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Title: Fieldbook
ISBN: 0839531044
Author:
Publicate Date: 2004-02
Publish: 2004-02
List Price: $30.00
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $30.00
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $19.00
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Comprehensive, easy-to-follow, and downright entertaining.
I recently read the Fieldbook as a challenge from my boss. I have always heard the importance of keeping a copy of this around the house, and I can now officially vouch for that. It is not only an excellent source for all those connected with the Scouting program but everyone even remotely interested in the outdoors.
The book is broken down into areas. It discusses the importance of preparedness and planning, resulting in a terrific introduction that subtly reminds us not to do anything stupid. Group synergy and leadership techniques are discussed, and I was happy to find that the book encourages everyone to do what is comfortable instead of endorsing a single style of leadership. It covers all areas of planning and preparing, including some things that I'm sure plenty of people just don't consider.
Every type of adventure imaginable is given an overview, again with great advice. I loved how each was glorified, making it very difficult for me to decide upon which would be the greatest adventure. It's clear that the Fieldbook is fond of exploring and nature.
But I have to say that my favorite section is that which covered all aspects of nature: geology, wildlife, astronomy, etc. It was a little umph that completed the book for me.
On top of all this great core material is simply the beauty of the book. It addresses all skill levels and is written with surprising eloquence. the Leave No Trace principals are adhered to throughout the material, and the pictures and quotes are gorgeous.
Even if you don't plan on climbing Everest, this is an absolute Scouting necessity.
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2: Over 600 pages of outdoor info at a great price
This is an extremely useful book for anyone interested in outdoor activities, especially camping. Beginning with organizing and planning for a trip, this book is a very complete tool for a camper. Tells you what to pack, how to select you equipment and gear such as boots, clothing, backpacks, pots and pans, cookstove, and more. It has handy pack lists so you do not forget to pack the essentials you will need.
It explains how to plan your menus and shop for nutritous camp food before you leave, And how to cook it when you get there. Next is the section on "Leave No Trace". It used to be that they recommended cutting down trees and saplngs to make all sorts of camp furniture. Nowadays the emphasis is on preserving nature so that others can enjoy it too. So the book teaches you how to use a campstove rather than scrounging wood to cook with. It explains outdoor hygiene. Next there are seperate instructions on compass, map, and GPS navigation. There is a great section on cold weather and hot weather camping, including clothing selection, emergencies such as shelter, and water collecting, as well as preserving your food in severe climates. Plenty of info is specific to backpacking. Next is sailing, canoe, kayak, and raft. The biking, horseback, ski and snowtouring, caving, fishing.
The book has regular alerts on key topics that guide you to other books, guides, or websites for expanded information including a website created in tandem with the book. They have also included a section on appreciating nature from astronomy, to bird watching, tracking, plant life, weather observation,and more. All in all a comprehensive and well written guide.
The Fieldbook is a publication by the Boy Scouts of America. It is regularly updated, so if you buy used, always confirm the publication date from the buyer to make sure it's the one you want. My oldest copy is a 1967, but I bought this new one published 2004, a complete update from the 1984 edition. I believe there are 4 editions total. I like the nostalgic artwork in the old ones and I like to seee which methods have changed over the years. Great pictures on nearly every page, as well as instructional diagrams. Tons of helpful hints and advice, that is the result of nearly 100 years of Boy Scouting. One of the most interesting changes is the inclusion of co-ed pictures. There are tons of girls in the pictures joining in the activities. Do not confuse this with the Boy Scout handbook, the Feildbook concentrates on the outdoors.
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3: the next best thing to having a human guide alongside you
Fieldbook - Boy Scouts of America
The most comprehensive reference for
Boy Scouts,
Venturers,
unit leaders,
trainers, and
other outdoor enthusiasts.
Includes sections on
leadership and trek preparation,
Leave No Trace principles,
trek adventures, and
appreciating our environment.
Be aware that there exist TWO editions;
the publication dates differ, and
so do the ISBNs.
ISBN: 0839531044 4th edition (February 1, 2004)
600-plus pages,
34 chapters,
500 color photographs, and
200 illustrations.
You can sample the 4th's pages by visiting here: bsafieldbook.org
ISBN: 0839532008 3rd edition (June 1, 1984)
When you pack before you leave home, omit the BSA Handbook, which
will weigh you down, and which is non-essential to raw survival.
Do make room for the FIELDbook (the previous 3rd edition is fine)
and protect it from sand/dirt/snow/water with 2 zipper-lock bags.
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4: A good basic handbook for any backpacker.
I have used Boy Scout Field Book for many years as a good source when preparing for back country hiking. If You are not involved in Scouting, you will still find this to be a useful tool.
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