The benefit to turning off your computer, putting down your phone, and simply enjoying the outdoors is immeasurable. But not everyone has had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by nature, or with a mentor to teach them the basic skills to handling unforeseen circumstances in the wild—and even those that have need a refresher from time to time—so we’re always excited to see when someone manages to approach outdoor education in a fun, informative new way. Which brings us to The Great Outdoors: A User’s Guide.
Written by writer, filmmaker, and general outdoor adventurer Brendan Leonard (aka Semi Rad), with illustrations by Bozeman, MT based Seth Neilson, the hardcover offers 400 strategies for getting outdoors, with tips and tricks from fellow experts. Covering everything from climbing and skiing, to sliding and sailing—plus some basic survival skills in the off chance you do find yourself in a man vs nature type of situation—the book is as useful for total beginners as experienced adventurers.
“That’s why this project is so great—it brings essential concepts and questions people have into a format that’s easily understood in a style that’s friendly and not demeaning,” says Neilson, who happens to be a very talented photographer, writer, and filmmaker (and FM contributor) himself.
And best of all, it won’t set you back much more than large pizza. A pretty good deal for all that knowledge.
