Customer Reviews

Backwoods Ethics: A Guide to Low-Impact Camping and Hiking

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was one of the originals in this subject, not to mention one of the best. What is great about this book is that not only is it a how-to manual for leave no trace camping, but it also explores the multi-faceted issue of "what are we trying to preserve" with our remaining wild lands. As someone who works in the field of backcountry land management, I couldn't recommend this book more highly to both hikers and land managers alike. Check out the companion book, Wilderness Ethics as well. Pete Ketcham, Green Mountain Club, Vermont.

If you are an outdoors-person, then this is a must read. Anyone involved in any outdoor groups should read this and have members read this! Newcomers and old pros alike may love this literature, for its leasons are timeless! Thank you, Laura and Guy Waterman!

Let me start out by telling you that this is a five star book, as a snapshot of its value in the 1990s. I gave it three stars as a snapshot of its value in 2010. In the early 1990s, this book was an excellent and ground breaking release. However, now in 2010, I think there are many more informative and more universal books on the subject leave no trace. If you are trying to gain the most complete information shop elsewhere.

That being said the information is really personal to the authors, in that it pertains to how they were directly related to the problems at hand in the northeastern states prior to 1990. It is not that they are no longer valuable, it is that the authors are very long winded about problems on the mountain tundra, wintertime hiking, trail maintenance, and backwoods crowds. And to that end, I did learn something new about each of these topics.

What I want a book of this type to cover is factual scientific reasons why and how to not erode soil, or pollute waterways, use the bathroom, and stay sanitary while in the backwoods. Some of which the authors did gloss over or lightly mention, just no to the degree I am looking for.

When Backwoods Ethics was first published in 1979 the Watermans' "new ethic" was enthusiastically received by environmentalists, hikers and wilderness managers. This new and expanded version brings the basics of low-impact hiking, camping and cooking and alpine management to the present. Here the authors take a fresh look at ways to protect the physical environment of our mountains and backcountry. "Take it to heart and not only will you leave the woods in better shape, you will leave the woods with better memories" B. McKibbon

Laura and Guy bring life and humor to what can certainly be an unpleasant topic for hikers and users of our woods: wilderness protection. Read this, but do not dread it.. this is not a dry presentation of credos that is going to tell you what to do and not do. Rather, Laura and Guy tell you that they were once part of the problem (as surely we all once were) and that we must realize the larger implications of small decisions. From this creation of affinity they encourage a vision that should inform our actions and dialogue. This is a book to share, re-read, and live by.

This title and "Wilderness Ethics" are pioneering works forming 'a code that we can live by'. Guy chose to climg the high ridge one last time, on a trail, 'beyond the ranges'. His true farewell will be publication of his collected works forthcoming.See also books by the late Scott Nearing & his wife.