Reviews (30)

Great, general survival text
This book does a great job of covering a variety of survival topics and techniques without seeming disorganized. Sections are divided well, and wording is direct and uncomplicated. This is a good book for serious outdoorsmen in addition to those just looking to brush up their knowledge "just in case".

Great info and a fun read
My 7 year old son loves the idea of being a survival expert. Most of his "survival" involves spending the afternoon in the year eating sandwiches in his tent.I purchased the "SAS Survival Handbook" as a something fun to read with him.
GOOOD
If you want just one book of survival, than this is your best shot. Just by it and than you'll see... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Handbooks & Manuals    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Outdoor Skills    5. Outdoor Survival Techniques    6. Reference - General    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Survival skills    10. Wilderness survival    11. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Reviews (5)

Camping with the Army Corps of Engineers
A unique feature of this small book is its tight list of Army Corps of Engineer Campsites that are not found in many other directories or guidebooks.This guide will tell you if the campsite is located near a big city like Atlanta or in a rural area. Organized by state, maps of your destination area are a helpful adjunct. As the name implies, most facilities are located near a body of water. Some tend to be more family oriented, others are described as hideaways--peaceful locations where you can commune with nature. The book provides good directions from major highways and clear information about the campsites. (Most list amenities, such as electric, water and dump stations.) This is a useful tool to have with you on any trip. Coming upon one of these sites can be a wonderful diversion. D. Brandley

Camping resourse
As a retired Corps of Engineer officer and a new RVer, I found this book interesting and helpful in planning for trips.
Great for RVers
This book is a "must have" for RVers and campers. I can't think of any other source that has all this information in one place, and easy to find. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Reference    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Travel - General    7. United States - General   

Reviews (2)

camping & wilderness survival
IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN LEARNING AND/OR INTEREST IN THE OUTDOORS. YOU WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK.IT IS LIKE AN ENCYLOPEDIA FOR THE OUTDOORS, EXCEPT IT IS WRITTEN LIKE EVERY PAGE IS A FULL ON TOPIC SYNOPSIS.YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
Most complete nature/survival book I've ever seen.
This is my first book review. I'm trully amazed by what all is contained in this fairly compact book, yet each page contains a massive amount of information. It is quite thick, over 1,000 pages,LOTS of really sharp color photos.Covers so many subjects in addition to survival and camping. It's as though it could be 10 different books in one. I'm really impressed by this book and feel it truly is one of the best books I've ever bought.I'm actually thinking of getting two of them... One to keep in the truck and one to read in my spare time at the house.. SO MUCH information is in this book, it's like a small nature encyclopedia..It covers all possible terrains, types of plants, animals, cloud formations, many maps showing insect distribution, etc.. climates, etc.. reptiles, most all of the usual survival/camping info.. but SO much more..how to survive practically any imagineable scenario. So many color photos.For nature-lovers and campers this is really a must-have book as well. I've bought several other survival books and this seems to contain just about all that is in the others..shelters,first aid, mental preparedness, kits, backbacks, fish preperation, game hunting, etc..Although, there are some survival books that are quite unique as well in their own right and may go into much more detail on say, shelter-building for instance, this book shows with pictures, quite easy-to-understand basic construction techniques, for emergency situations. No SINGLE book can have everything, but I must say, this book sure does come close to it!I don't think you will regret this purchase.Just one warning though, because there is so much information on each page, the print is quite small. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Hiking    3. Mountaineering    4. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (4)

A good one
The Backpackers Handbook is more informative and easier to read than the other two books I bought recently (Hiking Light Handbook, and Everyday Wisdom).Save your time and read this one alone.

Best book of its kind i have seen
I got three backpacking type handbooks at a library and read all three this is by far the best one. It has the most in depth information and is enjoyable to read.

The title says it all...
This is, without doubt, the best book on backpacking I've read. Just the right balance between specific recommendations and general advice, objective information and personal opinion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Camping    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hiking    5. Mountaineering    6. Outdoor Life    7. Outdoor Skills    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports & Recreation / Hiking    11. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (6)

Excellent Book!
I have several books on dehydrating your own trail meals and this iseasily the best. It is concise and full of good ideas and recipes. The guidance is flexible enough for the lightweight backpacker or for the canoe or pack mule traveler. For example, some of the recipes call for a dutch oven (too bulky and heavy for the lightweight backpacker) and others are suitable for a one pot meal (ideal for the lightweight backpacker).
Trail Food Drying
Good book about the subject. No frills, but lots of good info in a small package.

