Reviews (39)

Old, presented as New!
I'm not sure why the publish date is listed as Jan. 1, 1992.The cover clearly shows the publish date as October, 1970.
Um, You Don't Have To Pay For This.
This, like many other military manuals, is available online.Just type the FM number into your search box and a list of links to it will magically appear.

A true disappointment.
This book is very disappointing. Poorly written and with weak descriptions leaves the inexperienced outdoorsmen with a false sense of security. Just because there happens to be a section on a particular skill does not translate into the ability of the reader to follow the lousy instructions to complete said skill. If anyone wants to learn survival skills they would be well suited to take a course and view first-hand the execution of the skills by an experienced practitioner of them. Purchase another book and let this one pass. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Military    4. Reference    5. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills    6. Survival skills    7. Dept. of the Army    8. FM manual 21-76    9. Outdoor Skills    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Survival    12. Survival after airplane accide    13. United States    14. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (35)

This is a terrific insight into the Sierra and to the Park Service Rangers
I loved the book. I spent 20 years backpacking in this same area every summer in the same time span and loved the insights and details of the author regarding the environment. Wallace Stegner gave advice (detailed in the book) to Randy about how difficult it is to write in general about nature. Eric Blehm successfully overcomes this difficulty. I felt back in the mountains and reliving my experiences due to his details. Thank you Eric. The dedication and professionalism of the park rangers in the search is a tribute to these men and women. Thank you to them also.

Who, or what killed Randy Morgenson
Eric Blehm's book "The Last Season is the biography of a Sierra Nevada National Park Ranger, Randy Morgenson. Despite decades of experience and an intimate knowledge of the terrain in which Morgenson patrols, he goes missing. Blehm captures the search and rescue operation that spans over years and in the process details Morgenson's life history.
A stunning book abouthuman nature and the natural world
I will admit that I usually do not do things like review books. This book though has been one of the most enduring books that I have ever read. In a most tragic way it shows one mans bond with the natural world that few if any will ever match. Then it goes on to show the nature of those closest to him, and the profound impact he left on their lives both in life and in death. Reading this book has totally changed my outlook on the natural world. Thank You Eric Blehm for delivering the "Gospel" of Randy Morgenson to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1942-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. General    7. Morgenson, James Randall,    8. Mountains    9. Outdoor Skills    10. Park rangers    11. Parks    12. Sequoia National Park (Calif.)    13. Sports - General    14. United States    15. Nature / General   

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 (69)

Hike on!
As a somewhat outdoor type (ski regularly, backcountry camp about once a year) I found this to be a pretty fascinating look at survival that comes at it from many different perspectives.It is not a survival guide per se.It is not an in-depth account of the survival stories that it tells (most of these stories can be found more detailed in more exhaustive accounts like "Touching The Void".)What this book is (as the cover indicates) is a look at that profound question of why some survive and others don't and what drives us to risk our lives for thrills.Like the systems he describes, even this question has many factors.There is no one way to survive, or one factor that makes somebody a survivor.All too often, the greatest "survivor", doesn't.And realizing and accepting that fact seems to be a big part in giving the best effort to beat the odds.
Compelling journalistic account about the moxie of survivor-adventurers
Elements of "Deep Survival" were quite memorable, especially the story of the ill-fated sailing venture where one incredible woman managed to survive unbelievably difficult circumstances.The work did remind me "The Perfect Storm" at that point.However, I agree with another review that the lengthy summary of Joe Simpson's ordeal on the West Face of Suila Grande WAS lackluster in comparison with the actual narrative in "Touching the Void.As a long-time climber, I found Gonzales' account of the tragedy on Mt. Hood realistic and compelling. Those of us who have survived mountain accidents can certainly identify with the stories related by the survivors of the fall down the ice field and with Gonzales' handling of that horrible event.My hands started sweating as I recalled some of my more harrowing adventures in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.He's clearly a journalist/adventurer a la Jon Krakauer, not a scientist, so anyone reading the book should read the technical passages about neuroscience, etc. in that context.

