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Surviving Joe: My Life In The Backcountry: Overcoming Demons, Drugs and Death
Embark on an incredible journey with outdoor YouTuber Joe Robinet as he explores the wild and untamed Canadian wilderness during a life-changing solo expedition! Follow along as he faces the trials of the backcountry and courageously tackles his inner battles with demons, drugs, and death. Through Joe's raw and authentic journals and videos, experience the ups and downs of survival, self-discovery, and significant personal growth. "Surviving Joe" is more than just another adventure story - it's a captivating tale of resilience and transformation!
EDITORIAL
“This book serves as a beacon of light for anyone navigating life's turbulent waters! Joe’s insightful and educational autobiography offers a guiding hand for those facing struggles, whether at the campsite or within their own mind. I found solace in Joe's content during a low point in my own life. He inspires everyone to embrace the outdoors, confront their own demons, and be open to learning!”
Adam Pedersen
Filmmaker & Director of "Nerves"
www.adampedersen.ca
“In this gripping autobiography, Joe takes readers on a profound and emotional journey through the Canadian wilderness and the depths of their own struggles. The honesty and vulnerability displayed throughout the book make it a compelling and relatable read for anyone facing their own battles.”
Brian Aspinall
Code Breaker Inc.
www.codebreakeredu.com
"We first met Joe during the early days of AGAWA, and his adventurous spirit has been a continuous source of inspiration ever since. His willingness to openly share both the triumphs and struggles of his backcountry adventures and life has invited numerous people to join him on his journey. Joe's creativity, passion, and authenticity serve as a powerful reminder of why wilderness stories and experiences hold such profound significance."
Graham Beck & Brad Rothwell
Agawa Gear
www.agawagear.com
"We have been delighted to support Joe on his numerous Wabakimi adventures. Joe has a deep passion for the wilderness, with a special fondness for Wabakimi. He enjoys sharing this love with his fans and subscribers. Joe demonstrates physical toughness while also showing gentle care for the boreal forest!”
Bruce Hyer
Wabakimi Outfitters
www.wabakimi.com
"Joe is one of the most authentic and raw voices in the backcountry and bushcrafting scene. This book is a deeply personal story of how Joe’s immersion in the Canadian wilderness allows him to navigate his personal wilderness within.”
Dan Durston
President & Product Durston Gear
www.durstongear.com
“Joe Robinet’s journey through unimaginable hardship is a testament to his resilience, honesty, and strength. He’s not only a Canadian icon and generational talent, but also a personal inspiration to both of us!”
Jason Machado and Breton Kennedy
Hamilton Adventure Expo
www.hamiltonadventureexpo.com
"Joe is an inspiration to us all! His true love for the outdoors, for a life that embraces hardships, and his loyalty to his family are a model worth emulating.”
Brice Hoskin
Ganesha Cookstove Project
www.ganeshastove.
EDITORIAL
“This book serves as a beacon of light for anyone navigating life's turbulent waters! Joe’s insightful and educational autobiography offers a guiding hand for those facing struggles, whether at the campsite or within their own mind. I found solace in Joe's content during a low point in my own life. He inspires everyone to embrace the outdoors, confront their own demons, and be open to learning!”
Adam Pedersen
Filmmaker & Director of "Nerves"
www.adampedersen.ca
“In this gripping autobiography, Joe takes readers on a profound and emotional journey through the Canadian wilderness and the depths of their own struggles. The honesty and vulnerability displayed throughout the book make it a compelling and relatable read for anyone facing their own battles.”
Brian Aspinall
Code Breaker Inc.
www.codebreakeredu.com
"We first met Joe during the early days of AGAWA, and his adventurous spirit has been a continuous source of inspiration ever since. His willingness to openly share both the triumphs and struggles of his backcountry adventures and life has invited numerous people to join him on his journey. Joe's creativity, passion, and authenticity serve as a powerful reminder of why wilderness stories and experiences hold such profound significance."
Graham Beck & Brad Rothwell
Agawa Gear
www.agawagear.com
"We have been delighted to support Joe on his numerous Wabakimi adventures. Joe has a deep passion for the wilderness, with a special fondness for Wabakimi. He enjoys sharing this love with his fans and subscribers. Joe demonstrates physical toughness while also showing gentle care for the boreal forest!”
Bruce Hyer
Wabakimi Outfitters
www.wabakimi.com
"Joe is one of the most authentic and raw voices in the backcountry and bushcrafting scene. This book is a deeply personal story of how Joe’s immersion in the Canadian wilderness allows him to navigate his personal wilderness within.”
Dan Durston
President & Product Durston Gear
www.durstongear.com
“Joe Robinet’s journey through unimaginable hardship is a testament to his resilience, honesty, and strength. He’s not only a Canadian icon and generational talent, but also a personal inspiration to both of us!”
Jason Machado and Breton Kennedy
Hamilton Adventure Expo
www.hamiltonadventureexpo.com
"Joe is an inspiration to us all! His true love for the outdoors, for a life that embraces hardships, and his loyalty to his family are a model worth emulating.”
Brice Hoskin
Ganesha Cookstove Project
www.ganeshastove.
247 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 20, 2026
I have been following Joe on YouTube since the early days of his journey
I have always sensed that he and I probably had a very similar story which is why I kept on watching and coming back to his videos
Reading through this book helps me to understand him and his journey at a much deeper level
It’s helped me to respect him even more
Anyone that can go through what he has done and pull himself back up from the depths of hell and addiction is somebody I would be proud to say I’m a fan of
I loved how this book combined journal entries together with his life story that culminated together towards the end
If you love the outdoors, go look up Joe on YouTube and definitely read this book
I have always sensed that he and I probably had a very similar story which is why I kept on watching and coming back to his videos
Reading through this book helps me to understand him and his journey at a much deeper level
It’s helped me to respect him even more
Anyone that can go through what he has done and pull himself back up from the depths of hell and addiction is somebody I would be proud to say I’m a fan of
I loved how this book combined journal entries together with his life story that culminated together towards the end
If you love the outdoors, go look up Joe on YouTube and definitely read this book
April 28, 2026
Finally, the truth!!
I’m floored by the amount of honesty in this book! Though, my emotions are torn. In split between, “Joe, why did you lie?! You never had to lie to us!” and “Thank you, Joe, for finally being honest with us!”
I pray for Joe to stay strong on this new journey; one that will last for the rest of his life! Also for him to not be afraid, or to feel like he needs to hide from truth or pain or the unknown.
Always remember, Joe…I love you, no matter what. I will never abandon you. You will always be loved.
I’m floored by the amount of honesty in this book! Though, my emotions are torn. In split between, “Joe, why did you lie?! You never had to lie to us!” and “Thank you, Joe, for finally being honest with us!”
I pray for Joe to stay strong on this new journey; one that will last for the rest of his life! Also for him to not be afraid, or to feel like he needs to hide from truth or pain or the unknown.
Always remember, Joe…I love you, no matter what. I will never abandon you. You will always be loved.
April 1, 2026
Raw, real and honest in a way that only Joe could pull off.
August 5, 2026
A page-turning account of Joe’s life. His honesty and vulnerability is refreshing and inspiring. Thank you, Joe!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews