Books and Maps

Recent Book / Map Reviews

AntiGravityGear Foothills Trail Pocket Profile

For day hikers and thru-hikers who want a quick reference guide to a trail that doesn’t skimp on information, doesn't require electricity, and which only adds negligible weight (.18 oz/5 g), AntiGravityGear’s Pocket Profile is an aptly named resource worth both the weight and the cost (USD $3.95)! AntiGravityGear produces a number of useful little publications called Pocket Profiles. Among their Pocket Profile titles are releases for the Appalachian Trail (22 different sections/profiles), the… Full review

Lake Tahoe Camping with Privacy

This is the most valuable resource I have found for selecting a good site for the night before a backpacking trip. The authors focus on campsites with privacy but include thorough descriptions, elevation, contact information, and driveway length. With Lake Tahoe Camping With Privacy: Your Guide To The Most Private Campsites Near Tahoe, Truckee, Sly Park, Union Valley Reservoir, And Beyond the Wilkes have added to their collection of private campsites in the Sierra with their most recent book on… Full review

Westwater Books Belknap's Waterproof Canyonlands River Guide

A classy, cargo pocket-sized, waterproof guide to over 350 miles of the Green and Colorado Rivers through and above Canyonlands National Park, with detailed maps, illustrations, and text on the region’s colorful geology and history. Works well as a stand-alone guide for river trips. In the winter of 2018, during our year-long residence in Tuscson, my wife and I decided to splurge on a 6-day guided raft/dory trip on the Colorado River from near Moab, Utah, down through Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands… Full review

Falcon Guides Paddling America: Discover and Explore Our 50 Greatest Wild and Scenic Rivers

“Paddling America: Discover and Explore Our 50 Greatest Wild and Scenic Rivers” showcases some of the best paddling experiences in the USA. It also aims to increase awareness for the conservation and protection of natural river systems, with a focus on these designated rivers, protected under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The 50 featured rivers span the country but are most heavily concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana regions. Many of the rivers… Full review

Falcon Guides Sierra Summits: A Guide to Fifty Peak Experiences in California's Range of Light

This book is the perfect introduction to climbing relatively easy peaks in Yosemite and the Sierra. No climbing gear required. Finally, an accessible book for newbie climbers. I'm an experienced hiker and backpacker, but peak bagging has always represented another level of adventure. Sierra Summits, by Matt Johanson, offers a collection of achievable climbs for the casual day hiker, those who want to introduce peaks to kids, and some to challenge those ready for more. In my first pass through the… Full review

Falcon Guides Paddling the John Wesley Powell Route: Exploring the Green and Colorado Rivers

"Paddling the John Wesley Powell Route" is a meta-guidebook to 1,700 miles of river and reservoir in the footsteps (well, oarstrokes) of Powell, who led the first expedition down the Green and Colorado rivers through the Grand Canyon. It's a valuable planning resource for everything from day trips to the whole exhausting journey, but too general for day-to-day details. Aficionados of the desert Southwest know the scene: 1869. John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, seated in a wooden… Full review

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