straightforward drying advice
I've had this book for a few years now, and have read it cover to cover several times.It gives good advice on how to dry everything from plain vegetables to your leftover dinner.I even started to dehydrate my own eggs,and let me tell you they come back wonderfully.Great book that will have you tossing aside those $6.00 nasty premade meals. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cookery (Dried foods)    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Drying    5. Food    6. General    7. Hiking    8. Methods - Canning & Preserving    9. Outdoor Skills    10. Outdoor cookery    11. Outdoor recreation    12. Sports    13. Sports & Recreation    14. Active outdoor pursuits    15. Preserving    16. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Reviews (6)

Easy to understand in plain english!
This will teach most (non-electrician by trade) people many useful things that will make their trips more enjoyable.(reduce operator error).

Easy-to-understand information for do-it-yourselfers
Bought book to help plan an RV electrical system upgrade and it more than met my expectations. Found the book fairly easy to understand with a wealth of specific information about the "whys" and "wherefores" of wire, fuses, circuits, batteries, battery charging, electrical loads, etc. Author also includes a wealth of technical info for tech types who want greater detail.

Moeller's "RV Electrical Systems" a Live Wire!
As the co-author of "RV Boondocking Basics--A Guide to Living Without Utility Hookups" (available on Amazon) I not only have read, but keep on my active RV bookshelf the Moellers' tome.It's thick, but covers a wide variety of important topics that all RVers, not just "do it yourselfers" need to be aware of.
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Subjects:  1. Automotive - General    2. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    3. Automotive Electrical Systems    4. Camping    5. Electric equipment    6. General    7. Recreational Vehicles (Engineering Aspects)    8. Recreational vehicles    9. Transportation    10. Travel - General    11. Automotive (motor mechanic) skills    12. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (3)

Good lightweight primer
I thought it was an excellent book in which I learned something after almost 20 years of field work and backpacking.Weakness: He should have had a little more detail about packing light in different environments besides the preface.In particular, hiking high elevations even in the summer months requires a little more insulation at camp.

A rather lightweight book ...
With a nod to the author's experience, I'd say the book is light on content.
Lightweight Backpacking makes sense!
What a wonderful little book with some just amazing ideas!I've been lightweight backpacking for several years now, and Don Ladigin has included bits of his wisdom that will make time spent out in the wilderness even more rewarding.Some of his ideas seem so simple and straightforward, I wonder why I didn't think of that!Thanks Don! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Camping    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Hiking    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports & Recreation / Hiking    8. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (2)

Over The Open Fire
This book is a must hav e if you enjoy outdoor cooking.Alot of the recipes can be used indoors.There is more than just recipes, there is background about the Campfire Cafe show.This is a must see show.The pictures that go along with the recipes show you exactly how the food will look.Enjoy outdoor cooking.

A "must-have" for anyone who enjoys preparing restaurant-quality food in the great outdoors
Over the Open Fire is a cookbook dedicated to recipes meant to be cooked over an outdoor fire, whether a campfire or a backyard barbecue. Although Over the Open Fire features a wealth of recipes, it is also packed cover to cover with camping, cooking and grilling tips. Dishes meant to be tasted fresh from the flames range from Sourdough Biscuits to Baked Stuffed Apples, Layered Veggie Cheesecake, Pecan Crusted Chicken, Smoked Pork Ribs and much more. Extensive instructions and full-color photographs on every page make Over the Open Fire easy-to-use and a "must-have" for anyone who enjoys preparing restaurant-quality food in the great outdoors. A bonus DVD offers two hours of instructional and entertaining footage.
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Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - Barbecue & Grilling    5. Methods - Outdoor   

Reviews (16)

GREAT CAMPING GUIDE
I found the book a GREAT guide for camping with my RV.The publishers website has updates on the campgrounds.

Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping
We found the Churchs book an essential aid in navigating around some of Mexico's cities and finding interesting campsites. Each page is filled with useful information, maps, directions and commentary on camping places that aid in trip planning.
mise a jour
C'est effectivement une aide pr�cieuse pour certains voyageurs qui recherchent absolument le camping s�curitaire.Toutefois m�me si la 2eme edition n'a encore que deux ans, elle devrait d�j� �tre � jour car plusieurs trailer park n'existent plus. De plus dans la version vendue au Canada il manque les pages 320 � 353...Erreur a l'assemblage sans doute...Myke et Terri pourrait aussi signaler les Pemex poss�dant espace et services pour arr�t d'urgence(une nuit...) lorsque necessaire... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Mexico    3. Parks & Campgrounds    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Belize    8. Caravan & camp-site guides    9. Travel / Mexico   

Reviews (6)

Paid for itself already
Great book, I found a great campground in Columbia CA
Good book for the novice RVer.
We got this book from the library and liked it so much we bought it. It has a lot of information that we can use for our future trips.

