A Woman's Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook

by Ruby McConnell

"The book every outdoor-loving woman should have on her shelf."
—Misadventures Magazine

Hike, camp, backpack, and navigate the wilderness like a pro with this personable guide to outdoor adventure. This fun, practical handbook covers everything from “feminine functions” (like dealing with your period and peeing in the woods) to staying safe (like protecting yourself from strangers). You'll also find chapters that help you prepare for—and make the most of—your time in the wilderness with information and advice
 
• Gear lists
• Personal Care
• Camp setup
• Fire building
• Weather
• Navigation
• Food & Water
 
Fun and informative, A Woman's Guide to the Wild will inspire you to get out on your own or with your girlfriends, explore the wilderness, and get a little dirty.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Nature, Reference, Adventure, Adult, Travel

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2016

About the author

Ruby McConnell is a writer, geologist, and adventuress whose work focuses on nature, the environment, and the relationship between landscape and the human experience. Her experiences as a researcher, activist, and explorer in the wildlands of the western United States led her write A Woman’s Guide to the Wild- the definitive outdoor guide for anyone who identifies as, or loves, women (or just wants to learn how to read a map) and its companion, A Girl’s Guide to the Wild (spring 2019). Ruby believes that positive outdoor experiences are the key to healthy living and protecting the environment and is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent all kinds of people from being outside. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Grain Literary Journal, Oregon Humanities Magazine, and Mother Earth News and was awarded an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship in 2016. She is almost always in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, but you can find her online at www.rubymcconnell.com and @RubyGoneWild.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. Fantastic information for all women who want to be outdoors. Not just for camping but little hikes as well. I learned a lot and the graphics are perfect. I really want to buy a copy for all the women in my life!

[F Black]

This was really no more than a girl scout guide plus menstruation advice. Really bare bones stuff, and the writing is too saccharine.
Like other commenters, I felt this was geared only toward white, affluent, cis, straight women.

[Leandra Toomoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from my husband in preparation for an upcoming camping trip, but what I discovered was a blend of not only essential information of surviving the wild, but a voice heartened by the celebration of the female living in what once was a man's territory. I appreciated her investigation into exploring the outdoors, especially concerning designing a livable campsite, comfortable clothes for the female form, dealing with personal hygiene, and avoiding injury or illness while on the trail. I also appreciated her inclusion of DIY projects and camping-friendly recipes as many of them were adopted during my own recent camping experience. This book began as a Kickstarter project, and I am so glad that it was supported and funded as we need more voices, such as this, proving that women can be just as (if not more) resourceful, innovative, persistent, and strong as our male camping-counterparts.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free through Goodreads give aways.

This book has literally everything a woman needs to know about camping. Even what to do about menstruation! My favorite part personally was the recipe section. There are quite a few recipes and how to cook them outside.

I have to admit. I am not a super outdoorsy person so this book was perfect for me. As someone who has spent most of my life thus far inside so I needed even basic knowledge. This covered everything I would need to know.

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite all the information in this book it is glaringly apparent this book was written by a straight woman desperately in need of feminism. The bit about how to wear makeup while camping (the author admits she's worn eyeliner and mascara everyday of her life since she was 15) and the encouragement of wearing a 'hiking skirt or dress' was physically painful to read.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very good. Seems like someone read both Wild and Eat Pray Love and fancied a go at a mash-up. Unfortunately she's not a super talented writer. She tried, I guess?

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would recommend to women who are just starting their outdoor journeys. Though I am more experienced, I did still find some valuable resources and tips.

The only thing I had an issue with was the outdoor etiquette and building cairns - it is the exact opposite of what I was taught and what is currently advised by the NPS:

•Do not tamper with cairns – If an intentional cairn is tampered with or an unauthorized one is built, then future visitors may become disoriented or even lost.
•Do not build unauthorized cairns – Moving rocks disturbs the soil and makes the area more prone to erosion. Disturbing rocks also disturbs fragile vegetation and micro ecosystems.
•Do not add to existing cairns – Authorized cairns are carefully designed. Adding to the pile can actually cause them to collapse.

[Julia Shumway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because even if this didn't tell me EVERYTHING I wanted to know, it told me a lot, and it told me where to find everything else. McConnell covered everything I wanted to know in some level of detail, which was enough for me to know which things I want to research further and which areas I am already competent in.

