Comments on: The Complete Walker III – Colin Fletcher

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 02:01:34 +0000

In reply to Dr. Bob Wehrman. Looking forward to the book!

By: Dr. Bob Wehrman

Dr. Bob Wehrman — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 00:27:46 +0000

There are many strong suggestions (above) that Colin Fletcher’s works are going to be relevant for years to come. Not for gear reviews, but for Fletcher’s over riding philosophy.

This is why I have written Fletcher’s biography. Walking Man – The Secret Life of Colin Fletcher tells the story of this man who brought so many to an awareness of the importance of wilderness.

For information on the book go here: . Be sure to watch the video.

By: bamboobob

bamboobob — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 22:10:58 +0000

Walking through Time. First outdoor book I ever read back when I knew nothing about everything and versa visa . Loved it then especially the concept of caching. Who knew?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 15:30:42 +0000

In reply to Jim Fetig. The AT, in early spring, must be ah, interesting! :)

By: Jim Fetig

Jim Fetig — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:17:29 +0000

Yesterday I completed a month as a ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia where the circus truly came to town. It was the norm for clueless hikers to show up with packs weighing 50+ pounds, full of irrelevant gear still in the original boxes! Many pitched their tents for the very first time after they were on the trail. Few seemed to have contemplated either the how or the why. If only they would read Colin Fletcher.

Thanks for another great post. I’m going to cite it and cross post it on my blog and on Facebook.

By: John

John — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:34:59 +0000

This was the book I read for info when I first got into backpacking back in 1990…….. It helped tremendously in head knowledge til I gained more practical knowledge to go along with it. I read his other works of his adventures too. He truly wandered ( and paddled) the American West.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:31:29 +0000

In reply to Nick.

Thanks for the kind words.

River is a book I re-read every few years. Seems to address a different phase of my life every time I read it: From my passionate 20s, to becoming experienced in my 30s and now at early middle age when I am perhaps a bit more content with my life but balancing a need to live passionately with “adult” responsibilities. If Fletcher had “just” written a book about a river journey from A to B, I doubt the book would resonate year after year with me.

Funny you mention Laura Waterman, a friend of mine is looking at some archives she donated. I will have to read the book, now. Thanks for the suggestion!

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:08:59 +0000

Good post. I have all 4 editions in my library, bought them when they came out, except Walker I, which I bought in 1971. When III came out, like you, I really didn’t need most of the “how to” information. I bought it beacause Fletcher was a wonderful writer. I my opinion, he was and still is the best “outdoor” writer. Every couple of years I re-read III, not to learn anything (but I usually do), but to enjoy a great writer. We truly learn by doing, not reading. Fletcher eloquently covers the “why.”

If you haven’t read his other works, I HIGHLY recommend The Thousand Mile Summer, The Man Who Wallked Time, The Man From The Cave, and River. Read them in chronological order.

Add Edward Abbey’s works and the biography of Harvey Butchart, Grand Obession, and one will have a fabulous library.

Paul, I really enjoy your reviews of old classics such as Wilderness Ethics, and Cadillac Desert. You present writers everyone should read. Thanks for another spot-on review.

P.S. If you haven’t read Losing The Garden, by Laura Waterman, it is sad but good read.

By: Karl Gottshalk

Karl Gottshalk — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:55:04 +0000

This book (actually Walker I) got me out there and backpacking.

“Why walk?

I had better admit right away that walking can in the end become an addiction and that it is then as deadly in its fashion as heroin or television or the stock exchange. But even in this final stage remains a quite delectable madness, very good for the sanity, and I recommend it with passion.”

What a great beginning for a book!