I shouldn't have bought Woodalls RV campground guidge
I purchased both a Woodalls RV guide and Foghorn and compared them both this past Aug and Sept 2005 while RVing in WA, OR, NV and CA.I stopped using Woodalls after the first few nights -- there is no comparison between the two.The driving directions in Foghorn are far superior to Woodalls and the campground descriptions are more factual as I believe that Woodalls give an edge to those RV sites that advertise in their guidebook (just my gut feeling) whereas Foghorn does not accept any ads in their guidebook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. Caravan & camp-site guides    8. Western & Pacific Coast states   

Reviews (36)

Good things come in small packages
The Collins Gem edition of this survival manual is a perfect size for packing along.Kids also gravitate to it for the same reason - it is really, really cute.It is also available in a standard book-sized edition, which is easier to read and study at your leisure, but not nearly as nice to pack.The small print may prove difficult to read in low light situations, but of course, after you've boned up on your survival skills, you'll be prepared to light a fire for warmth and light to read by.

Buy a few and give them to your friends!
You really don't have to have a 'need' for this book to find it entertaining. If you're the curious type, this has everything, from how to maim someone using only your own eyelash to how to trap, skin and cook an aardvark to more than enough reasons why you don't want to go outside, ever.
Interesting and Detailed
The SAS handbook is a wealth of remarkably useful information and startlingly devised survival techniques.Survival, in the most literal sense, is something the ordinary person needn't worry about these days.However, exploring the ingenuity of mans survival skills can prove exciting and intriguing.This handbook addresses so much survival knowledge that I have read it through and through numerous times over the years, and I still seem to be surprised whenever I dust it off for a browse.Great book... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Outdoor Survival Techniques    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Reviews (4)

For serious adventure camping only!
This book is great for people who want to go pitch a tent up in the hills, but only has a few things to say to those who are headed to the local campground for a family weekend. If you need to know where not to pitch a tent to avoid flash floods, or how to consolidate everything you need into a small compact carry bag, then this is for you.

camping for dummies
this book covered most camping situations in detail.i would recommend this book to any novice camper.

Loads of insider tips and information
I am a relatively experienced camper and backpacker, though by no means an expert. I have browsed lots of similar titles in bookstores, but Camping for Dummies offered the most detail, tips and understandable advise of any. The writer's style is humorous and easy-to-read and his obviously experienced advise has proved invaluable on numerous weekend camping trips already. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about camping, or simply anyone who wants to pick up some more tips and skills so you feel more like Indiana Jones when outdoors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Camping & woodcraft    7. Family & Health    8. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Reviews (15)

Too Complicated
All the recipes are pretty advanced (and expensive).I'd like to see more easy dishes that don't take 5 hours to prepare and $100 per oven.

The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook
This is well organized and appealing book for outdoor cooker.If you have cast iron dutch oven, you have to have this one.
Great receipes, assumes basic skill however
I have been collecting and trying dutch oven receipes for some time and found the content of the Outdoor Dutch Oven book very solid.Some receipes are too involved for outdoor trips, but would work just fine in the kitchen.I originally checked the book out of the library, but was so impressed I thought it deserved to be purchased.The comments regarding no instruction on dutch oven skills are valid.You'll want another resource for that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Dutch oven cookery    5. Hiking    6. Methods - Special Appliances    7. Outdoor cookery    8. Sports    9. Gadget cookery    10. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Reviews (11)

Not Just for Backpacking, Truly Lipsmacking Recipes!
We have 8 backpacking cookbooks including both of Christine's books.Lipsmackin' Backpackin' is by far our most used book in our kitchen.The recipes are easy to follow, use easy to obtain foodstuffs, are tasty, quick to prepare, and are even great out car camping where storage space is still at a premium in our little VW campmobile or for a quick busy nite at home dinner.
Perfect expedition kayak cookbook
This book will become my bible for simple, fast & tasty outdoor meals.

