Ultimate Wilderness Gear: Everything You Need to Know to Choose and Use the Best Outdoor Equipment

by Craig Caudill

Overview

Get the Most Effective Gear for the Best Value

Craig Caudill, author of Extreme Wilderness Survival and chief instructor at Nature Reliance School, takes you to the cutting edge of outdoor gear. Find out which items will perform the best in the field without breaking the bank. Learn what you need, why you need it and how to care for it. Craig lets you in on his favorite tried-and-true brands and shares dependable items tailored to your specific environment. Gearheads will love this in-depth analysis of knives, cordage, fire starters and fuel, water purifiers and containers, packs, compasses and maps, first-aid items, clothing, tents and sleeping bags and so much more.

With nearly five decades of wilderness experiences, Craig has seen almost everything nature can throw at you, and he has become a distinguished wilderness skills teacher, survival guru and seasoned outdoorsman. Full of tales straight from Craig’s own adventures and tips from trusted wilderness experts, this is more than an essential gear guide; it’s an unparalleled wilderness advisor and companion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781624145520
Publisher:	Page Street Publishing
Publication date:	07/10/2018
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Craig Caudill is the author of Extreme Wilderness Survival and chief instructor at of Nature Reliance School. He has taught wilderness safety and backcountry skills courses for the Department of Defense, federal law enforcement and thousands in the public sector. He has written for American Frontiersman, Self-Reliance Illustrated, Backwoodsman and Wilderness Way. He lives in central Kentucky.

Table of Contents

Introduction 8

Chapter 1 The fundamentals of acquiring gear and understanding your 10

Mind-set. Skills and tactics: how to choose gear that lasts and works 12

Historical giants: knowledge weighs nothing 19

Chapter 2 Essential tools 24

Knives: More than granddad's pocketknife 26

Folders, Choppers and multi-tools: big and small choices for multiple tasks 39

Cordage: Tie it up, tie it down, Make it strong 45

Chapter 3 Maintaining your personal safety 48

Direction finding: gear to guide you 50

Wilderness first aid: from boo-boos to severe trauma 60

Defense against predators: don't pet the bears 65

Signaling: no camouflage needed 67

Lighting: Light up the darkness 70

Chapter 4 Shelter 74

Clothing: Getting cool things warm and warn things cool 76

Sleeping systems: Safe cocoons are not just for butterflies 103

Tents and hammocks: Your home away from home 108

Pads and cots: Sleep like a baby 115

Chapters 5 Fire 120

Fire starters: The spark of life 122

Fuel sources: Build fires like a boss 128

Chapter 6 Water and hydration 134

Containers: Carry it with you in you 136

Purifiers and filters: Which is which and why it's important 140

Chapter 7 Food 146

Food choice: Determining what is best for your needs and morale 148

Caloric needs: Stay fueled and ready for adventure 150

Meal planning: Wilderness adventuring is hard (so plan ahead) 152

Stoves and fuel: Become a wilderness chef 156

Chapter 8 Packs 162

Choosing a pack: Lighten the load 164

Accessories: What are all those straps for? 169

How to pack a pack: more than opening it up and shoving it in 176

Chapter 9 Specialty gear 180

Hunting: Acquiring your own food source 182

Paddling: Getting around on the water 187

Mountain biking: Single-track your way into and out of the wilderness 193

Light, Ultralight, stupid-light: ounces equal pounds 197

Nature study: Learn how to read the environment 199

Hygiene: Learn how not to be offensive to yourself and others 201

Family outdoors: Start 'em young 206

Electronics: Balance is key 209

Appendix: Resources 211

Acknowledgments 217

About the author 219

Index 220

Editorial Reviews

Stop wasting your money on the wrong gear. Craig cuts through the confusion and lands solidly on his 40+ years of wilderness experience with every type of gear imaginable. Save money, time, frustration and potentially your life. Get this book and get the right gear!” —David Polczynksi, founder of Ultimate Survival Tips

“When it comes to recommending gear that will put up with rough use out in the real wilderness, Craig Caudill has truly earned his stripes. His new book reflects a depth of understanding of what works and what doesn’t that few other outdoors folk ever really take the time to learn.” —Ken Galbraith, sergeant major, U.S. Army Special Forces (retired) and member of a Federal LE Personnel Recovery Unit

“Craig Caudill’s latest book answers age-old preparedness questions from an expert perspective with an understanding of primitive skills to modern-day survival. Gear can be expensive, so invest wisely and trust this gentleman’s advice.” —Kevin Estela, owner and head instructor of Estela Wilderness Education

“Whether you are going on a two-hour hike or a two-week deployment, Craig puts the sense back into common sense when it comes to outdoor gear. This is a must-read for both the weekend outdoorsperson and the seasoned adventurer.” —Mike Poynter, EMT-P, Former FBI Tactical Paramedic and Flight Paramedic

“Craig has a firm understanding of the principles, skills and equipment needed for man-tracking endeavors and back country operations. Knowing what you are doing is important, as is knowing what equipment you need to carry. Craig has an unmatched understanding of both. His equipment recommendations will keep you on track.”

—Cornelius B. Nash, Former U.S. Army Major, Joint Task Force-North (JTF-N) and Senior Military

Tracking Instructor with Enhanced Tracking Applications

From the Publisher