Summer is here, and websites and the newspapers have released their lists of favorite books to enjoy while you’re lounging in an easy chair somewhere. Reading isn’t just for fun, though; it can be educational as well.

Over the decades I’ve amassed quite a collection of books devoted to four-wheeling and other outdoor activities. Some of these are real gems. If you are serious about spending time outdoors, you owe it to yourself to begin building a library of reference materials. With perhaps hundreds of titles to choose from, the task can be challenging. Allow me to help you with this assignment.

The following list covers many aspects of outdoor activity, broken down by skill set. With these books you tap into the knowledge and experience of some of the top names in outdoor recreation.

True, there are a lot of books here. But unlike your typical novel, you will keep these for years and refer to them often. You don’t need to buy all of them at once. If finances are tight, pick up one or two at a time. And hunt for bargains on eBay, Amazon, or at your local used-book store (when possible).

Happy reading and happy trails.

Driving: 4-Wheeler’s Bible by Jim Allen

Mechanical: Get the shop manual for your vehicle. Normally you need to contact a dealer for this, but check eBay. They are a bit pricey; expect to pay up to $125.00. The shop manual is more detailed than a Chilton’s book, because it is tailored to your make and model.

Navigation: Staying Found: The Complete Map And Compass Handbook by June Fleming.

Trail Guides: You have several to choose from. Select the book that best describes the area(s) you will be visiting. This valuable resource helps you find trails in your area. Some of the passages have a little history about the trails, to make for interesting reading.

Camping: The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins.

Another great reference book is the Boy Scouts’ Field Book. I prefer the 3rd edition.

Cooking: A camping trip isn’t the same without some great Dutch Oven cooking. The Field Guide of Dutch Oven Cooking: From Novice to Champion by the International Dutch Oven Society will turn you into a Dutch Oven pro. Or at least give you some bragging rights.

Knot Tying: A must-have skill for outdoor life. The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford Ashley is considered the definitive book on knots. It’s huge, but you won’t find a better reference guide.

Survival. Another important skill, especially if you like to head out to remote areas. Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wilderness Survival just may save your life if you’re stuck in a difficult situation.

First Aid: Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid by Paul S. Auerbach, MD. Covers everything from basic injuries to life-threatening situations. Professional help could be hours away. This book will help you make sound decisions.

Communication: This is a more limited category. Ham radio operators will find a copy of ARRL’s Repeater Directory useful. Repeater info can change, so make sure the directory is not more than three years old. Non-hams should make sure they have a list of emergency and non-emergency numbers on them before they leave home.

Leadership: This may sound strange, but leadership skills are important off road. That is especially true during crisis situations, but routine driving requires good management skills, as well. Pick up a copy of Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice (Bruce Martin and others).

Plant Identification: It can be fun identifying the various plants. I have a copy of An Amateur Botanist’s Identification Manual For the Shrubs and Trees of Southern California Deserts by Jim W. Dole and Betty B. Rose. This book is very specific, but an Internet search will provide you an assortment of field guides for your area.

Some Other Books
Rats. I know I promised only 12 books. Problem is, there are other great books to consider. These include:

- Knots for Climbers by Craig Luebbens

- Wilderness Navigation by Bob Burns and Mike Burns

- Be Expert with Map & Compass: The Complete Orienteering Handbook by Bjorn Kjellstrom

- The Field Guide of Wilderness & Rescue Medicine by Jim Morrissey, WEMT with David Johnson, MD. This is small enough to carry with you.

- Camping & Woodcraft by Horace Kephart. Written in 1917, it may be hard to find. Offers interesting information on how things were done at the turn of the century.

- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey

- Fundamentals of Search & Rescue from the National Association for Search & Rescue

- Ghosts of the Glory Trail by Neill Murbarger. Intimate glimpses into 275 ghost towns in Nevada, California and Utah.

- Having the right resource materials at your fingertips can make your outdoors experience a lot more enjoyable. Commit to building your reference library based upon these suggestions. Along with all the valuable information they offer, you will discover some good summertime (and wintertime) reading.

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Badlands Off-Road Adventure
Off-road trainer Tom Severin shares insight and tips on a variety of topics related to preparing you for that next off-road adventure. With over 40 years of off-road experience, Severin operates under his business Badlands Off-Road Adventures. He is a certified professional 4WD Trainer by the International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). He is a member of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), United Four Wheel Drive Associations and the BlueRibbon Coalition. He also is a certified UFWDA and a CA4WDC 4WD instructor.

For more information about Badlands Off-Road Adventures, visit 4x4training.com.