For a generation, the Basic Essentials® series has been as much a part of the outdoors experience as backpacks and hiking boots. Information-packed tools for the novice or handy references for the veteran, these volumes distill years of knowledge into affordable and portable books. Whether you’re planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, Basic Essentials® books tell you what you need to know.

Discover how to:
predict and recognize shifts in weather patterns
understand how and why different types of weather occur
identify cloud formations and know what they mean
observe variations in geography and how they affect the weather
develop weather awareness from basic meteorological concepts

Recognized nationally for his poignant writing style, humor, and knowledge of the outdoors, award-winning author and journalist Michael Hodgson is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, a contributing editor to the San Jose Mercury News, Backpacker, and Outdoor Retailer, and the author of numerous outdoor books. He captained Team Media in the inaugural Eco-Challenge 360-mile adventure race in Utah.