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Review and Giveaway: A Woman’s Guide to the Wild by Ruby McConnell

April 1, 20163 min read54 comments

Last Updated on January 3, 2019 by mountainswithmegan

WomansGuideWomansGuideWomansGuideRuby McConnell had me by the introduction to her new book, A Woman’s Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook. She writes about feeling like she needed to earn her place as an outdoorsperson and how she often made poor decisions in the wilderness for the approval of her male counterparts. Through years of experience, she found her confidence and learned how to assert herself in her outdoor adventures. Her book is a manifesto for women to go exploring the wild, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

I’m also particularly psyched on it because I make an appearance in the “What to Bring” chapter. Ruby interviewed me for a section on packing for long distance hiking.

What makes A Woman’s Guide to the Wild so great?

  • Ruby makes her book accessible to everyone. There are no assumptions that the reader already has a base of wilderness experience. It is exactly the type of book I needed when I was first getting into backpacking.
  • It is not backpacking exclusive. Anyone from day hikers to car campers to river enthusiasts can find value in it.
  • She includes so many incredible recipes, as well as how to best prepare them in a camping scenario. I’m eager to try the vegan barbecue tempeh wraps.

    Author Ruby McConnell
    Author Ruby McConnell
  • The “Lady Matters” chapter is blunt and informative about topics like peeing and digging catholes, handling your period in the woods, and having sex in your tent.
  • I found the “Navigation” chapter useful because I’m currently getting into learning how to use a map and compass to orienteer myself in the trail-less wilderness. She laid out the information in an easy to understand manner, and she provided some great tips.
  • Did I mention how fabulous the illustrations throughout the book are? She also provides gear checklists that vary according to the activity.
  • The book is packed with interviews from women who are experts on different wilderness topics. I love how she draws on the experiences of others to give readers a complete perspective of what the wild is really like.

Ruby’s book is the perfect addition to any pro-female, adventure-centric book collection.

Appalachian Trail Girl is hosting a giveaway of A Woman’s Guide to the Wild. You can enter the giveaway by writing your email address in the comments section of this post. The giveaway will close on April 15th. It’s only open to US residents.

 

 

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