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The Ultimate Backcountry Survival Manual

Published by Weldon Owen
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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About The Book

When it’s you against the wilderness, you need to be prepared for whatever life can throw at you. Whether you’re planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail or camping off the beaten path in your nearby state park, being out in the wild comes with inherent risks. From the everyday disruptions to the extreme circumstances, the Total Backcountry Survival Manual has you covered. With high-quality design, intricate detail, and a durable flexicover—this manual is the perfect gift!

While you’re heading into a world of fun and adventure, you’re heading into a world of possible trouble - if you’re not prepared. Luckily the experienced backcountry trekkers, guides, and sportsmen at Outdoor Life are here to get you through any outdoor endeavor.

Prepare and Plan From those fishing weekends sleeping under the stars to the hike of a lifetime, preparation is important. Crucial tips for map reading and how to properly pack all your gear, accompany the like of the gear guide and important hydration information.

Trail Threats How to get by a damaged section of the trail, deal with mountain lions and coyotes, injury prevention and more.
Camp and Eat Responsibly To spotting a good camping site off the trail, to getting sustenance that’s safe to eat, to controlling a campfire – find all the practical skills you need to (literally) live on the trail.

How to Make it out Alive Put simply, how to get out of there when everything goes wrong.

Find these top tips and more in the Total Backcountry Survival Manual, all brought to you by the professionals who have been there - and made it out alive.

Excerpt

Tip 011: Pack Your Bag
 
At the heart of every backcountry setup are ten basic items. These create a foundation to keep you safe, comfortable, and oriented while you are in the wilderness. Keep in mind these items should be high quality. Your life may depend on them.
 
TENT An ultra-light three- or four-season tent.
 
BACKPACK This is where it all starts—the right pack makes all the difference. Look for a comfortable, lightweight internal-frame pack.
 
SLEEPING PAD Ultra compact inflatable pads make sleeping much more comfortable.
 
MAP & COMPASS Electronics can fail. Be sure you have a compass and topo map of your area, and know how to use them.
 
COOKSET All you need to pack are a compact stove with fuel, titanium pot, and titanium spork.
 
WATER PURIFICATION This might be tablets, drops, or a small mechanical purifier.
 
CANTEEN Use a stainless Klean Kanteen; boil water in it to purify.
 
FIRE STARTER Both a weatherproof lighter and waterproof matches.
 
HEADLAMP Bring a compact LED light & extra batteries.
 
SLEEPING BAG You’ll want a zero degree down bag with watertight shell.
 

About The Author

Aram von Benedikt grew up in southern Utah, running wild through the desert canyons and high mountains that form the region. Horses, cattle, guns, bows, and ropes were his early teachers, in conjunction with several thousand books that replaced a TV in his home. He studied one winter at Brigham Young University, then chose to return to the School of the Wilderness to further his education. He owned and operated his own small outfitting business in Utah for ten years, before working as wildlife manager for a 386,000-acre low-fence ranch in West Texas for two years. After experiencing an epiphany that raising his kids and being self-sufficient was more important than money, he moved home to Utah to do just that. He now resides in his hometown with his wife, Trina, and five young children, in a log house that he built with his own hands. Aram has hunted and guided from Arizona to Montana, and for everything from javelina to moose. He’s hunted extensively with rifle, traditional muzzleloader, and bow, among other things harvesting a Henry Mountains Bison with a longbow, and the largest bull elk ever killed (402 gross) with a Flintlock rifle. He builds his own saddles, bows, arrows, longrifles, and buckskins, and trains his own horses. He fell into the outdoor writing profession accidentally, when an editor got the impression that he had “authentic” experience and ability, and enough skill with the English language to make himself understood—sort of. It’s now competing with his kids and beef cows for attention.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Weldon Owen (May 31, 2016)
  • Length: 224 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781681880464

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