For me, reading this book was about building my wilderness confidence. I realized that I know a lot more than I realized.

There were also great ideas specific to women that I hadn't realized, e.g., of course a menstrual cup would be the easiest way to do leave-no-tracr camping on a period.

I'd highly recommend this book for anyone who has done some amount of camping but wants to do more and feel more confident.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this from the library and read through it in an hour or so ahead of a camping trip.

It has a lot of good basic information and is very woman-positive. It seemed like a lot of the info was about back-country trips rather than car camping. This seems odd to me as a beginner’s guide? But at the same time I appreciate that there wasn’t an assumption that women only car camp.

That said, if you are going straight to backpacking... you would need more than this book. It is an introduction and confidence booster.

I found it very odd that she doesn’t talk about safely camping alone more. She suggests a self-defense class and a whistle; that’s about it.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and amusingly written. I admit I didn’t read this manual in it’s entirety and instead skipped about to applicable portions, as I’m not planning on a long camping trip anytime soon. But the portions I did read were informative, and the menu of food that she brings on trips sounds absolutely delicious.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of frank, superb, no-holds-barred advice perfect for answering all those questions you either can't get your male camping friends to answer (or they won't know in the first place) or are too embarrassed to google yourself. It was a little Pacific Northwest heavy but folks in other locations will find plenty of applicable info. Already proved useful on my last camping trip.

[Rebecca W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this little handbook! It contains so much critical information for hikers/campers. And don't let the title fool you, there's so much information that is advantages for any one who enjoys outdoor activities! Everything was explained clearly and with a fun style! Definitely hope to add it to my personal library one day!

[Myra Scholze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed this one. I really really like that there is a book written from a women’s perspective that encourages other women to get outside in a non-masculine non-judgmental way and I think it’s great for a first foray into the “wild”. Also really do not think I’m the right audience for it. But I’m glad that it exists for those who are the audience!

[Kristen Bryfogle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nifty little guide to the wild for people like me who never made it through Girl Scouts. It has lots of great guides and visuals like how to make a fire, ID poisonous plants, etc. plus recipes, packing lists and more. The physical book is light enough to pack if you’re not backpacking and very useful!

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well-written guide to the outdoors. I have been hiking and camping my whole entire adult life and still learned quite a bit. I especially found the portion on maps to be informative. I plan on passing this down to my niece before her first camping trip this summer. Brava!

[Samantha Estrella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to help remind you of some of the unexpected things you may run into in the wilderness. Helpful tips on how to keep your pack light and still bring everything you need. What to do if you happen to get your period or are expecting to get it on the trail. And much more!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any girl/woman wanting to learn more about how to engage themselves in outdoor activities. McConnell entertains traditionally difficult topics for females in the outdoors in a light and engaging way!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

An educational book that women might peruse for insights into getting out in the outdoors but please don't let it be the only source. As noted by some other reviewers, the author included "information" on silly stuff like make-up and incorrect information in the etiquette section.

[Emily Rundle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and informative guide book on spending time in the outdoors for women! This book is packed full of facts, recommendations, lessons and a good bit of humor. It goes a long way towards encouraging women to feel like they have a place in the outdoors.

[Katie Newton]

Really great introductory book. Wished it had a little more advanced detail on some topics. Great advice for women that your boyfriend definitely isn't prepared to give you!

[Christopher G. Egg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any female interested in going into the great outdoors but not sure how to go about it, this book is for you.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful for the big picture and for the little things you need out in the wild. Good resource.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

For competent outdoors women, this book, while mildly intriguing, doesn’t tell you anything you don’t already know.

[Jenni Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny anecdotes and helpful information. Made lots of notes to come back to later.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the tips specific to women. Which of course is to be expected in a book titled as such but still, not the normal "guide" book and actually entertaining as much as useful!

[Amber Esmeralda Galadriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to have close if you love the outdoors.

[Olivia Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this guide so helpful! From inspiring me to find more outdoor adventures to understanding camping basics this book felt more like an engaging best friend than an inanimate object.

[Saima · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any woman who enjoys the outdoors, at any level. Many tips in this book also apply to overall travel like packing, women specific needs among others.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful guide book from a woman's perspective for those who would like to explore wild.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read, but not sure it was that informative.