First reviews are in. And free shipping.

Does one of these have your name on it?

Tomorrow I’m expecting a delivery of books, via freight on a pallet. I normally don’t buy thousands of dollars of inventory, but in this case I’m confident that I’ll sell through it quickly.

Reviews of the second edition of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide, which is officially released March 7 but which might happen to arrive earlier, are starting to show up. Here’s the initial feedback:

Nick Gatel, PopUpBackpacker

“The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide is really not about the gear per se, but how to choose gear and how to use it so you can accomplish The Goal and enjoy the walking part too. The book is well laid out, presents a ton of solid and useful information, is easy to read and understand. The book states that the target audience is beginning and intermediate backpackers. I’ve been backpacking for over 50 years and learned a few new things reading it, so the book should appeal to almost any backpacker.”

David Chenault, Bedrock & Paradox

“The ideal audience for lengthy how-to tracts is the among the groups least likely to read them, they’re too busy out learning by doing.  With this in mind one must weigh detail and a fair balance of the inherently subjective with paragraphs and pages that don’t strain the readers attention span too far.  Skurka’s book is rife with bullet points, sidebars (unfortunately titled “How 2…”), and short paragraphs largely bereft of compound sentences.  It also features terse but detailed discussions of vapor barrier liners, the limitations of WPB laminates, minimizing drafts in quilts, fighting condensation in single wall shelters, layering in cool wet weather, and many other topics that are difficult to discuss both clearly and well.  The way in which Skurka deals with complex subjects quickly, but without being reductive, is the books second greatest strength.”

Buy the Gear Guide now. Use coupon FREE-SHIPPING to save $3.

Posted in on February 9, 2017
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11 Comments

  1. Luke on February 9, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    Andy, will there be a possibility to send that book to Europe?

    • Andrew Skurka on February 10, 2017 at 7:09 am

      I opted not to offer shipping outside the US due to the expense and the customs paperwork, and because it did not represent a notable volume of sales to me. But if it’s a significant enough order (i.e. multiple copies) I’m willing to work with you.

      I’ve also checked with NG to ask about where the book will be picked up outside the US. Will post back when I have an answer.

      • Joe on February 10, 2017 at 1:34 pm

        Shipping out of the US is pretty simple. All it requires is one signature. I Ship out of the US all the time for sales. You can even us the USPS click – print – ship and make the label at home. All you need is the item description, weight, and address. You make is sound like too much work. It can be done in less than 2 minutes.

  2. Mark on February 10, 2017 at 9:45 am

    Andrew, when you say “customs paperwork” I assume your speaking about a large shipment? Individual, one item shipments require only a customs label, no additional paperwork. Let me know if I can be of help. I’m a USPS employee.

  3. jack on February 10, 2017 at 11:51 am

    David Chenault coudnt be more wrong on his first line in above quote– Backpakers love to read and research their gear. Our gear is expensive, and we need to rely on it for comfort and safety once we get away from the trailhead– we LOVE to research our gear.

  4. tim on February 10, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Appreciate the difficulty in posting overseas but am keen to read your book, do you have a distributer in Australia Andrew?

  5. David Noll on March 6, 2017 at 7:50 am

    Andrew,
    Just got done reading your book. Well done. I really enjoyed it. I have done a lot of backpacking and still always learn something new. Esp with clothing.
    I liked your ebook on food and cooking. We’ll be trying a couple of your recipes on our next trip which will be in the Sangre de Cristos this summer.

    • Andrew Skurka on March 6, 2017 at 8:49 am

      Great to hear! Would you be willing to write a review on the product page, where more prospective readers will see it? That’d be helpful for them (and me). Thanks.

      Sangres are awesome. Have a great time.

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