Lipsmackin' Backpackin' - a compendium of excellent recipes
Tim and Christine spent many hours researching this book which was published in 2000. Drawing on their own experiences and that of acquaintances, Tim and Christine have provided us with yummy recipes that reflect many cultures and tastes. Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Hiking    5. Methods - Outdoor    6. Outdoor cookery    7. Sports & Recreation / Hiking   

Reviews (9)

The Bible of California Camping?
Maybe this Foghorn publication, California Camping by Tom Steinstra, is the bible of camping, at least for California, but it probably needs another good scrubbing or at least an editor.I have purchased this book twice, 03 and 05 editions, and a few things changed, e.g., when the listing for Palomar Mtn SP mentioned that Reserve America honored this park as one its Top 200 Family Campgrounds. This was a nice addendum to the last edition. But, in some cases, the editors, more than Steinstra, need to make the rounds, at least at the more popular sites.For example, California Camping mentions that El Capitan SB has one of the "best fishing" sites, but from what we have understood over the last few years is that fishing no longer even takes place in the nearby stream - due mostly to drought.Though, if someone said El Capitan is the best for Dolphin watching that would be entirely accurate.Also, Tillie Creek is rated "9" for scenery, apparently, but all the upper front and near the lake sites were closed this year not to mention there is no "creek running" in the summer.However, this book has proven over and over to be accurate in about 90% plus of its content which is great when you have kids.A couple of suggestions might help if, for example, in addition to the scenery rating, could there just be an overall rating, i.e. 1-10 based on Steinstra's standards or the type of campground? And, could the editors create a means by which campers and readers could report their findings back to the publisher? Could the editors make sure to get an accurate update from park rangers, agencies, and private campsites for any basic changes that might have occurred? Okay, so no matter what I say, California Camping is probably the best camping guide out there, in my opinion.I just would like author, editor, and publisher to make it a bit more current and relevent for the next edition, which, of course,I will most likely purchase.

Comprehensive and personal
I can't speak for the person who disagreed with some of the ratings. In my experience, this is an invaluable reference, and the personal descriptions of each campground are extremely helpful. Few references will go the extra mile to provide ratings and personal observations about each site like this one does. It's clear that the author has actually visited most of these sites, which is not always the case. It's a great book, and the anecdotes & camping advice in the introduction are very well-written. This book covers every kind of campsite in California, from hike-in primitive sites to RV parking lots. I highly recommend it.

Excellent Book!
I have actually purchased this book twice now, once about 10 years ago and it was the best book then! then I lost the book in the Cedar fire in 2003.Now we are ready to go camping again, so what book did I look for? That's right, the Complete Guide but realized it had been burned like all the others.So I quickly purchased it again, and upon its receipt and review am amazed at all the new campsites he has added and all the fantastic information! The one thing I miss-all my notes I had made in the other book! Oh well, time to start the new one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - Pacific - California    7. United States - West - Pacific (General)    8. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (9)

Absolutely Essential!
We recently completed a four-month motorhome trip to Alaska. We had several books with us, but the most consistent good information came from this book. The campground descriptions were right on. In addition to camping, when we had to decide whether to see one attraction vs another, the book's advice was invaluable. Don't leave home without it!

If you travel to Alaska in an RV, you need this book.
We bought several books to travel to Alaska in 2006.The milepost and this book were the only two we used.It is much easier to find a campground each night using this book over the milepost.The price information and personal recommendations were very helpful and accurate. I highly recomend it if you travel to alaska RV or camp in a tent.

Excellent Book
We used this book daily on our 20 day trip to Alaska in 2006.Each day I would look to see what campgrounds/RV parks were located in the area we were coming into for the night.The ratings were very accurate and helpful.We were never disappointed.I wouldn't go to Alaska without this book if you are planning on camping! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. Travel Guides - U.S.    5. United States - Pacific - Alaska    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. Camping & woodcraft    8. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)    9. USA   

Reviews (3)

Great "Catalogue" of American Log Construction
The golden era of handcrafted log construction was 1920's and 30's, and this wonderful book details, in project after project, the structures that had been built in America's National and State parks during that time. Cabins, lodges, visitor centers, even bridges, drinking fountains, fire pits, outhouses, and log benches-they all get photos, drawings, and commentary in this encyclopedic work.
great reference
This is a beautiful book and an excellent reference.It is a reprint of the three volume set published in 1938."Patterns From the Golden Age" is a cheaper reprint of the same thing - but the quality of the photos in this version is well worth the extra money.

