con: Doesn't delve into the 'why' of lightweight gear. No mention of two-way radios in either of the communication sections. Really could use an outro chapter to cap the end of the book.
If you're hiking or even thinking of taking up hiking, you should probably buy this book. It's divided into two major sections, the first on general hiking advice and how-tos, the second on specific gear selection. It makes for a good mix of "why do this" and "now go do this" to get anyone started, including both those under and over 60. It's packed with honest, no bull wisdom and gear advice from an experienced hiker.
I wish the author had put in a word for how lighter gear makes everything easier on older bodies. However, that topic was amply covered a decade ago in Rick Allnutt's "A Wildly Successful 200-Mile Hike," so pick up a copy of that book when you finish this one. This book is more about day hiking than multi-day backpacking, but the same weight reduction principles apply. For all the discussion of communications, there was no mention of either FRS walkie-talkies or ham radio, both of which I find immensely useful in the woods. Finally, a brief closing chapter to cap the book's main text would have been nice. As it is, it simply ends and crashes into an appendix of retailer and manufacturer links. A transition chapter to these links would have signaled the end of the main part and been smoother.
In brief, if you've read this far you should probably buy this book. The next time a friend asks about hiking books, it's the one I'll recommend to pick up first.
On a practical level, lookie what an electrician friend saved for me a few years back when he and crew re-wired my place. An extremely vintage electric power meter:
Q: When did household wiring voltage change from 100 vac to 110 vac in the united states?
In the United States, the transition from 100 VAC to 110 VAC for household wiring voltage occurred gradually in the early 20th century, with no single definitive date. The shift was driven by the standardization of electrical systems and improvements in power distribution.
- Early 1900s: Many early electrical systems in the U.S. operated at around 100–110 VAC, with local variations. Edison’s early DC systems and early AC systems often targeted 100–110 V for incandescent lighting.
- 1920s–1930s: As the electrical grid expanded, utilities began standardizing on 110 VAC (or slightly higher, like 115 V) to improve efficiency and reduce transmission losses. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and other bodies pushed for standardization.
- Post-WWII (1940s–1950s): By this time, 110–120 VAC became the de facto standard for household wiring, with 120 V eventually becoming the nominal standard in modern systems. The transition was complete in most areas by the 1950s.
Exact dates varied by region and utility company, as upgrades depended on local infrastructure. If you need specifics for a particular area, I can try searching for more localized information.