Enjoy but beware of the wilderness.
Wilderness is so-called because it instills an element of fear and awe to those who live by the predictable rhythms of urban and suburban life (of course, there is also such a thing as urban wilderness; same rules as spelled out in this book may also apply).Wilderness is there to appreciate by those who should also be cognizant of its risks and any unforeseen circumstances.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Social, group or collective psychology   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (20)

A great guide to getting out of a survival situation.
Unless something is wrong with you, your goal when thrust into a survival situation is to get out of it as fast as you can. That is the premise of this book. You won't find detailed instructions on building and using a fire bow. You won't find recomendations on the biggest, baddest knife. The one used in the book has about a 4 inch blade and retails for less than $20. You will find practicle suggestions for fire. You will also find suggestions on assembling a survival kit that's thorough but not enormous. There is scientific discussion on the human body's reaction to the environment. All of this is presented in a humorous style. The book focuses on preparation for a survival situation and how to get out of it. Not learning flint knapping, snare building, dead falls, etc. I found the book informative and easy to read. Those offended by the few cartoon characters should get a life.

98.6 Rates a 100%
Down to earth, straight forward, factual, No BS here.
Much better titles out there
Besides the dedication to "all Beings of Light," living "within a conscious understanding of our true Selves" and his gratitude for "all the Ascended and Cosmic Ones, to all the Archangels, Archeia, and angels, elementals, and Elohim"... and his characters "Elvis Parsley, Willy Nilly" and others, by the time you weed through all his flakey or cutesie fluff content, the meat on the bone is practical and useful, but lost.By three chapters in, I truly felt like I had wasted my time.
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Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Wilderness survival    6. Health & Fitness / Health Care Issues    7. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    8. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Reviews (1)

Safety above all else
Although this book may not cover EVERY detail about back country survival, it definitely gives some good pointers whether a person is in a large group or a small one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. First Aid    3. First aid in illness and injur    4. First aid in illness and injury    5. Mountaineering injuries    6. Outdoor Skills    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Baseball    2. Baseball - History    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports Broadcasting    7. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (16)

Excellent instruction and easy to read
This book provides excellent instruction on land navigation.Even if you know nothing of how to use a compass or map when you begin reading, you'll have a good working knowledge by the time you're through with the book.It is well written, easy to understand and even includes a fold-out topographic map in the back (actually, about a third of a topographic map, but it gets the job done).The map allows you to work the exercises found in the book (which are quite helpful).The book was written some time ago and Hjellstrom does focus on the sport of orienteering, but as the entire point of that activity is navigation using a map and compass, I don't see this as a negative.As others have pointed-out he does not cover newer topics such as GPS or altimeters, but if you're buying it to learn to use a map and compass, that really isn't an issue either.This is a well written book that provides solid instruction and is certainly worth the purchase price.

Good Read
This is a must read for teens or adults wishing to learn how to read and use maps and compass.From hiking in the nations parks to your local wooded areas, learning what is in this book will make sure you are NEVER lost!

A good primer
If you want to get the basics in an easy to read format, this is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Compass    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Hiking    4. Maps    5. Orienteering    6. Outdoor Life    7. Outdoor Skills    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Walking    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General    12. Maps, charts & atlases    13. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (1)

Peacock Springs
It is what it is - a detailed book about Peacock Springs and some of the other U/W caves of north Florida.It is detailed, well researched book on a specific cave system, from a scuba divers point of view.If you want to learn about this area - might be the ONLY book you can get - hence it is invaluable.Has sections on the biology of caves, geology, maps of caves, past explorers, etc.
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Subjects:  1. Outdoor Skills    2. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (48)

Kauai on a shoestring
If you're curious about what Kauai is like and what there is to do there, Kauai Trailblazer is your guide. Practical info is as good as you can get and their style is lively and positive.We counted on it day by day to get us to the highs. The locals even gave it the two thumbs up. We stayed in the plantation cottages they recommended and never looked back. Our getaway turned out to be not that expensive. We're going back for more at Christmas.

Prime guide
HIGHLY recommended.We designed our own itinerary weeks ahead looking at all the photos in the book.A virtual Kauai. Another good feature is their layout.The hikes and snorkeling spots are grouped according to place.As we circled around we knew exactly what there was to do in each town. In the front of the book, before the list of hikes is the authors "Best" list.Start there. If this is your first visit, this is the book to have.

