Wilderness 237 Chapter 23: Hiking at High Elevations 249 Chapter 24: Surviving Nature's Emergencies 257 Chapter 25: First Aid Essentials for Hikers 267 Part 6: The Part of Tens 273 Chapter 26: Ten Hiking and Backpacking Myths 275 Chapter 27: Ten Mistakes Beginner Hikers Make 281 Chapter 28: Ten Dream Hiking Destinations 289 Index 297.