Any Suggestions on Good Outdoor Advice Books?

Question:

I’ve read many outdoor books to get up to speed on camping, cooking, hiking, etc. I would like to hear what your choices of books might be in the outdoor education area. One of my complaints is that they all start to sound the same.

Answer:

If you’ve read several how-to books, you’ve paid your dues, Tom.

I’ve got the perfect solution. Don’t spend any more money on books. Think magazine subscription!

There’s this killer magazine called Backpacker, and it’s only $15 bucks a year for 9 issues! It’s full of gorgeous photos, practical advice, killer trips, countless clever techniques, the best gear reviews, yummy recipes, and amazing maps. Plus, the editors are brilliant, funny, and all very beautiful.

OK, enough wise-assing. I’m actually really serious. You’ll get way more useful info out of one year of Backpacker than you will a shelf-full of out-dated how-to books.

There is one exception, though. One book you simply must read: It’s a pocket-sized little gem called “Don’t Forget the Duct Tape” by Kristin Hostetter (why does that name sound so familiar?. It’s chock full of easy, practical tips and tricks for keeping your outdoor gear in good working order, and techniques on how to fix something if you have a blowout. And it only costs $8 bucks, so you can easily buy one for everyone you know.

OK, OK, now I really am serious. Ask a writer/editor to suggest her favorite reading material? What do you expect Tom?

—Kristin