The Ultimate Desert Handbook : A Manual for Desert Hikers, Campers and Travelers

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is rare to see as much scope and range in ANY survival book as one sees in this. I probably own 30 survival books, but even though this book is tailored specifically for desert survival and hiking, this book could go toe to toe with any survival book anywhere.The information on Navigation is so comprehensive that is literally has pertinent information from numerous other fields. For example, in addition to talking about compass usage, the author also discusses the use of both GPS AND utilizing a sextant. That is very unusual. The author also mentions the use of "highways" in navigation along with "dead reckoning" which is very rarely mentioned in navigation books. He also discusses how to calculate the actual distance of large formations important to the desert traveler that may have concerns about how much available water and the distance to those points. In addition, there is an excellent discussion about how to find water, and the author's own experience using traditional methods of sourcing water such as his negative experiences with solar stills which are routinely recommended by the overwhelming majority of survival books and survival experts.The author also extensively covers numerous means of travel in the desert, such as vehicle, walking, Mountain biking. The only means of transportation not mentioned is motor crossing (motorcycles).The author goes into great detail about venomous creatures and First Aid. Fascinating, and very up to date.All in all, contrary to the title, this book is an outstanding general survival book.And yes, this book does appear to be the "Ultimate Desert Handbook."It is both a joy and a RARE experience to find ANY author as well rounded and well versed as Mark Johnson.In other words, an outstanding work, and an outstanding value for someone interested in traveling both the deserts of the USA, and someone interested in both general and desert survival.

Originally bought this book to learn about edible plants and food within the desert, mostly hoping to get a general survival book focusing on the desert. I didn't quite get what I expected info wise but the book itself teaches you about all the Deserts in the world and does give you useful information about how to survive in the acrid sands of the Desert, even walks your though wildlife such as animals and some plants, doesn't tell you much about whats safe to eat though, I would recommend it as a primer if you've never been within a desert and would like to know what to expect to see and how to travel through a hot environment, you will be needing more books to go along with it though if you plan on going on any month long hikes or are trying to live in a secluded part of the Desert as a survivalist.

I organize a huge hiking group in Las Vegas, and I've been reading up on survival topics just in case things ever go horribly wrong. Not only is this book an excellent read for hardcore adventurers who venture in to the desert alone for weeks at a time, it's also an invaluable resource for anyone who goes in to the desert.The book covers all the basics: finding water, navigating, keeping fed, and acquiring help. In addition, it has little tips that show the author's vast experience and make desert hiking all the more comfortable and enjoyable. One of the more memorable is his recommendation to put reflective tape on one's shoes when hiking by moonlight, thus making your feet easier to see and decreasing the chance of stepping on something prickly or lumpy.If you're a desert rat like me, or if you're going to be traveling through the desert, I highly recommend this book.

I found Mark Johnon's book both interesting and highly informative. He thoroughly covers all the areas you would expect in a book on desert survival (shelter, water, navigation, plants & animals, first aid, etc.) then adds useful information on desert transportation and photography. He manages to cover all these topics in sufficient depth without droning on forever and boring you.The author's warnings regarding suspicious people and unexploded ordinance are sound and valuable advice. I was surprised to see that one reviewer considered this hysterics. I grew up in the South and remember reading a newspaper account of someone injured by an old shell from guns silent since 1865. I suspect unexploded bombs from WWII could be at least as dangerous. The same reviewer also appeared to think map care and being properly equipped were unnecessary as well, so I guess we'll just have to disagree.

I looked at all the reviews before purchasing book, and then reread the negative ones many months after finishing the book, when I went back to reread a section. I think this book is overrated and "dryer than dust" to read. It is basically a chore to read, and this topic should be fascinating. The pictures of flora and fauna are in black-and-white and therefore of limited utility. I know this was done to keep the cost down, but the full color photos on the back cover of flora and fauna are therefore entirely misleading. For the most part, the negative reviews do point to legitimate shortcomings of the book. There is one chapter that I think is valuable, and it is Chapter 9 "Navigation", pp. 96-153. He has a good discussion of the different kinds of compasses and their strengths and weaknesses, and a good discussion of topo maps, compass use and desert navigation in general. I actually think his discussion of map and compass is superior to that found in several paperback books listed on Amazon devoted exclusively to those topics.

I've been hiking, mountaineering and exploring for over 30 years. When I moved to the Gulf I wanted a book to keep me alive in the desert. This book has proven invaluable and is packed with useful information written in an accessible style. Highly recommended.