When it was originally published in 1979, Backwoods Ethics was a prophetic call to reevaluate the impact of outdoor recreation on the wilderness. It was enthusiastically received by environmentalists and wilderness managers; now, more than twenty years later, its warnings and advice are more relevant than ever. With wisdom and gentle humor, Laura and Guy Waterman present a stringent ethic of low-impact hiking, camping, cooking, and alpine management. Day hikers, campers, and backpackers who follow the sensible techniques laid out in this book will help preserve the wilderness experience for generations to come.