NOLS Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the Wilderness Without Harming It (NOLS Library) [Paperback]

David Cole (Author), Bruce Hampton (Author), Dana Watts (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: NOLS Library | Publication Date: July 1, 2003

New edition of the popular guide to low-impact camping with updated information on waste disposal, campsite selection, fire building


Details on recent legislation and up-to-date research on recreational wilderness use


Tailored to a variety of environments, from coastal regions to deserts


Drawing on the principles of the Leave No Trace program, the expertise of the National Outdoor Leadership School, and the substantial body of research into wilderness use, Soft Paths has long been the definitive guide to low-impact outdoor activity. This new edition covers every aspect of the outdoor experience, demonstrating the frequently simple, often unexpected measures that we can take to keep the wilderness pristine. This edition also provides new information on conservation law and the public's use of wild lands, ensuring that readers can minimize impact without sacrificing their enjoyment of the outdoors.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bruce Hampton is a former instructor with NOLS and the author of several books on natural history and the western United States. He lives in Lander, Wyoming.


David Cole is a research biologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Missoula, Montana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 3 Rev Upd edition (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811726916
• ISBN-13: 978-0811726917
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #751,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOLS tested Ranger approved, December 20, 2009

By 

MTNRGR - See all my reviews

This review is from: NOLS Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the Wilderness Without Harming It (NOLS Library) (Paperback)

A must for Rangers, Scoutmasters, and all Outdoor Education Professionals. This books is the foundation of the popular Leave No Trace principles. If you want to have a true understanding of low impact habits in the backcountry this is a book for you. Soft Paths also goes beyond the basic to more advanced minimal impact camping techniques.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a back country MUST!!, March 16, 2006

By 

M. King - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: NOLS Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the Wilderness Without Harming It (NOLS Library) (Paperback)

This book provides all the information you need to make decisions in the back country that help preserve nature and keep it clean for future generations to enjoy! The book covers practical solutions regarding back country travel in every environment from desert to artic and everything in between. A great tool!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Update(s).., September 26, 2011

By 

Josef Jurkowitsch (Laramie, WY USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: NOLS Soft Paths: Enjoying the Wilderness Without Harming It, 4th Edition (NOLS Library) (Paperback)

the Newest edition of this NOLS classic is one of the Best books on LNT (Leave NO Trace) outdoor experiences... it covers ALL types of climates/environments and is well laid out!