Puuokila Hiking
If you are lucky enough to vacation on Kauai you should take the hike on page 170.It follows the highest rim along the top of the Kalalau Valley.The view down is an everchanging dreamscape.We followed the trail all the way to the Alakai Swamp, an all dayer, and when we returned around five the valley view took on a whole other personality with swirling clouds that were pink and orange.We made a poster of the photo we took at sunset. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Guidebooks    3. Hawaii    4. Kauai    5. Kauai (Hawaii)    6. Outdoor recreation    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Sports & Recreation / Hiking    9. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills    10. Travel    11. Travel - United States    12. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    13. United States - West - Pacific (General)    14. Hiking   

Reviews (1)

A 'must' for any who might need basic survival skills
Soldiers need to know how to read maps accurately, how to navigate, and how to understand all manner of maps, compasses, celestial navigation and more. So does the outdoorsman. For the military and the outdoors wilderness trekker, U.S. Army Map Reading And Land Navigation Handbook provides basic instruction on grids, scale and distance, reading overlays and using navigation equipment. A 'must' for any who might need basic survival skills.
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Subjects:  1. Army    2. Handbooks & Manuals    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Map reading    5. Maps, Military    6. Outdoor Skills    7. Reference    8. United States    9. Geography    10. Land forces & warfare    11. Outdoor survival skills    12. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (10)

Hey Ranger is a Good Book to Read
I have always wondered about the job of a National Parks Ranger.It was very enjoyable to read about experiences.It was also nice to read a little about the National Parks where the author worked.

Ah....The Memories!
Like a great song from years ago, Jim Burnett's stories hit you (and your funny bone) with nostalgia that takes you back to another time and place. My father was a Park Ranger for many years and the stories he told around the supper table keep in time with these (though I never remember laughing as hard as I did when I read about beavers gnawing on boat props!). Thanks for spinning some funny yarns about the outdoor-impaired! Now, if we could only get a reality show called..."So, you want to be a Park Ranger..."

Laugh and Learn
We saw this book while on vacation in Shenandoah National Park and decided to take a copy home. It was so much fun that we took turns reading it out loud in the car during the drive back. Our family has been campers and hikers for years, so we didn't have trouble believing some of the dumb things people do in parks, especially when it comes to wild animals. The author includes some really good tips for anybody planning a trip to the outdoors, but most of the learning is well disguised in the humor. This is a fun book for just about anybody. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accidents    2. Anecdotes    3. Form - Essays    4. General    5. Humor    6. National parks and reserves    7. Outdoor Life    8. Outdoor Skills    9. Parks & Campgrounds    10. Satire And Humor    11. United States    12. Travel / General    13. Travel writing    14. USA   

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 (10)

Excellent training book
This book delivers what it says, "Training for Climbing". It is not a technique book but very specifically a guide to training most efficiently for climbing. If you want to climber harder, this book provides lots of good advice.

Thank you for this book!
I am an intermediate climber and have been searching for a good source of training techniques to better myself and accomplish more advanced climbs. "Training for Climbing" was suggested by the folks that work at my gym, so I ran out and bought it. This book is so full of information, that I'll be devouring it for weeks! Everything I've read so far is very fact based and straight forward. The parts on developing mental skills are especially interesting to me, as concentration is one of my biggest areas to work on.
Just what I was looking for...
I've been climbing for a few years and I wanted to begin a more serious, structured training program to help me break through to the higher grades. Training For Climbing is the book I was looking for, given its scientific look at improving technique, strength and the mind. While such a detailed, measured approach to training may not be for everyone, it has great appeal to me as a longtime athlete who engaged in formal training for other sports. Training For Climbing helped me understand the many unique aspects to, well, training for climbing, which I found to be much different than what I had been used to from my previous sports experience. Furthermore, I enjoyed seeing the many research references and footnotes, and more importantly I was pleased by the overall LACK of "do as so-and-so hot-shot climber does" or "train like I train." Training For Climbing helped me diagnose and design the best training program for me, and I sense that the book will remain a key resource for me for many years to come. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mountaineering    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Rock climbing    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Training    7. Climbing & mountaineering    8. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (5)

GPS Book
I belive this book is just a little more them a book for dummies. I still don't think I picked the right book for me. I still feel like I am in the dark.
Great Book for beginners and advanced users
Tons of good information to get started with using a GPS, goes beyond the basics. Really a very good starter book. Once you get this book, I would also recomend "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching" and the Owing's "GPS Mapping". With GPS for Dummies and my Garmins 60CS manual, I was able to hit the trail in a few hours. With the other books as complement, I have become very accurate locating waypoints when I do horse riding or 4x4 trips.

Not for outdoor beginners
This book sends people out in the field with a GPS but without the knowledge of whatto do when the batteries die or the electronics fail (it happens!). If you really are a "dummy," you should also learn the basics of navigation before relying on an electronic device that can leave you stranded. Better choices that are very readable: The Land Navigation Handbook (new edition includes GPS info) and Wilderness Navigation (less detailed). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Global Positioning System    2. Microcomputers    3. Navigation    4. Outdoor Skills    5. Satellite Communication Technology    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Boating    10. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (6)

A beautiful introduction to an addictive hobby
Honestly, we didn't expect this to be an in-depth letterboxing tool, just a neat way to explain the hobby to our kids, and interested family members.
The Gate to a New Hobby
This compact little book is both a great overview of the wonderful world of letterboxing as well as great "how to" practical knowledge about this hobby.

