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Image by Suzanne Downing
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for resources to take your skills to the next level, it’s worth checking out one or all of these books. Through these books, you’ll get practical guidance on topics ranging from camping, hiking and navigation to trail meals and knot tying.
Within these books, you’ll find invaluable insights, tips and advice that will enhance your outdoor experience and provide the necessary knowledge and skills to become a more confident and skilled outdoor adventurer.
These books offer a wide range of practical topics, like how to pack lighter without sacrificing comfort, cooking nutritious meals while on the trail, planning your next camping trip with personalized recommendations, mastering essential knots for outdoor activities, and improving your navigation skills to (try to) never get lost again.
In these books, you’ll discover tips on selecting lightweight gear and optimizing your backpacking kit, ensuring that you pack smarter and more efficiently. You’ll also find easy-to-follow recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, which can be cooked with minimal equipment.
These five books will offer you a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance. While there are digital resources available (like the meal eBook), there’s something special about holding a physical book in your hands and immersing yourself in the content. So, grab your backpack, pick up these must-read books and get ready to hit the trail with newfound confidence and skills!
The 2oz. Backpacker: A Problem Solving Manual for Use in the Wilds
By Robert S. Wood
This book is a classic. Although Wood published it in 1982, the advice in this little book remains relevant. Weighing just 2 ounces (like the title suggests), this practical pocket guide is a valuable resource for backpackers looking to reduce their pack weight without compromising comfort. With tips on selecting lightweight gear and optimizing your backpacking kit, this book will help you pack smarter and more efficiently. You’ll also find tips on topics like improving shelters, how to deal with tent condensation, sprained ankles and foot care. Woods’ practical advice is backed up by years of experience, making this book an essential resource for anyone looking to hit the trail with a lighter load.
Trail Meals: Origin Edition eBook
By Monty Boca
Another great resource for outdoor enthusiasts looking to master the art of trail meals is the TrailMeals – Origin Edition – Ebook from Outdoor Eats by Monty Boca. The eBook features 20 recipes formatted for your smartphone, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and snacks that are easy to make and packable for any adventure. The recipes in the eBook are designed to provide maximum nutrition while minimizing weight, making them perfect for long hikes and backpacking trips. The book features a variety of meals that cater to different dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. In addition to the recipes, the eBook provides comprehensive information on meal planning, packing, and cooking gear, making it an all-in-one resource for trail meals. The eBook also includes tips and tricks for creating your own custom meals based on your preferences and dietary needs.
What sets the TrailMeals – Origin Edition – Ebook apart is its focus on using whole foods and fresh ingredients. Many of the recipes feature dried fruits, nuts, and grains, which are a great source of energy and nutrients. The ebook also includes a list of pantry staples that can be used to create a variety of meals.
Knack Knots You Need
By Buck Tilton
This book is a practical guide — with more than 450 photos — to essential knots for camping, hiking, boating, fishing and climbing. With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, this book will help you master a variety of knots that are essential for your outdoor adventures. Keep this book handy when you’re out so you can practice your bends, loops and hitches at camp.
Tilton also includes tips on when and where to use each knot, as well as common mistakes you can avoid. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoorsperson and knot tier, this book is sure to improve your knot-tying skills and boost your confidence when you’re in the wilderness.
Be Expert With Map & Compass
By Bjorn Kjellstrom
This is a comprehensive guide to helping you navigate the great outdoors. With detailed information on map and compass use and more advanced navigation techniques, this book is an invaluable resource for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers of all levels.
Kjellstrom’s clear and concise explanations are backed up by real-world examples and practical exercises — making it easy for you to apply the knowledge gained from this book to your next adventure. With Be Expert With Map & Compass by your side, you may never get lost in the wilderness again.
Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks
By Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi
Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks: The Best Campgrounds and Unique Outdoor Accommodations In and Around National Parks, Seashores, Monuments, and More is a comprehensive guide for outdoor enthusiasts who love to camp and explore the natural beauty of the United States’ national parks. This book is a must-have if you’re planning a camping trip to a national park — whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-time visitor.
The Puglisis provide detailed information on more than 300 campgrounds in 75 national parks, making it easy for you to plan your next adventure. The book covers everything from choosing the right campground for your needs to what to pack and how to stay safe in the great outdoors. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge from the authors who have personally visited each national park campground featured in the book.
Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.
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