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Rating: 
Summary: An experienced outdoor companion
Review: A friendly reference book such as this is helpful for the outdoor enthusiast because of its broad coverage of activities: backpacking, canoeing, etc... When I read the passages in this book, I feel as though I am getting the best and most accurate advice. This is the kind of reference that can help you figure out what you may want to try differently on your next adventure. Most of all, after reading it I feel prepared for what's out there. Especially, for things like the evil "collective consciousness of black flies."This book is a lot like a dictionary, but since it covers a broad range of outdoor skills, and not just one like say, kayaking, I can see why "encyclopedia" fits. If you want to get an outdoors person a gift book, this is a good choice.
Rating:
Summary: Great Addition
Review: As a professional wilderness guide, I have accumulated a large library of outdoor rellated books. I am always looking for titles that I can suggest to clients and this is definately one. The book is a great resource for anyone needing an overview of a huge number of different outdoor subjects and points to sources for further reading. It's like the Google of outdoor books! The information is very current and is written in a very approachable and fun style. A+
Rating:
Summary: Great Basic Resource!
Review: I found this book to be a great explaination of some of the things I read about, such as in Nat. Geo Adventure or Outside. It helps to put perspective on the skills needed and explains some skills I had always heard about but never really understood. I would recommend this book to the basic explorer and more advanced traveler. Thanks, Annie and Chris, for getting me excited for more outdoor play this winter!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: I've read most of Townsends other books and value them highly both because I like the way he writes and he imparts informative data. In particular, I like his "The Backpacker's Handbook." This new book is a major disappointment. It bills itself as an encyclopedia but lacks the indepth articles that typify that type of document. It format is more closely aligned to that of a dictionary. Topic words are defined but no attempt is really made to turn the defitition into a "how to" article. You can read the entire book without learning how to do a darn thing. Additionally, there is no new information that Chris didn't already put in his Handbook. In some cases, the text is lifted verbatim from "The Backpacker's Handbook." A major disappointment. Don't waste your money.
Rating:
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: I've read most of Townsends other books and value them highly both because I like the way he writes and he imparts informative data. In particular, I like his "The Backpacker's Handbook." This new book is a major disappointment. It bills itself as an encyclopedia but lacks the indepth articles that typify that type of document. It format is more closely aligned to that of a dictionary. Topic words are defined but no attempt is really made to turn the defitition into a "how to" article. You can read the entire book without learning how to do a darn thing. Additionally, there is no new information that Chris didn't already put in his Handbook. In some cases, the text is lifted verbatim from "The Backpacker's Handbook." A major disappointment. Don't waste your money.
Rating: 
Summary: Comprehensive Overview
Review: The authors are definately outdoor experts. They have assembled a comprehensive overview of hundreds of outdoor subjects in encyclopedia format--alphabetical subject listing. Each entry in the enclycopedia gives brief background information, important terms, and helpful hints. Topics range from big wall climbing to setting up a z drag to avoiding bear encounters to a Ed Abbey bio. I can see several purposes for this book. 1) Activity and equipment information for the outdoor enthusiast
2) Quick how to reference to have on hand at a camp or outdoor program
3) Gaining basic knowledge of a lot of topics in a short time Like any reference manual this is not an end all source for planning your first wilderness canoe expedition or learning to rock climb. Combine this reference with activity specific manuals, training with certified guides, and practice to become an outdoors expert. The authors list other detailed and specific how to manuals.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive Overview
Review: The authors are definately outdoor experts. They have assembled a comprehensive overview of hundreds of outdoor subjects in encyclopedia format--alphabetical subject listing. Each entry in the enclycopedia gives brief background information, important terms, and helpful hints. Topics range from big wall climbing to setting up a z drag to avoiding bear encounters to a Ed Abbey bio. I can see several purposes for this book. 1) Activity and equipment information for the outdoor enthusiast
2) Quick how to reference to have on hand at a camp or outdoor program
3) Gaining basic knowledge of a lot of topics in a short time Like any reference manual this is not an end all source for planning your first wilderness canoe expedition or learning to rock climb. Combine this reference with activity specific manuals, training with certified guides, and practice to become an outdoors expert. The authors list other detailed and specific how to manuals.
Rating:
Summary: The Ulimate Guide for the Adventurous
Review: This book is a temendous amount of fun to read. There is so much practical information on so many topics, I learn something new every time I pick it up. I find the descriptions easy to understand and the many illustrations useful. Today I read about dogsledding, rappelling and boulder fields. I learned at least two ways to waterproof my map, and how to organize an evacuation. I also read about how to perform a crevasse rescue, and what to do if I get lost. If I decide that I like any one topic enough to read a whole book on it, the authors give personal recommendations for further reading. I highly recommend this book any person interested in wilderness travel. As for me - I will be buying many copies as presents for my friends.
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