The Letterboxer's Companion
Good material to get you started.Very good reading for the beginner.However, this book will soon be sitting on the shelf as it has no advanced information. Still, worth the purchase. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games/Puzzles    2. Hiking    3. Letterboxing (Game)    4. Outdoor Skills    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    7. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation / Hiking   

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 (12)

Clears up the muddy water
I've hunted since the 60's. I got serious about Whitetails around 92'.
Advanced Mapping
Finally! An excellent book I can't imagine any serious hunter not owning! Before reading this book, it took me years of mistakes and hours of wasted time in the wrong spots to hunt. It all makes sense when I compare my few encounters of success, with the great information provided in this well-written book.I can't wait to see an "Advanced Mapping" edition!!!! Please Brad, share more of this great advice!

The Master of Topography.
Brad Herndon is a master at using the terrain to tag whitetailed deer.Before reading this book, I knew whitetails used terrain funnels to travel, but I did not understand how to recognize them.All of that changed when I read 'Mapping Trophy Bucks.'I can now view a topo map of an area I've never set foot on and pick out the best places for a hunt.My deer sightings have gone up tenfold!!
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Subjects:  1. Deer hunting    2. Hunting - Deer Hunting    3. Hunting - General    4. Hunting Sports    5. Outdoor Skills    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. White-tailed deer hunting    9. Domestic animals & pets   

Reviews (16)

Fantastic book for physicians in extreme situations
There are situations, particularly amongst doctors living in the Third World, or even in very remote areas (of any country), that are presented to her, whether or not she is a surgeon. Even if she is a general practitioner, it is the doctor who is duty-bound to help, for she is the most qualified of all and to whom folks will turn to when such situations occur. If she is a Pre-Hospital Care Provider, in disaster or war situations, it is up to her to provide advanced medical procedures, before the patient makes it to the distant hospital. This is a book for those extreme situations, where action must be taken, at a time when conditions are not the ones one would wish for. If you think you might be in that situation, if you plan to stay 6 months in the Amazon jungle amongst the indians near a zone with land conflict, or you plan to work as a GP in catastrophies, I think this is a book you might want to have. The surgeon guy might not be around when you need him most...There are times for administering pills, and there are times that require a ligature. Of course, you *know* that.
Was in Africa with Author - A Great Combat Medic
Hugh "Doc" Coffee's book is in use by many SF medics and other folks who often go in harms way. Coffee gets right to the bottom line in dealing with the subject of field trauma first aid and "meatball surgery."He learned it the hard way during the guerrilla war in Guatemala -- patching up troops on hilltops where no doctor would go. I may be biased as he's a good friend and I was on a medical team in Kenya and the southern Sudan (Sudanese guerrilla war) with him, but anyone who is a combat medic or who may need to perform first aid in the third world needs to read this book.Coffee is a fount of knowledg on the subject and imparts it clearly and concisely to the reader. Amongst his legion of fans there's hundreds of us anxiously awaiting Ditch 2. Gets no better than this
It doesn't matter where you are, or what the situation is, if you, a team member, family member or friend is injured, you do what you have to do to save their life or treat the condition! Period! As survivalists we know that we may not always have access to a sanitary emergency room and a half-asleep doctor in the middle of the night. If that time comes, this is the book to have! This book teaches advanced field procedures for small wound repair, pain control, care of infected wounds, IV therapy, amputations, treatment of burns, airway procedures and much much more.Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Accident & emergency medicine    4. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (18)

Required reading
'Awol on the Appalachian Trail' is, quite simply, a wonderful book from start to finish.I have to say that it is one of the most enjoyable, honest, and inspiring accounts that I have read in a long time.This is the best book on the AT that I have yet found.
Spot On
I thru-hiked the AT myself in '02 and can tell you this book does a great job of relaying what the experience is all about. David does a great job of balancing his account without getting too whimsical or too grounded. If your looking for an honest account of the rewards and hardships that one gets when they drop out of society for months and hike over 2000 miles, then you've found your book.

A great account of a thru hike
I found Miller's account of his thru hikegave me a taste of both the agony and ecstasy involved. I felt it was an objective account of this true life adventure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Mountains    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation