Books and Maps

Recent Book / Map Reviews

Falcon Guides The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking

While no book about sea kayaking is enough to make you a pro paddler (this requires training and experience), "The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking" provides a comprehensive outline of the skills required by aspiring sea kayakers. The 6th edition (2018) has been updated and revised by Wayne Horodowich, who is Derek Hutchinson's (original author) longtime friend and paddling partner. Because of the contributions of two different authors, I found some of the chapters a little disjointed and out-of-date. Full review

Purple Lizard Maps Rothrock State Forest Trail Map

A hardy map that can withstand punishment and inspire exploration. The Purple Lizard Rothrock State Forest map thoroughly covers the forest, as well as areas north and south of the forest boundaries. Best for folks living in or looking to explore Central Pennsylvania, or for people who really like maps, I suppose. Usage:I own other Purple Lizard maps, but this one gets the most use, as the Rothrock State Forest and surrounding areas are pretty easy to explore via hiking, camping, biking, hunting,… Full review

Purple Lizard Maps Bald Eagle State Forest Map

A map that covers a somewhat overlooked, underexplored, and fairly large area in Central Pennsylvania (Bald Eagle State Forest). The map, in its typical Purple Lizard fashion, is super-durable and could serve as an emergency umbrella if necessary (only half joking...it is waterproof though). Best for those living in or exploring Central Pennsylvania or for map-junkies. Usage:Admittedly, like many in Central Pennsylvania, I’ve explored many of the trails covered by the popular Purple Lizard Rothrock… Full review

MyTopo Waterproof Topo Map Tapoco

Lacking details that most other maps have. Low quality printing. I bought this thinking I could get a customized topo printed on a good quality material. When I received it, I was very disappointed. Many features shown on other maps were missing: water bodies, roads, trails, etc. Coloring was not very good for contrast. Print quality was low For the very high price mytopo.com charged ($42) this was unacceptable. Luckily they offer a money back guarantee. So I sent it back (at my expense). Just before… Full review

Purple Lizard Maps Rothrock State Forest Trail Map

Not all maps are created equal. This map does everything you need and more. It encourages exploration to a degree that is impressive. I buy this map every time it is updated and would encourage anyone who spends any time in Central Pennsylvania to grab a copy. While no product is ever perfect, Purple Lizard Maps has created a map that is close as you can get. The Rothrock State Forest map is a fabulous bundle of knowledge that includes information related to hiking and biking trails, fishing holes,… Full review

Pacific Adventures Press The Hungry Spork

This is a very practical and useful book focused on long distance hiker meal planning, but is also just as useful to anyone who goes out on multi-day trips. I have never been a real foodie, so when I go out on multi-day trips I generally don't spend much time planning for what food I'll bring which means I end up with tortillas, energy bars, nuts and candy bars, etc.  I also stopped bringing a stove a long time ago to save weight, so I don't have any hot food or drinks during a trip. For the longest… Full review

Random House The Complete Walker IV

THE Classic Compendium of Backpacking. In the 1970s Colin Fletcher inspired a generation to get outside with his books The Thousand Mile Summer and The Man Who Walked Through Time. He then started the "Complete" series and told us the nuts and bolts of doing it.  The newest revision (now only 16 years old but still seems surprisingly current) has a new format where Colin and his co-author Chip Rawlins do a back-and-forth on various topics, which may put off fans of earlier editions. I found… Full review

Garmin Topo US 24K Southwest

Detailed map set of the Southwestern region for Garmin map GPSes, but some well-traveled trails and hiker-relevant waypoints are not included. I've been a somewhat grumpy Garmin customer for many years now. I am on my third Garmin GPS, an eTrex 30c, which is at least hanging in there for a lot longer than the last one did. It took Garmin years to get around to fulfilling promises to supply versions of it software for Macs, and the Basecamp software used for viewing and planning is klunky and non-intuitive,… Full review

DeLorme State Atlas & Gazetteer

The Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer is an indispensable tool for the outdoors person when planning their next excursion. It is chock full of places to go for every type of outdoor activity, from where to camp including amenities at the campgrounds, places of interest for sightseeing, places to hunt and fish, and even includes species of interest, along with many other types of information. If you have not heard of it the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer is an indispensable tool for the outdoors person when… Full review