- Camping in the Old Style, by David Wescott, Gibbs Smith Publishers, 256 pages, $40.
Long before Gore-Tex and fleece were standard outdoor products there was a reliance on natural materials, woodcraft and experience when venturing into the natural world.
Camping was an activity that opened up the outdoors to a generation of urban residents and the period from 1880 to 1930 has become known as the Golden Age of Camping. In those years hundreds of books were written on the topic.
David Wescott found a connection with this era and has devoted much of his life to learning about it and is now considered to be the leader of the traditional revival movement and authority on camping. In this updated version of his 2000 publication, Wescott has added more information for those seeking to capture this old-style approach.
Filled with historical photos and illustrations, Wescott blends the old information with a modern perspective.
There are insightful quotes throughout the book offering vintage advice that still rings true. From the selection of a tent and cooking gear to recipes for bug repellent, he presents the best of traditional outdoor skills.
There are chapters on setting up a long-term camp and others on life on the trail. He discusses all aspects of the daily chores and the joys of making those surroundings comfortable.
Wescott shows how time-honoured traditions are applicable to our modern world, and what style and enhanced skills can provide to the camping experience.
