The Art of Tent Camping

An encompassing guide for novice campers of all ages, The Art of Tent Camping offers a complete list of affordable camping gear and dozens of how-to's for cleaning and maintaining your gear, recommended seasonal clothing requirements, save a bundle by building your own first aid kit, basic field repairs, and methods for prolonging the ice in your cooler. The Art of Tent Camping includes over 50 images detailing recommended gear, packing techniques, setting up camp, and much more. Here are a few examples: 

• What happens if your GPS unit fails on a day hike and you're not exactly sure where you are? Follow the author on a real, fully illustrated cross country ascent of a 10,000 foot pass as he shows you how use a topographic map to read the contours and navigate by using a compass to set a heading to your destination.

• Ever wondered how people before the invention of maps and compasses were able travel impressive distances without getting lost? The Art of Tent Camping shows you how to navigate using Polaris. But, you have to find it first!

• What is the difference between box stitching versus straight-through stitching on sleeping bags and coats?

• What does, for example, a 40% chance of rain really mean, and what types of rain gear should you have just in case?

• Besides risking falling tree branches, what are the other reasons why you don't want to pitch your tent directly under a tree?

• What's the first thing you do with those cheap wire or plastic tent stakes included with your brand new tent?

• How do you keep your collapsible shade from becoming a twisted wreck only to be discarded with all the others at the end of your trip?

• Learn three simple knots, all easy to tie and easy to untie that will take care of any situation requiring the use of cordage.

• Tips on cooking over an open fire using a spit and grill.

So, why settle for camping "books" containing a few dozen pages of vague discussion on what we already know: and that is camping enthusiasts place great value on quality time spent with family and friends while leaving behind technology and all things material? While many camping books place too much emphasis on recipes and cooking rather than the importance of setting up camp, recipes and cooking quickly take a back seat if appropriate gear and setting up the campsite are not placed at a higher priority. These books contain few, if any illustrations and descriptions detailing equipment selection, use, and maintenance not to mention a few guidelines with regards to campground etiquette and some basic rules. Imagine explaining to the Ranger why your campfire was unattended or not completely extinguished. You'll likely be on the receiving end of a $500.00 citation. They rarely contain any equipment and provision checklists increasing the chances of forgetting items which may mean there will never be another outing. While these "short reads" accompanied by questionable five star reviews and have no paperback edition may be suitable for camping in the back yard, The Art of Tent Camping provides everything you'll need to insure a safe and comfortable outing for you, your family, and friends so you can venture beyond the back yard!

Professionally edited in plain English, The Art of Tent Camping picks up where other camping guides leave off. Every equipment recommendation, technique, and tip in The Art of Tent Camping has been field proven over decades of experience.