More Gear Reviews:
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th Edition
|
Upside: The best and most respected book on mountaineering Downside: Not owning one Rating: ^^^^^ (5 out of 5 peaks) Ideal User: Anyone aspiring to become a mountaineer
Because of this, aspiring mountain climbers must become downright studious when learning the tricks of the trade. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is arguably the best and most respected textbook on the subject. Since its first printing in 1961, more than 500,000 copies of the book have been sold, and it's been translated into 13 languages. Anyone who spends time in the mountains will benefit from this book -- not only serious mountaineers. In 528 pages the book goes through a whirlwind of information, covering everything from wilderness camping and navigation to climbing techniques, rope management, and glacier travel. There are even sections on mountain geology, weather and wilderness ethics. The 7th edition, which was fully revised by a panel of 40 mountaineering experts, includes updated information on all subjects and the addition of chapters on new climbing techniques, land stewardship and physical conditioning. Explanative illustrations accompany every section. As with most textbooks, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is concerned first with information dissemination, second with aesthetics. There are few pretty pictures and no color in its pages. But this is not a coffee-table book. It's an erudite tome that's referenced by many climbers, in all reverence and seriousness, as the bible. Contact: The Mountaineers Books, 1-800-553-4453, http://www.mountaineersbooks.org. Price: $38 hardcover, $27 paperback. — Reviewed & Written by Stephen Regenold | |
|
|||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Mountaineering is as much a cerebral pursuit as it is a physical activity. The synthesis of several disciplines, including ultra-light
backpacking, orienteering, weather forecasting, hiking, and climbing, are required to safely make it up any serious peak.
