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Outdoor Skills Manuals

By David Sweet, About.com

Could you use a reference manual to help you with skills needed while camping or hiking in the woods? Want to learn to tie knots, use a map and compass, identify an approaching storm, find safe drinking water? Here are some books that may help with these and other skills that are required from time to time in the outdoors.

1. The Book of Camping Knots

by Peter Owen. When it comes to camping, knot tying is an invaluable skill to know. You'll use knots for securing tents, erecting clothes lines, hanging food stuffs, stowing gear, etc. This book contains detailed drawings of knots commonly used around the campground and step-by-step instructions that will teach you how to tie them. ISBN: 1558219277

2. The Outward Bound Map and Compass Handbook

by Glenn Randall. This concise guide covers everything from choosing a compass to using an altimeter to reading topo maps. The revised edition also contains instructions for using GPS receivers for navigation. ISBN: 1558217479

3. Leave No Trace : Minimum Impact Outdoor Recreation

by Will Harmon. Taking care of the outdoors is a responsibility shared by all. Leaving a clean campsite will be greatly appreciated by the next camper. This book teaches a common sense approach to our impact on the outdoors and how to minimize it. ISBN: 1560445815

4. Reading Weather - Avoiding Mother Nature's Fury

by Jim Woodmencey. Enjoying a camping trip means being prepared, not only with proper equipment, but also with knowledge, because it's hard to hide from mother nature when camping. This weather book teaches how to read clouds, understand forecasts, and be aware of regional weather precautions. ISBN: 1560446625

5. The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook

by Jeff Isaac. This comprehensive guide is a great reference to anyone who spends lots of time in the outdoors. This book helps with making a proper diagnosis and applying the appropriate first aid. ISBN: 1558216820

6. Using GPS : Finding Your Way with Global Positioning System

by Bruce Grubs. This practical guide explains navigating in the backcountry using a GPS receiver. If you're looking for a reference to using these high-tech outdoor gadgets, this is it. ISBN: 1560448210

7. Basic Essentials : Survival

by James Churchill. Learn to build a fire without matches, find safe drinking water and edible plants, build a makeshift shelter, or signal for help. You'll find these and other survival skills explained in this reference. ISBN: 0762705256

8. The Backpacker's Field Manual

"A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills," by Rick Curtis. ISBN: 0517887835

9. Camping's Top Secrets

"A Lexicon of Camping Tips Only the Experts Know," by Cliff Jacobson. ISBN: 0762740175

10. Don't Get Sick

"The Hidden Dangers of Camping and Hiking," by Buck Tilton, Rick Bennett. ISBN: 0898868548
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