Dan Wheeler

For background, I have been a survivalist for 60 years, from a boy scout through teaching survival, backpacking, construction, eating wild edible plants, in classrooms and in the field. I do not know the background of these authors, other than noting they have several books out all of which seem to be at best superficial. They seem to be aggregators and summarizers rather that experts in any of the field they tout. It is a way for them to make money, nothing more. A cursory review and reading of the sections give me an impression of a how to project on the level of the how tos on just answer on the net. The authors may have experience, but it is not obvious. The sections on making rope minimize the real challenges and the time required to do it. I have made rope from natural fivers in the field. it is not as easy nor as strong as the book leads you to believe. The section on recommended clothing will get you dead of hypothermia with cotton pants and t shirts for winter wear, While lighter footwear around camp is good, open toes pick up dirt, twigs, thorns and bugs. While my intent is not to pick at each of the sections, I get the impression this is written by millennials for millennials, It has some accuracies, but is neither helpful nor earth friendly. It advocates and recommends techniques which are not sustainable, not leave no trace, and would inevitably produce the result that the book "Into the Wild" documents. One would be far better served by reading the Boy Scout Handbook. Outdoor Survival Skills, Basic Carpentry, financing of land purchases, dealing with county requirements, basics of tool use, particularly hand tools and seeking some beginning backpacking or trekking courses. Seek out others who have done these things, and learn from them, not this fluff of a book. This is not meant to discourage you. There are good resources that can help you find your dream. It takes time and experience, and a not inconsiderable amount of money. Good camping gear for a family of four can be upwards of $2000 per person for a basic but good setup. It can be done for less, but that requires experience and wisdom, all of which comes from making mistakes. That is why you go to others who have done it. Learn from their mistakes, don't make them yourself. If you follow this book, you will spend lots of money and may make a fatal mistake.