Rick Crandall

Hiker, Adventurer, Author of The Dog Who Took Me Up a Mountain

Field Guide for Hikers

Linked Hiking Field Guide

A guide to all things hiking, backpacking, camping and additional specifics if accompanied by a dog. If I missed a subject, let me know at RLC@RickCrandallBooks.com

Why Hike?

  1. What is a Hike?
  2. Exercise is Good for Us
  3. Debunking Myths About Hiking
  4. More Hiking Myths

Let’s Take a Hike

  1. Take a Hike
  2. Picking a Hiking Buddy
  3. How to Enjoy a Hike Part I: Wildflowers & Photos
  4. How to Enjoy a Hike Part II
  5. Some Lessons Learned Climbing Mountains

Dangers and Emergencies

  1. Hiking: Pushing Yourself Gradually and Sensibly
  2. Dealing with Challenges on a Hike
  3. Caught in a Thunderstorm?
  4. Wild plants – Best to Avoid
  5. Altitude Sickness 

Basic Hiking Equipment

  1. A Pack for Shorter Hikes      
  2. Hiking Boots
  3. Hiking Poles

Food on a Hike

  1. Nutrition on a Hike
  2. Importance of Hydration

Animals in the Wild

  1. A Bear! What to Do
  2. Protecting Camp from Bears
  3. Coyote Danger vs Fox
  4. Porcupine Danger
  5. Encountering Moose and Mountain Lions
  6. Amazing Mountain Goats 
  7. Some Other High-Altitude Animals

Dog Specific

  1. Hiking with Your Dog        
  2. Trail Etiquette Hiking with a Dog
  3. Decision: Dog or No Dog on a Hike or Climb
  4. Common Hiking Concerns for a Dog
  5. Dogs & Hiking Food
  6. Equipment for Dogs
  7. How Dogs Cool Themselves
  8. Backpacking and Camping with a Dog         
  9. Dogs and Altitude Sickness
  10. Antifreeze Will Kill a Dog

Techniques

  1. Mastering a Hiking Emergency
  2. Hiking on Scree & Talus
  3. Sunscreen in the Wild
  4. Off-roading to Trailhead
  5. Foot Techniques Hiking on Hills
  6. The Language of Clouds

Camping

  1. Backpacking & Camping
  2. Using the Overnight Backpack
  3. More on Camping
  4. Campfire Specifics  
  5. Getting through the night without leaving your tent
  6. Why Have String and Duct Tape in Pack?
  7. Using a Water Filter
  8. Food and Cooking at Campsite

The Bigger Hike

  1. The Bigger Hike 
  2. Rocky Mountain 14ers  
  3. How Difficult is that Climb?
  4. Emergency GPS Satellite Communicator

Equipment Lists

  1. Short Hiking Equipment List (with pictures)
  2. Short Hiking Equipment List (printer friendly version)
  3. Long Hiking Equipment List (with pictures)
  4. Long Hiking Equipment List (printer friendly version)
  5. Overnight Camping Equipment List Add-On

Linked Index of Subjects

Special Guide to Hiking: Climbing the Rocky Mountain 14ers

Glossary