Although there can be overlap between the types, in our opinion, the knowledge that you need for the outback is contained in three categories of books:
 
            1) Visual and skill reference books
            2) Mindset and attitude books
            3) Pure reference books
 
We have a couple of each type. Based on our experience the “go to” books that we keep with our gear so that we can easily find and reference them are:
 
1) The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure by DK Publishing and Colin Towell
 
2) Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive by Les Stroud
 
3) SAS Survival Guide 2E (Collins Gem): For any climate, for any situation by John "Lofty" Wiseman
 
4) Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury
 
5) Pocket Ref 4th Edition – by Thomas Glover
 
You can read a little about each book and why we like it on the Camping/Maps and Books page.

So that’s our short list of great outdoor reference books. What books do you find critical to your activities? What books do you love? What books disappointed you? Let us know.

Finally got around to buying a MagLULA magazine loader for our CZ Scorpion to go with all our other MagLULA loaders. Like our other loaders this loader/unloader is simple to use in either mode and eliminates thumb pain, injury, and wear on the feed lips.
 
You can find the details about the CZ Scorpion loader on the Shooting/Loaders page.

​Although we normally carry our hatchet (a small Schrade Hand Axe) when we camp, sometimes you need more power than a hatchet can deliver. Because of this, after looking at the many types and styles of axes on the market we purchased the Council Tool Wood-Craft Pack Axe with 24″ curved handle.
 
You can find the details about the Woodcraft Pack Axe on the Camping/Tools page.