Customer Reviews

Canoeing and Camping: Beyond the Basics (Travel)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been paddling for about twenty-five years. I picked up a copy of this book in a used book store and read it cover to cover. I think what moved me was the author's undeniable love of paddling. He states good sound wisdom without climbing on an all knowing soap box. Techniques, method and his own tried and true experiences shine thru. I love to learn new tricks in paddling and camping from my boat. This book is an asset to any paddler's library. I'm in the process of building a spray skirt from the plans provided within.

Cliff Jacobson hits another home run! This book is full of excellent advice and knowledge - just like the title - "beyond the basics". It has been updated and has all the latest information. For example, for those about to buy a canoe this book lists all the various materials, and guides the reader in the proper selection of boats, paddles, and a host of outdoor gear. For anyone who never heard of Cliff Jacobson or one of his presentations, this fellow knows the outdoors first hand from many years of TRUE WILDERNESS experience. This books is the kind of reference that you'll want to pull down from your shelf and double check before your first trip each season.

Getting ready for a first time trip to the BWCAW - this book has been very helpful. Great illustrations for canoe techniques and a lot of How-to info on packing, portaging, etc. My only criticism, it needed a bit more info on packing and preparing light weight foods.

I wrote an earlier review posted here and commented about Mr. Jaconson's references to his other books. I recently recieved an email from the author where he explained some of his reasons for doing so. Key among those reasons was the fact that he often had limited space available due to restraints set by the publisher and wanted to explain where more information could be found. While I still think the refrences can be slightly distracting I now understand Mr. Jacobson's reasons for doing so and thought I should share that information to be read with my previous review. I also noticed in rereading my previous review that it sounded much more harsh than I had intended. Let me be clear: this is an excellent book, well written and filled with great information, and I certainly would reccomend it. My complaint was and is a minor one and shouldn't keep you from purchasing this great book about camping and canoeing.

I rated this book four stars for its excellent content and readability, I definitely would recommend it. The one small complaint that keeps it from a full five stars is that the author never fails to promote his other books on a frequent basis. For instance there is a good section on canoe covers where the author tells of the best kind, which happen to have been invented by him and he'll be happy to tell you how to make it in his other book. More detailed information on cooking, setting up tarps, and camping are all to be found in, "such and such other book written by me." After a while it began to feel like I was reading a book interspersed with commercials.

Having said that I have to finish by saying the book is excellent and has great information. I just wish the author would have scaled back the self promotion, his work already speaks highly for him by itself.

Useful information.
A lot of differnet ideas for camping and canoeing.
One useful section of the book allowed me to be able to perform an open water rescue properly.
Two people flipped their canoe in open water.
I was able to use the techniques described in the book to get their canoe uprighted and them back inside.
We were able to just continue canoeing.

based on his "Expedition Canoeing," I am buying this book.

There are dozens of canoeing books that touch on the basics of canoe camping. This one really takes you beyond the fundamentals found in those books. I found the section on meal preparation very helpful. It also has helpful information for leading a group of teenagers on a canoe camping trip.

from time to time we all have questions or are looking for confirmation on proper procedure/etiquette in camping. this book proved to be an excellent to me. although i consider myself somewhat experienced, it was refreshing to have several of my ideas confirmed by an expert. on the other hand, what was most valuable was the disproving of out of date camping policies that even the forest rangers havent updated on. a great example is bear proofing your camp. the author firmly disagrees with the traditional "tie it in a tree" procedure. a very good book for beginner to advanced campers/canoeists.