WTB Tom Sheppard Vehicle Dependent Overland Travel

[MoGas]

Maybe I should rephrase.... The book at 300 dollars is over rated elitist dribble. If it were ~35-50, it would be worth the money and I'd might purchase one.

Don't get me wrong, I have a GPS and TOPO! and many unnecessary items in my vehicle. As far as learning, you buy your new winch or high lift or whatever and go out with some friends and try it out, winching with a high lift can be a very rewarding and educational experience (along with a great workout), go out and orient your self with a compass and map, Sleep in a Bivvy sack under the stars. Try the minimalist ways in a controlled environment so you know you can do without these crutches of technology before you go out with these devices.

 

[Blair G]

Maybe I should rephrase.... The book at 300 dollars is over rated elitist dribble. If it were ~35-50, it would be worth the money and I'd might purchase one.

Don't get me wrong, I have a GPS and TOPO! and many unnecessary items in my vehicle. As far as learning, you buy your new winch or high lift or whatever and go out with some friends and try it out, winching with a high lift can be a very rewarding and educational experience (along with a great workout), go out and orient your self with a compass and map, Sleep in a Bivvy sack under the stars. Try the minimalist ways in a controlled environment so you know you can do without these crutches of technology before you go out with these devices.

If you come across a copy, I think you will find that none of the things that you have mentioned are supported nor recommended. He advocates the use of maps and compass's. Roof top tents add to much weight up top in his opinion and that battery operated fridges are a waste of energy and space. Not to mention if you are in the middle of no where you will have nothing to refill it.
Learning to drive, navigate and live unsupported is what this book is about. I don't think anybody thinks that once you read the book you are ready for the world. You need to get out in it and learn.
Blair

 

[Desertdude]

Dave, Have you owned the book in question? Have you read it cover to cover?

Just curious...

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

qoute-"Maybe I should rephrase.... The book at 300 dollars is over rated elitist dribble. If it were ~35-50, it would be worth the money and I'd might purchase one. "

So it's not the content of the book but its price?
otherwise you would buy it and it will not make you an elitist?
sorry but I fail to understand the logic.
going on your own, learning by doing, especially using a winch as you mentioned, could be a very dangerous proposition and that is the reason why I chimed...

 

[Overland Hadley]

Wow, you guys are really getting worked up about this book.

I wish I could get my hands on a copy, so I could decide for myself what I think about the book.

 

[Harald Hansen]

It is a bit unfair to call the book elitist. It's not aimed at recreational travellers, it is aimed at people who have to put together serious expeditions within budget, on time and safely. It's more about taking a geology team into the outback or some biologist into the jungle, and manage the operation with regards to teamwork, logisitics and some purpose such as building a research base or collecting samples.

I have a paperback copy bought when the second edition was in print, and I tought it was pricy then. My plan now is to sell it in ten years and retire from the profits... :beer:

I think it's a great book, but frankly overkill for my needs. I enjoyed reading it, though...

 

[Scott Brady]

Maybe I should rephrase.... The book at 300 dollars is over rated elitist dribble. If it were ~35-50, it would be worth the money and I'd might purchase one.

But at $35 and $300 it is the same book (retail was $60 originally). The only thing that has changed is supply and demand. It is $300 because they are no longer available new, and not many are interested in parting with it.

The same holds true for that cool 80 series you own. Something of value and quality that people like to hold on to, which leads to an inflated resale price. :camping:

 

[DavidG]

Dave, Have you owned the book in question? Have you read it cover to cover?

Just curious...

Desertdude, is this directed at me? Yes, I owned the book but can't say I read it cover to cover in one sitting. IMO it's not that type of book. It's more textbook-ish, minus any bad connotations that may bring. I jumped around quite a bit, reading and re-reading different sections over the years. The subject matter covered is done so in great depth and detail. This is a dense book. You could use it as a hi-lift base If you can find a copy at a reasonable price I think most folks would enjoy referencing it. As I posted earlier, while I read it periodically I realized that it made financial sense to part with it.

I agree with Harald...

I think it's a great book, but frankly overkill for my needs. I enjoyed reading it, though...

 

[Desertdude]

Sorry DavidG , I was asking MoGas the question...

Originally Posted by Desertdude
Dave, Have you owned the book in question? Have you read it cover to cover?

Just curious...

I would think for one to qualify to call something "over rated elitist dribble" one would have to have read the material to make the proper decision.

 

[Arivalsend]

I agree that time spent out doing is just as essential as researching and reading about others experiences. Although I don't think that any of us who drive our modified 4x4s into the wilds can get out the soapbox about elitist technology pushers. We all benefit from advances in equipment. Advances which would be impossible to make without people to test, break, and refine these goods.
There were also many old salts and cowboy hands who scoffed at people rolling around in the first autos. Anyone rode a horse lately:26_7_2:

There are a myriad of situations were a little research could have saved the lives of those who ventured forth to "tough it out" in a minimalist fashion. I can say from personal experience of living and guiding in the mountains that often our appraisal of what is a "controlled" environment is in fact no such thing. The idea of safe and predictable experiences in nature is just not a reality. Inclement weather, avalanches, break downs, accidents in the wilds; these are all a very possible reality for any of us. To say that nothing can be garnered from the trials and struggles of those who went before us would be a waste of a vast resource. I have found that only with a respect and proper understanding of the areas we travel through or into can we ever be prepared for what we may encouter there.

Or yes we will be there with the night and cold closing in and I know I won't be smiling.

 

[overlander]

When talking to others, I refer to my hardback copy as "the bible" and consider it one of my most prized material posessions. It came with me to Iraq, and came in handy even there for military operational planning. When we upgrade our fireproof box to a larger size, this book will go in the old one.

But that's just me...

 

[Hltoppr]

Maybe I should rephrase.... The book at 300 dollars is over rated elitist dribble.

Geez man...can we still wheel together since I've got two copies? :coffeedrink:

For the amount of information, I think $300.00 is a pretty good price. I still use my 1st edition hardcover almost on a weekly basis. When we were throwing stuff in the truck during a wildfire evac....my VDEG was part of the stuff to take with us....

Don't make me pull "cruiser rank" on you.... :friday:

-H-

 

[Redline]

Wish mine was hardcover.

When talking to others, I refer to my hardback copy as "the bible" and consider it one of my most prized material posessions. It came with me to Iraq, and came in handy even there for military operational planning. When we upgrade our fireproof box to a larger size, this book will go in the old one.

But that's just me...

 

[travel dodge]

alright, are there not cheeper copies of the book I have a soft back sitting on my self that I paid much less for, great info and I think it is complete... yea I would not want to sell for $300 but I love my book collection.

 

[go4aryd]

Enough already! I can't take anymore! NO MORE, "I've got mine" comments!!!!

You guys sure know how to make me cry!!!

(p.s.- if you would like to make me feel better... PM me an steal of an offer for your extra copy).

It is too bad these aren't even available to read. If it is really going out of print for good, maybe there will be a digital on-line copy in the future.