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The Ultimate Desert Handbook
By Mark Johnson
Ragged Mountain Press
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The Ultimate Desert Handbook

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The Bottom Line

The subtitle of the book is 'A Manual for Desert Hikers, Campers and Travelers'. This is a desert reference book that people who want to be serious hikers should own in their collection.
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Pros
  • Comprehensive information about desert environment
  • Diagrams provided to complement tutorials
  • Good for beginners as well as the more experienced
Cons
  • Some color photos would have been nice

Description

  • Includes information about the desert, including weather, physical characteristics, flora and fauna.
  • Provides extensive details and recommendations about equipment and supplies.
  • Discusses desert hazards: animal, weather-related, falls and other injuries.
  • An entire chapter is devoted to desert survival.
  • Many details about navigation: different map types, coordinates, types of compasses, how GPS works.
  • Mr. Johnson provides charts and illustrations for those that appreciate visual aids.

Guide Review - The Ultimate Desert Handbook

Mark Johnson clearly has produced a labor of love in this book, designed to help desert hikers and campers of all levels appreciate their environment. The book is especially good at detailing what one might expect on a desert adventure, and how to handle it when what you expect is not what occurs!

I have to admit, I'll probably never be anything but a two hour trail hiker. As I read the book, I was frightened to think how much advanced body conditioning I would need just to carry the equipment and supplies that are recommended!

This author is an individual who clearly loves the desert, and has used the writing of this book to share the information that will help other people enjoy it as he does.

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