Buildings and sites of the WPA and CCC era.
This is the best source book for the architectural projects and site concepts produced during the 1930's for the Works Projects Administration (WPA)and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).Albert Good's narrativeprovides insight into the motivating forces that employed thousands of outof work architects, engineers, skilled craftsmen and laborers to produceprojects that now form the core of our national and state parksystems.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Camping    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design & Drafting    5. Design and construction    6. Landscape    7. Landscape Architecture And Design    8. Park buildings    9. Public Buildings Architecture    10. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    11. Recreation areas    12. Sports    13. Sports & Recreation    14. United States    15. Architecture / Design & Drafting    16. Architecture / General    17. Garden design & planning    18. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    19. Landscape art & architecture    20. Park    21. Photographs: portraits    22. Recreation    23. USA   

Reviews (17)

A great buy, at that price...
For what you pay (less than 20 bucks), this book more than satisfies.The sheer breadth of the topics covered is astounding.But it seems that Tawrell went for quantity instead of quality when he wrote this.A lot of the information included in the book is too brief, whetting the reader's interest and then leaving him hanging.This lack of depth hurts Tawrell's credability a bit, but for a book this size, I can understand his need for brevity.The book would have been much better (but more expensive) with photos instead of illustrations.Also, a few reviewers have mentioned the grammatical errors that abound in the book.This bothers me too (I'm an editor), but I can look past it.It almost seems to give the book a sort of old-fashioned charm.The layout of the information is a bit messy sometimes, but again, I'm sure it was done to cram as much information into the book as possible. This is a great source to introduce readers to the wilderness.It almost functions as an encyclopedia of sorts, since it covers such a broad area.You won't be disappointed with this book.It's well worth the cost.Trust me.

Survival is to try this
I bought this book because of the boy scouts and my son and to re-freash my outdoor life.I found the book to be very good and full of good thing and after reading other peoples thoughts of this book is wrong because until you try it out or the tricks of how it works and they do for I tried them or most of them on campouts and a few classes I went through its just you trying it more then once on a few of them others no problem at all.The one that work of you keep them in mine and the ones that don't keep trying them you will find the loop hole as they say.. I would give this book a very good try specally for scouting.

A very Good Book
I also believe that the reviewers are being a bit too critical of the book; it is a guide to outdoor survival.It is not a textbook on magnetism nor the science of burning wood.What this book offers is sound advice that covers a broad and diverse range of topics.Using illustrations rather than vast amounts of text, I believe the author has provided more information than I need.This is, I believe, I positive attribute in comparison to most texts of the "survival" genre.I do agree, though, that the editing is the poorest aspect of this book.It seems, at times, that the book was edited too hastely.Verb tenses are often in disagreement and the textseems just end mid-sentence.Although I find this is often the case in these types of books, it is nonetheless bothersome.Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Safety    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (3)

Not only basic but for the experinced also
I am not a big fan of Cliff , but having said that, this book is one of his best. Many great tips are given and will keep food on the table/lap on those long trips.
A Good Amount of Unique Information
Although I found a lot of this book to be useful, I was most impressed with the author's system to conserve fuel and speed cooking time while cooking outdoors in colder climates.

great basic book
This is a great basic book 70 page book on this subject. I have about 10 different books on camp cooking, and this one covers many areas of outdoor cooking including camp stoves, fire making, selecting the right pots and pans. How to pack lightly is covered as well as sources to find things. Then there are the recipes which all work great and tste delicious. The writer has a homey style that is very comfortable to read, kind of like an old friend or uncle explaining things to you.The book is affordable. The interior illustrations are nice too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Methods - Outdoor    4. Outdoor cookery    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Active outdoor pursuits    8. Cooking / Outdoor    9. General cookery   

Reviews (2)

You mean it is in your backpack?
It's portable reference for everything backpacking. I can't imagine heading out into the wilderness without it. It covers everything from first-aid to a few sample recipies. The only thing I would change is an unexplicable change between the last edition and this one. Before the front and back covers were laminated which gave the book more survivability in your backpack. Since they bill it as a portable reference I'm at a loss to explain why it now has a standard cover. Obviously that has nothing to do with the info inside the book and that is, as I mentioned, invaluable.

Backpacker's Field Manual
For technique and a GREAT overall guide this book rates among the top.Add Walker IV, Mountaineering and Winter Hiking and Camping to the library and you are set for the outdoors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Camping    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hiking    5. Low-impact camping    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation / Camping