Winter offers a beauty that is at once spare but stunning. Often it's charm eludes us because we don't know where, or more frequently, how to look. Our excursions are usually too brief to grant the appreciation that comes from real familiarity. An afternoon skating or sledding, a day on the ski slopes may whet our appetite, but such relatively brief outings limit our appreciation of this environment. To be sure, it's not an environment that is terribly forgiving of ill preparation or ignorance. Calvin Rutstrum is a wonderful guide, not only offering his vast experience in practical matters, but enhancing our appreciation of the winter environment with his knowledge, his opinions (and has has definite opinions!) and his experiences. This should be in the library of every wilderness traveller who wishes to go on outings in the winter.

Needless to say, no single book is sufficient to turn a greenhorn into an experienced snow camper; but this is an excellent start. The language may at times reflect the times in which it was written, but Rutstrum offers solid experience; the stories alone are worth the read, even for those who don't anticipate ever sleeping in the wilderness in the snow. One caution; reading this book may prompt you to push beyond what you consider to be your comfort zone!

An interesting book to read even if you have no interest in winter camping or travel. Mr Rutstrum traveled most of his life in the Canadian wilderness on snowshoes or by dog sled. He tells many interesting stories about his dealings with the Cree, trappers, and hermits, I am assuming the time frame is the 40's through the 60's. I love to read how people used to live before the days of snowmobiles and plowed roads. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of adventure, it is a true classic.

This book was a very good help in algebra for me. It had great descrition and was clear and easy to understand.

This book is pretty old, early 70's, but it has some good information on snowshoes and snowshoeing. I like to read how the old timers did things, life was simplier back then. The book has an interesting section on how to build your own snowshoes. There is a better book on this subject by Gil Gilpatrick, but it is still good information. I enjoy reading this book, it is a real pleasure.