Introduction by Jim Kern, founder of the Florida Trail
Section One
1. Getting Started - PREPARATIONS
2. What to Wear
3. Getting in Shape for Backpacking
4. Buying Your Outfit
5. Planning Your Trip
Section Two - TRAIL SAVVY
6. On the Trail
7. Where and How to Set Up Camp
8. Purifying and Carrying Water
9. Eating and Cooking on the Trail
10.Going Light
Section Three - USING THE TRAILS
11.Finding Your Way
12. How to Deal with the Weather
13. Health, Safety, and First Aid for the Trail
14. Insect and Plant Nuisances
15. Getting the Most from Your Trail Photography
Section Four - RISKS ON THE TRAIL
16. Dangers from the Weather
17. Snakes
18. New Bear Attacks: Take Them Seriously
19. Cougar Alert
Section Five - THE HIKING PARTY
20. The Fine Art of Picking Your Hiking Companions
21. Family Hiking and Backpacking
22. Women-Only Groups on the Trail
23. Seniors Take to the Trails
24. Taking Your Pet
25. Going Alone
Section Six - WHERE TO GO
26. Deciding Where to Backpack
27. Overnighting at Inns and Huts
28. Enjoying the High Mountains
29. Desert Hiking
30. Canyon Hiking
Section Seven - WHEN TO GO
31. Extending Your Hiking Season Into Fall
32. Getting Started Winter Backpacking
