Snow Walker's Companion

Book excerpt: In these last wildlands of North America, the nomadic, indigenous people have perfected ways of living and traveling in winter using elegant and sophisticated snowshoes, toboggans, and sleds that make it possible for trekkers to carry heavy weights-wood stoves, wall tents, and real food-with far less effort than with the ultralight backpacking equipment more often associated with the winter camper. This important book brings the skills and philosophy of the snow walkers of the north woods to a new generation of outdoorspeople, and shows today's wilderness traveler how to adopt these Native American techniques and enjoy winter in a comfort nothing short of extraordinary.