1KG of Knowledge

A small collection of books that follow me on camp

The Pouch

Often when Im out camping for a day or two I'll have my usual army-Bergen and in this comes what I call my '1KG of Knowledge', a kilogram well worth its weight in my mind. Its not that I have aimed to get this small collection to the weight 1KG or anything, it just ended up that weight by chance! I think its a well worth-while pouch; such a resourceful wealth of knowledge, its 1KG that I don't mind lugging about for how useful it is. I thought I would share its contents with you.

Here's my book pouch:

As you can see the pouch is relatively small.

And here's the contents:

This all fits within the pouch and weighs in at 1KG. As you may have noticed the entire collection is made by Collins Gem this again was not a conscious effort to only by this type, it just so happened they produce some superb books and it was my choice off the shelf. The wealth of knowledge contained within this small collection is amazing, a small wilderness-library in my sack. The SAS Survival guide is small print and fits a lot in, plenty of different skills and situations.

Trees - Collins Gem

Synopsis
The best-selling, unrivalled beginner's guide to identifying the most common species of tree in northern Europe. This is the perfect pocket guide for anyone who wants to identify those deciduous or evergreen species they may come across on hill or in dale, in the town or in the countryside. For each tree included in the book, there is a wealth of both textual and visual identification information. Remarkably detailed illustrations show not only the overall shape of the tree but also details of leaf shape, flowers, fruits and bark. There's also information on the origin of each species, its height, preferred habitat and growing conditions. Illustrations of cones, catkins, nuts and fruits allow you to distinguish between similar species at a glance. The introduction covers the life cycle of trees, the establishment of woodland, people's relationship with forests and how to go about identifying trees, plus the all-important question -- what exactly is a tree?

This book is available on the right.

Birds
Collins Gem

Synopsis
The only comprehensive, full-colour, pocket-sized guide to significant British and Northern European birds. This completely new edition of the best pocket-sized bird guide around uses both photography and original artwork to provide a practical and attractive identification guide. Collins Gem Birds has easy-to-use identification details linked to full-colour illustrations for over 200 European species, covering all those that most birdwatchers could expect to see in a lifetime. Each bird entry includes notes on appearance, colour and distinctive features, and information on juveniles, range and habitat, nests, call and breeding sites. In addition, an introduction covers general information on plumage, habitats and migration, and gives first-time birdwatchers advice on what equipment to buy and where to go to spot the most desirable species.

This book is available on the right.

Mushrooms
Collins Gem

Synopsis
This handy, practical guide offers a quick way for beginners to identify mushrooms and toadstools Collins Gem Mushrooms describes almost 240 species of mushrooms and toadstools to be commonly found in Britain. Portable and clear, it is the ideal guide for those out foraging for fungi! Each mushroom or toadstool entry includes: * A photograph, illustration and clear description of its appearance * Details of size, habitat and when it can be found * Whether it is edible or poisonous * The names of similar species with which the mushrooms or toadstools could be confused, and details of the differences between them.

This book is available on the right.

Food for Free
Collins Gem

Synopsis
Fans of Food for Free will be delighted at this new format -- ideal for carrying in a rucksack. Over 100 edible plants are featured together with recipes and other interesting culinary information. With details on how to pick, when to pick and regulations on picking. This new format of a best-selling title provides a portable guide for all those who enjoy what the countryside has to offer. Over 100 plants are listed, fully illustrated and described, together with recipes and other fascinating information about their use throughout the ages. The recipes are listed so that you can plan your foray with a feast in mind. This is the ideal book for both nature-lovers and cooks. Particularly with today's emphasis on the freshest and most natural of foods. There is also practical advice on how to pick plus the countryside laws and regulations on picking wild plants.

This book is available on the right.

This is essentially a newer, larger, better version, which is also on my bookshelf:

Wild Flowers
Collins Gem

Synopsis
The only comprehensive, pocket-sized guide to wild flowers of Britain and Ireland. This completely new edition combines both photographs and artwork to give a really practical and attractive identification guide. Collins Gem Wild Flowers will enable anyone who is in the countryside, whether on a walk along the coast or in the mountains, or a ramble through woodland, fields or wetlands, to identify hundreds of flower species. Each wild flower entry includes:; Identifying illustrations and description of appearance and colour; Size, type of habitat, geographical range and flowering season; Herbal medicinal uses In addition, the introduction has sections on the parts of the flower, stem, leaf and fruit, and information on the common and scientific names of wild flowers.

This book is available on the right.

SAS Survival Guide
Collins Gem