Canyoneering: How to Explore the Canyons of the Great Southwest

There are some great reviews of this book at Amazon. I love canyoneering. The book wasn't expensive through third parties (probably a sign of the poor quality). I decided to get it. It was a mistake. I don't understand why there are any good reviews of it.

With regard to the "how to" part of canyoneering it is a complete waste of time - poor or little information. For example, the author likes to use iodine tablets for water purification and promotes them over a purifier. However, Chlorine Dioxide (e.g., Aquamira) is more effective, leaves no taste, and is also lightweight - it isn't mentioned as a far superior alternative. Polyester isn't mentioned for clothing but polypropylene is. The book was published in 1999. These are just two of numerous such examples. Maybe the author hiked these canyons when he was a kid. This doesn't belong in a 1999 book.

With regard to the history, geology, etc. It is just all over the place with serial lists of factoids arrange without organization. As an example, the page on the geology of Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon has four paragraphs. The first doesn't mention either canyon. The second mentions Paria along with various other canyons as having a "dark side" in the second to last sentence (nothing to do with geology, just that they are prone to flash flooding). The third short paragraph is about slot canyons generally and doesn't mention either canyon. The fourth finally has something on Paria and Buckskin geology - the geological formations found in the area - so impressive.

I could go on, but this book isn't worth more effort.Buy Canyoneering: How to Explore the Canyons of the Great Southwest!