NOLS Soft Paths

by David Cole, Dana Watts (Foreword)

- Leave No Trace, minimum impact skills and ethics - New research and field experience prescribe better minimum-impact techniques for wilderness use - Expanded information on camping practices - How far you should camp from water, where to pitch your tent, how to build a fire or if you should build one in the first place - Respecting and caring for wildlands, doing your part to protect our limited resources and future recreation opportunities - Trampling, litter, waste disposal, fire use, wildlife health, and protecting cultural resources

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2011

Reviews

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite thought provoking. I don't believe one should simply read it. Rather, they should meditate on the principles outlined in the book and truly consider the kind of impact they want to have on our wild places.

As a wilderness guide, I believe that nature holds physical, mental, and emotional value. I want everyone to love it as much as I do, and with that love comes a responsibility of preservation. Share your love of the outdoors, and share this wonderfully written book, too - I highly recommend it!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though most of this might seem like common sense, I think everyone who wants to go experience the outdoors should read this. It really helps you to be more aware of what your actions do. We really should protect out wilderness for others to enjoy in future generations, as well as just for the wilderness to survive. I've never really thought about how we should be considerate to others enjoying the outdoors, such as walking in smaller groups since big groups don't seem nice to anyone passing by. I found it funny that the majority of people dislike hiking where horses are allowed. I am also more conscious of stopping and stepping off the trail with my dog whenever someone may be passing us either way rather than continuing to walk to mitigate the trail from widening even more. I am also practicing walking in single file with my hiking groups more now.

[Martin Bassani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based in science and common sense, the authors formulate guiding principles for our behavior in different wilderness areas.