The New Way of the Wilderness: The Classic Guide to Survival in the Wild

by Calvin Rutstrum

The complete resource on backcountry camping from a legendary wilderness expert.

In this classic guide, first published in the late 1950s, Rutstrum covers the key elements of a successful camping trip: the proper way to build a raft, chop down a tree, construct a campsite, cook over a campfire, find a way through the woods, and much more. Drawing upon his vast experience in all kinds of weather, Rutstrum provides essential knowledge for every camper, in a lightweight volume perfect for the backpack.

"A clear and comprehensive book by one who obviously is a master of do-it-yourself procedures.... This text is designed for both novices and experienced travelers in the true wilderness, although it touches on life in less rigorous reaches." —Kirkus

"A rich mine of information on camping, traveling, and surviving in wilderness areas. Primarily a personal reference book, but also a volume that many persons who enjoy outdoor recreation, as well as 'armchair outdoorsmen' can read from cover to cover. The sections on food, on living in frigid wilderness areas, and on direction finding contain materials not readily found elsewhere. Also included are valuable checklists of equipment and supplies to take on wilderness expeditions." —Library Journal

Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Book Series.

Genres: Outdoors, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Calvin Rutstrum (1895-1982) was one of the best-known outdoorsmen of his generation and the author of many books, including The Wilderness Route Finder, Paradise Below Zero, Once Upon a Wilderness, The New Way of the Wilderness, and North American Canoe Country, all published by the University of Minnesota Press.

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before Gore-tex, before Royalex, before Cliff Jacobson, there was Rutstrum and his writings of living in the wilderness.

Worth while only to hear his voice. Most info is rather dated and pretty sketchy. He still advocates cutting green wood to make tent posts or implements, sleeping on pine boughs, and using DDT. But he earned the right to write.

[Mikey]

More of a reference than a reader. Also about 40 years out of date, evidenced by him recommending DDT as your best insect repellent, to be applied directly to yourself.