How to Camp in the Woods: A Complete Guide to Finding, Outfitting, and Enjoying Your Adventure in the Great Outdoors

by Devon Fredericksen

Immerse yourself in the natural world with How to Camp in the Woods , the book StarTribune says "does all but set up the tent."




Perfect for everyone from novices to boondockers, How to Camp in the Woods compiles contemporary and classic wisdom, practical tips, and illustrated DIY advice on every aspect of equipping, packing, setting up camp, cooking, and improvising no matter where you are in the great outdoors. How to Camp in the Woods will teach

Genres: Travel, Nature, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Phil Greaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two quotes from the text - one its very own, another borrowed - might best my try at capturing the tone and the tenor and attitude of this wonderfully comprehensive, grounded and indispensable book:

On the subject of toilet paper:

“Some women opt to drip-dry or use a bandanna as a reusable pee rag. You can hang the bandanna by a tree or on the outside of your backpack to dry. Rinse it out when you can.”

And then:

“It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need in order to be perfectly happy.
—Horace Kephart, Camping and Woodcraft, 1919”

They are the same ideal, expressed differently, and indicative of this book's ethos. Even when it appears ostensibly to be an inclusive, measured itinerary - it longs to run free and return to the heart of things. Put your phone down and enjoy it.

While you'll find a nod to glamping, it's listed only as some perverse sense of completeness (my only quibble) : this is about frontcountry and the more preferred backcountry camping. About the basics so they won't get in the way of your trip.

Highly recommended even if you've slept outdoors a bit: people who camp know they still have more to learn.

[Varrick Nunez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been thinking of going camping more & then this book crossed my desk.

I've been more of a backpacker than car camper. There are plenty of checklists to draw on, and it covers front-country car camping, touches on RV-ing, and back-country backpacking. I wouldn't say it's much of a cover-to-cover read (like Colin Fletcher's "The Complete Walker" series), rather more of a reference. Also addresses how to be a minimal-impact camper. Definitely worth having available at home if you're doing a lot of trips, but happy my library has a copy I can use.

[Riley M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of types of camping and the sort of gear and other considerations that go with them. Book assumes reader is only interested in camping in the USA, otherwise general advice is mostly applicable to camping elsewhere too.
My 2019 copy was bound in a way that makes reading frustrating.. inner margins are swallowed up by an inflexible binding so it’s hard to keep open.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would have easily been 4, but the hardcover binding, combined with very short pages, made it incredibly difficult to keep open, turn pages or find a spot. This was good material, but this edition itself was simply horrific to try to read. What wonky dimensions!

[Matt Kelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer for anyone who's completely new to camping or, like me, wants to step it up from car camping to something a little more adventurous. Good sections on what gear and clothing to take, plenty of advice on safety, and a strong emphasis on etiquette and responsibilities.

[Imy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some surprisingly good tips if you’re in a pinch, but too much of it is pretty basic/not really relevant

[Elizaveta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book. There are obvious bits of advice as well, but they still may be helpful for novice hikers.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great review of everything to consider when camping! Some of it did seem like common sense, but there is so much that can be overlooked, and this book really stressed how important it is to be prepared for everything while camping! Even keeping pets and children safe and occupied. I like the games they suggested and even took notes of new games to learn/play. How to handle emergency situations and staying safe was solid information. I am not one to carry too much food with me while camping, but the recipes sound good enough to try just in the backyard fire pit!