Customer Reviews

The 2 Oz. Backpacker: A Problem Solving Manual for Use in the Wilds

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

 

 

This little book is a very refreshing perspective on backcountry hiking. It is certainly dated but since there is no shortage of information on the latest gear and techniques, this book provides other key ideas. Wood's views on the usefulness of vapor barriers alone makes this book worth the price. His ideas on finding or forming a comfortable bed area are original (although not appropriate to all campsites) and effective for getting a good night's sleep. I also think he is right on in the areas of cooking, navigating, and general backcountry philosophy. The fact that his suggestions for stoves is out of date doesn't matter, there are plenty of guides for current gear. Wood's original and well tested backpacking methods are still very relevent.

I don't know of any other book this tiny that contains so much good information! One of the negative reviewers asked, "Where's the problem-solving?" The problem-solving is contained IN the information given in this book! Follow the information and it will solve any problem before it occurs. As a light-weight backpacker, I'm strict about weight and thus about what I take with me. But this little book always has a place in my backpack.

I don't really know what the other reviewers are talking about,
this is a little gem of a book, wonderfully written and packed, yes, with common sense advice, which doesn't get out of style.
Mr. Wood is clear and eloquent.

After every section I flipped through the pages and asked myself, "Did I miss something? Where are the Problem Solving Tips?" If you lack common-sense, this book is for you... Otherwise it's utterly useless.

Not a bad little guide book. Well worth the few dollars. Does not waste time with esoterics.

This is the book that got me interested in backpacking. Before I had ever done more than car-camp with my family, this book captured my attention with the whole new concept of carrying your shelter, food, and clothing with you on an extended trip into the backcountry, where no one else could go. It provided tips for walking techniques, nutrition, and camp placement, and did so when such concepts were wholly new to me. Today, however, it is sadly dated.
Unless the content has changed with the price (mine was MUCH cheaper, a decade or more ago), you will not find too much use in it. The info is post-Goretex, but pre-geodesic tent. You will find advice for digging a fire pit (a big no-no these days), and waxing your jeans to fend off rain (jeans?).
The book is interesting, if only for historical value, and I do still use a couple of the walking "techniques" outlined here, but unless you are REALLY into backpacking and its history, there are many better books availabe. I keep it for sentimental value.

This book is a total crack up around the campfire. I just hope no one actually takes any of the advice seriously because it is so crappy and out-of-date.

Sunglasses are a crutch! If it gets too bright for you, make 'indian sunglasses' by looking through the crack between your index and middle fingers!

Cold? Make sure you wear a waterproof vapor barrier near your skin to trap in the moisture! Make a vapor barrier vest out of plastic bags to stay toasty warm!

Tired? Try the limp step! Rest one leg by dragging it behind you!

This book is lame, but funny.

I bought this book because I liked its small size and after glancing through it thought it
would be a fairly thorough, if abridged, reference book for backpackers. After all, the
subtitle is A Problem Solving Manual for Use in the Wilds. I was...less than satisfied
with this book, although it does have some useful information.

In the Introduction Mr. Wood states that "This isn't a survival booklet, either. A
backpacker shouldn't need to know how to rub two sticks together for fire, flag down a
passing plane, snare rabbits or cook without pots. He's supposed to have all the
essentials on his back and be prepared to travel through the country he's chosen to visit."
That's tantamount to saying that you don't need car insurance because you're a good
driver. Life happens, and if you get separated from your pack for whatever reason you'd
darn well better know something about survival or you might not live long enough to
have to worry about it. Would it have been that difficult for Mr. Wood to put one extra
chapter, or even a few pages, in his book to teach some survival basics?

Under Trail Manners (p. 28), Mr. Wood's first paragraph is devoted to the evils of guns
and how "...the boom of gunfire ...invades privacy and solitude..." Darn, there goes my
vacation! He further states that "Guns are not needed as protection against wildlife..."
This will come as news to most hunters, but quite frankly I'm more worried about the
threats from other humans. Unfortunately, crime has become a serious consideration
when hiking, and I doubt that banging pots and pans together will scare away the average
crazed ax murderer, or even a lowly mugger. To abdicate your responsibilities to your
own and your family's protection is both foolish and dangerous.

I also have a problem with Mr. Wood constantly referring readers to his other book,
Pleasure Packing for the 80's. I'm sure it's just my imagination, but it seems that every
other page has something like "There are eight things that you must do within the next 15
seconds or you'll die a horrible and painful death...find out what they are in my book
Pleasure Packing for the 80's!" I won't even mention that the 80's were 20 years ago.

All in all, this book isn't terrible, but it could've been so much better. On the plus side,
it's [inexpensive] (relatively speaking), small and light, but it's too dated and has too little
information...for just a little more money and not much more weight you could buy any
number of books that offer similar information but don't leave out anything important.