This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

From a gear standpoint, few outdoor pursuits seem as simple as hiking. After all, it seems as though all a hiker needs is a decent pair of boots, some light clothing and perhaps a hat or daypack.

So why does there have to be an 239-page book written on gear needed for hiking?

It turns out that some advance planning and knowledge of gear before going on a hike, especially a longer hike or overnight backpacking adventure, might be a good thing.

Thus, serious hikers and backpackers might learn a few things from a new National Geographic book, "The Ultimate Hiker's Gearguide," by Andrew Skurka.

Though Skurka, who is obviously an expert who spends a lot of time outdoors, does feature some products in his detailed guide, this book is more a how-to and description of what works and what doesn't.

The book is divided up into three sections.

The first section, the shortest, is on why, when and where you might hike. Are you a hiker or a camper/backpacker? That makes a huge difference on the value of this book. While day hikers might get something out of this publication, it is geared more to backpackers doing multi-day adventures.

The meat of the book is the second section on tools and techniques, and features detailed looks at clothing, footwear, sleeping bags and pads, shelters, navigation equipment, trekking poles, food, cooking systems, water, small essentials and backpacks.

This section contains plenty of what newspaper editors might refer to as "chartage." These are useful graphics that compare the pros and cons of different materials or pieces of gear.

For example, there is a section comparing fibers for hiking clothing that compares the warmth per weight, wet weather performance, compressibility, life span and cost of wool, fleece, synthetic fill and down.

Perhaps the most useful and interesting part of this section is where Skurka writes about the advantages of hiking boots versus hiking shoes, as well as what he wears when hiking a slot canyon where there is a good chance of getting feet wet.

The final section is also a useful tool. Skurka offers sample gear kits, including a detailed trip-planning checklist as well as how to pack with a big emphasis on going light.

Veteran hikers and backpackers might know most of this information but this would be a good $19.99 investment for folks who want to get more serious about their hiking adventures.

— Tom Wharton